Acupressure Points to Induce Labor: Safe & Natural Relief
You're waking up often at night, your belly is growing by the day, and even your belly button is starting to pop out. You've officially entered the “I’m so ready to meet this baby” stage.
If you’re in Brooklyn or NYC and searching for natural ways to kickstart labor, welcome you’re not alone, and and you’ve come to the right place.
Here at Open Care Community, we believe in gentle, holistic options that support your body and your choices. Whether you’re hoping to avoid medical induction or simply want to feel more in control of your labor experience, acupressure may offer the natural support you’ve been looking for.
Acupressure Points to Induce Labor: What You Need to Know
Let’s break it down
no stress, no jargon, just real talk about a centuries-old practice. As your due date approaches, it's natural to feel a mix of anticipation, excitement, and even a little impatience. If you’re in Brooklyn or anywhere in NYC and wondering, Wondering if there’s a natural way to help your body prepare for labor? You’re not alone. If you’re considering gentle, holistic methods to support the process, acupressure might be exactly what you need.
At Open Care Community, we’re committed to supporting those who seek natural and integrative paths to reproductive wellness. This blog will guide you through the essentials of acupressure, the key points used to stimulate labor, safety tips, and what to expect when incorporating this traditional practice into your birth experience
What Exactly Is Acupressure?
Think of acupressure as ancient wisdom meets DIY wellness. Acupressure is an ancient healing art that originated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It works on the same principles as acupuncture, using specific points on the body called acupoints to encourage the flow of vital energy.
Unlike acupuncture, which uses thin needles, acupressure involves gentle but firm pressure with the fingers, thumbs, or tools. Think of it as a healing touch technique that you or a loved one can perform safely at home (once you’ve consulted with your healthcare provider)
When it comes to labor, these points are thought to:
* Encourage contractions
* Help soften the cervix
* Ease anxiety
* Even help the baby get into position
Best part? It involves zero needles. That’s what separates it from acupuncture
But Is It Safe?
Short answer: Usually, yes if you’re full-term (after 37 weeks) and low-risk.
But don’t skip this part: always check with your doctor, midwife, or licensed practitioner before trying anything new. Your body is doing incredible things right now support it safely.
People often confuse these two terms, so let’s clear it up:
Acupuncture
Uses sterile, thin needles
Requires a licensed acupuncturist
Involves puncturing the skin at acupoints
Often more clinical and precise
Acupressure
Manual stimulation using fingers or hands
Can be self-administered with guidance
No insertion of tools or needles
Accessible and low-cost
At Open Care Community, we combine both approaches depending on your needs. Many of our patients enjoy community acupuncture sessions followed by at-home acupressure guidance for continued support between appointments.
Top 6 Acupressure Points to Induce Labor (With Instructions!)
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most commonly used acupressure points believed to support labor.
1.Spleen 6 (SP6)
Location: About four finger-widths above your inner ankle bone, on the inside of your leg.
What It Does: Believed to help stimulate uterine contractions, balance hormones, and ripen the cervix.
How to Apply: Use your thumb to press into this point firmly for 1–2 minutes. Repeat on the other leg.
Caution: Avoid this point before 37 weeks—it’s powerful!
2. Large Intestine 4
Location: In the fleshy web between your thumb and index finger.
What It Does: Thought to trigger uterine activity and relieve pain during contractions.
How to Apply: Press the point firmly with your opposite thumb for about 1 minute, then switch hands.
Caution: This point is also linked to uterine stimulation, so don’t use it before term.
3. Bladder 32 (BL32)
Location: In the small dimples just above the buttocks, on either side of the sacrum.
What It Does: Associated with relieving lower back pain and encouraging baby’s descent.
How to Apply: Use your thumbs to apply steady circular pressure for 1–2 minutes.
Bonus: This one feels great when your partner helps out!
4. Gallbladder 21
Location: Halfway between the base of your neck and the tip of your shoulder.
What It Does: Believed to encourage downward energy flow and trigger labor.
How to Apply: Press downward with your fingertips for about 1 minute .
Caution: GB21 is intense. Use with care and only in consultation with your provider, especially if you're high-risk.
5. Bladder 60
Location: In the groove between your ankle bone and the Achilles tendon.
What It Does: Believed to stimulate labor and relieve pain like an energy release valve.
How to Apply: Press firmly with your thumb for 1–2 minutes. You can do this lying down or seated.
6. Kidney 1 (K1)
Location: On the sole, in the indentation created when you point your toes downward.
What It Does: Grounding and calming this point helps reduce anxiety and fear before labor.
How to Apply: Use your thumb to gently massage the area for about 1 minute on each foot.
When and How Often to Use Acupressure
Here are a few general guidelines:
Start after 37 weeks (unless your provider gives the green light earlier)
Do 1–3 times a day
Hold each point for 1–2 minutes
Don’t overdo it, this is support, not a push-button
Hydrate it helps energy flow)
Listen to your body always
What Does the Research Say?
While acupressure has been used for centuries, modern science is still catching up.
Here’s what some recent studies have found:
Research in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research suggested that LI4 stimulation may reduce labor pain intensity.
A Cochrane review noted that while evidence is promising, more rigorous trials are needed.
What We Offer at Open Care Community (Brooklyn & NYC)
At Open Care Community, our goal is to provide holistic, judgment-free care during every stage of your pregnancy. Whether you’re 38 weeks and nesting hard or preparing for a natural birth center experience, we’re here for you.
How Open Care Community Can Help
Community Acupuncture: Affordable, relaxing sessions in a calm group setting
Private Acupuncture: One-on-one care tailored to your unique needs
Herbal Consultations: Natural support for energy, sleep, anxiety, and birth prep
Acupressure Guidance: Personalized instructions to help you or your partner apply labor points at home
Postpartum Care: Support doesn’t stop after delivery we’re here through recovery
We’re not here to tell you what your birth should look like. We’re here to support your choices, answer your late-night DMs, and cheer you on every step of the way.
Real Talk Before You Try It
Acupressure isn’t about forcing your body to do something it’s not ready for. It’s about supporting your body’s natural rhythm. You’re not broken. You’re not behind. Your baby will come when they’re ready and when they do, you’ll be more prepared, more grounded, and more empowered.
So whether you’re looking for natural induction options or just a little more calm as your big day approaches, give acupressure a try with guidance, intention, and care.
Have questions or want to book a session? Open Care Community is here to help you every step of the way.
Ready to Try Acupressure With Support?
Book an appointment, slide into our DMs, or drop by. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Come See Us in Brooklyn
Phone no. (917)426-1138
Your labor story is yours let us support you in writing it beautifully.
