Acupressure Points That Pregnant Women Should Avoid

Pregnant women need to feel relaxed at all times during the course of their pregnancy. The weight gain and pain pregnant women go through can cause a lot of stress, which, in turn, can be a critical factor in provoking contractions prior to the due date or leading to miscarriage.

Massage therapies such, as acupressure massage, stimulate muscles and pressure points throughout the body to help pregnant woman feel relaxed and free from muscle pain.  There are, however, certain pressure points in the body that pregnant women are not advised to stimulate.  In fact, these pressure points can actually lead to early contractions, so they need to be avoided.

One of the pressure points that pregnant women must avoid is found in the ankles. The medial malleolus, also known as the Sanyinjioa or SP6, is a spot located three fingers’ width above the ankle bone. If the medial malleolus is manipulated during pregnancy, it can lead to contractions, which is not safe for the fetus.

However, there also exists a safe pressure point in the ankle called the Zhubin or K9. This is located above the medial malleolus and helps to lower the woman’s blood pressure, which causes her to feel more relaxed, yet energized.

There are additional pressure points in the body that should also be avoided.  The Hegu, also known as the Union Valley or L14, is the fleshy area of the hand located between the thumb and forefinger. If this area is massaged during pregnancy, it can cause uterine contractions. The same is true for certain parts of the wrist and pressure points on the lower back and lower abdomen.  The Mind’s Door, however, which is located close to a point in the crease of the wrist, is safe for massage because it helps alleviate morning sickness.

Manhattan Physical Therapy helps pregnant women safely achieve the benefits of proper acupressure massage. Chiropractor Manhattan ensures that only the appropriate pressure points are manipulated during therapy to avoid compromising the vulnerable condition of pregnant women.

-Dr Sid
Esprit Wellness (Find us on Facebook)