Acupressure to Reduce Physical Discomfort and Anxiety in Pregnant Women
Keywords:
Acupressure, Pregnant women, Physical discomforts, AnxietyAbstract
Acupressure is an alternative science in the category of healing powers. It is a natural method to reduce physical discomfort and anxiety in pregnant women. Using fingers or devices to press at energy points along the meridians enhances the flow of vital energy throughout the body, thereby efficiently promoting the functional nourishment of related organs. This article aims to present acupressure methods to treat nausea, vomiting, insomnia, back pain, and anxiety. The pressure point used to reduce nausea and vomiting is Neiguan (PC6). The pressure points to reduce insomnia are Shenmen (HT7), Fengchi (GB20), Jianjing (GB21), Hergu (LI4), and Sanyinjiao (SP6); to reduce back pain are Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Ci-Liao (BL32); and to reduce anxiety are Neiguan (PC6), Shenmen (HT7), Hergu (LI4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Ci-Liao (BL32). Apply moderate pressure or 3-5 kilograms of weight at that point, press each point for 15-30 seconds, and then release, for 3-5 minutes. If each point contains two sides, start with one side first and then the other side. Avoid using acupressure with pregnant women who are at risk of premature labor.
Acupressure is a natural method because it does not intrude on the pregnant woman's body. It is also convenient, economical, easy to do, and uncomplicated. Pregnant women themselves can press some points or ask relatives for help. Therefore, acupressure is very useful in reducing physical discomforts and anxiety, allowing pregnant women to have a better quality of life.
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