Maternity acupressure techniques date back to ancient times, when reflexology for pregnancy consisted of Chinese methods. There were certain massage techniques marked as forbidden during pregnancy, because these pressure points proved to induce labor. Later on, people realized these acupressure pregnancy points could be used during the initial stages of childbirth for exactly that purpose – to help bring about labor naturally, safely, and easily. They also quickly learned that acupressure during labor could ease the painful symptoms associated with childbirth, relax the mother by reducing stress levels, and even help ease the baby downward by helping it descend into the birth canal.
Pregnant massage offers many benefits to women who are suffering from the back aches and pains associated with having to carry a child for nine months. But pregnancy reflexology goes one step further, using specific pressure points within the body to trigger certain releases that are associated with the very beginning stages of childbirth. Using acupressure to induce labor allows you to begin the process of labor from within the comfort of your home, triggering dilation of the cervix and starting the mild contractions that will lead up to having the baby. Because you begin this process early, you get to fully and safely control the initial stages of childbirth. By the time you get to the hospital, your actual time in labor will be enormously reduced – this is because the reflexology and pregnancy has already advanced your body through the beginning of the birthing process.
Continued massage during labor has even more benefits. In learning how to do maternity acupressure, you are taught the pressure points that relieve pain associated with giving birth. You also learn the pregnancy massage therapy techniques needed to reduce and eliminate stress, relaxing mom and promoting dilation of the cervix. There are pregnancy reflexology pressure points that will help blood flow, and increase oxygen levels for both mother and baby during the delivery process. The combination of these acupressure pregnancy techniques result in a shorter, safer birth for your baby, offering greatly decreased chances for a cesarean section, episomity, or other type of unwanted medical procedures outside of an easy, natural birth.
Maternity acupressure techniques can be learned by anyone, regardless of experience. The reflexology points are easily accessible and they only need a gentle pressure with the thumb in order to activate them. Your partner can learn them quickly and easily, and you can begin enjoying the pain-relieving benefits of this type of massage during pregnancy right away. And acupressure during labor isn’t the only way to enjoy the benefits of these reflexology methods. The massage during labor techniques you learn can also be used post-delivery, to help mom relax and enjoy reduced stress during the months and years afterward, while enjoying your baby.
Getting pregnant doesn’t mean you have to give up your style. There are a ton of maternity designer brands out there whose clothing lines are especially made to help you keep your fashion sense despite the belly. Look into the following top 10 maternity brands to find everything from underwear to evening dresses and jeans that fit your figure and make you look great.
James Jeans
James Jeans manufactures top quality dry aged denim jeans, and with its new maternity collection, pregnant women can still wear denim and look good doing it.
Nearly Nude
When you’re pregnant or nursing, you need bras with extra support, but these are often not very flattering. Nearly Nude makes strapless maternity bras designed to give you a firm shape and extra support while letting you wear the strapless dress designs you always liked.
J Brand
A top designer of women’s jeans, J Brand only does women’s jeans, which means that, in terms of quality, fit and finish, few jean-makers match up. Their new maternity collection includes classic jean designs, bell-bottoms and skinny jeans.
Juicy Couture
Juicy Couture is a very popular brand of casual wear. Their maternity collection gives expecting moms the most comfortable and stylish sweaters, shirts, tank tops and jeans.
Liz Lange
Liz Lange was instrumental in changing the way the fashion industry looked at maternity wear. Her clothes aimed at making pregnant women feel sexy and fun again. Look in her collection for top quality, luxurious fabric dresses for every occasion.
Maternal America
A relatively new maternity design company, Maternal America has a wide variety of colorful and elegant dresses that go with the season. Check out their current summer dresses collection available now.
Susana Monaco
She is not a maternity clothes designer. However, the thick stretchy material she uses for her designs makes her clothes perfect for pregnant women, as they still fit even while your body grows and changes shape.
Samson Martin Maternity
Well known for its playful maternity-themed graphic tees and tops. Look for casual wear and comfortable indoor wear.
Olian
Olian has a great range of styles available that are specifically made for pregnant women. If you are looking, especially, for new business pants, Olian is the place to go.
Belabumbum
This designer specializes in lingerie and swimwear. Many of Belabumbum’s designs are worn and endorsed by different pregnant celebrities. The company’s goal is to help pregnant women feel sexy again.
The next time you need to buy designer maternity clothes for yourself, check out some great clothes at http://sierramaternity.com.
What exactly is acupressure?
Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 6,000 years ago that deals with the human body and the flow of natural energy within the body. Acupressure treats the body as an energy system and works to relieve a persons individual symptoms by releasing blocked energy centres in the body. These centres are called acupoints and are found on energy pathways called meridians.
Acupressure is somewhat similar to acupuncture, only it uses fingers and thumbs to stimulate specific points instead of needles. Acupressure is actually considered to be the mother of acupuncture, as it was used long before needles came into the equation.
Acupressure is usually applied by hand, but can also be applied by elbow or by various hand-held devices. By using deep but gentle finger pressure on specific acupoints the blocked energy starts to release, allowing the body and mind to relax.
Acupressure is known to help in a number of positive ways – by reducing stress and tension, increasing blood circulation, aiding in the removal of toxic wastes, providing relief from head, neck and shoulder aches, increasing energy levels, stimulating speedy healing of injuries, increasing general well-being and last but not least – helping pregnant women to have a normal and safe birthing experience.
The latter is also called maternity acupressure or labor acupressure.
How can maternity or labor acupressure help pregnant women?
Maternity or labor acupressure is a holistic method that can have a remarkably beneficial effect in preparing the mother and the baby for the birth. It helps to induce labor naturally and is very effective in giving relief from labor pains without drugs and medications. During childbirth, it can be used to strengthen contractions, help the cervix to dilate and help to relax and stay calm.
A large number of pregnant women are using labor acupressure technique to induce labor naturally, if the pregnancy is overdue. Using acupressure to induce labor is as simple as locating sensitive spots on your skin and stimulating them by pressing the points with your thumb. Labor acupressure uses only application of pressure on specific spots on the skin, so it can be safely used at home with basic instructions. Labor acupressure is a very simple hands-on technique and extremely safe to use.
Studies show that over 80% of pregnant mothers using acupressure to induce labor naturally experience a normal and natural childbirth with significantly less complications than others who are not familiar with this technique. The use of labor acupressure also significantly shorten the total labor time. Women who have used acupressure during pregnancy and childbirth have been incredibly satisfied with the results of this method.