Acupressure and acupuncture, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involve stimulating specific body points for healing and pain relief. While these therapies can manage common pregnancy discomforts, the unique physiological state of pregnancy requires careful attention to safety. Certain pressure points are traditionally contraindicated because their stimulation can strongly affect the body’s energy flow and internal organs. Expectant mothers should know which points to avoid to ensure the well-being of themselves and their developing baby.
Essential Pressure Points to Avoid
Five points are universally recognized in prenatal care as having the potential to cause strong uterine activity and must be avoided throughout the entire pregnancy. Licensed practitioners specifically use these points in the final stages of pregnancy for labor preparation or induction, confirming their potency. Self-stimulation of these points carries a risk of unwanted uterine contractions.
Spleen 6 (SP6), also known as Sanyinjiao, is located on the inner side of the lower leg, four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, just behind the shinbone. This point is a powerful intersection of three major energy channels and strongly influences the reproductive and lower abdominal regions. Large Intestine 4 (LI4), or Hegu, is found on the back of the hand in the webbing between the thumb and the index finger. It is located at the highest point of the muscle when the two digits are brought together. LI4 is known for its ability to strongly move energy, or Qi, throughout the body, including the pelvic area.
Gallbladder 21 (GB21), or Jianjing, is situated on the top of the shoulder, midway between the base of the neck and the tip of the shoulder joint, in the trapezius muscle. While often used for neck and shoulder tension, it is avoided during pregnancy due to its descending action on the body’s energy. Bladder 60 (BL60), or Kunlun, is located on the outer ankle, in the hollow depression between the ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. This point, along with others near the ankles, is traditionally linked to promoting labor.
Bladder 67 (BL67), or Zhiyin, is found on the outer side of the small toe, near the corner of the toenail. This point is famous for its use in turning a breech baby, highlighting its significant effect on uterine dynamics. Conception Vessel 3 (CV3) and points in the sacral region (BL27–BL34) must also be avoided. These points are located directly over the lower abdomen and pelvis, making them too close to the uterus for safe self-treatment.
Why These Points Pose a Risk
The primary risk associated with stimulating these points is the potential to induce premature uterine contractions, which can lead to preterm labor or miscarriage. This mechanism is explained through both traditional and modern scientific perspectives. In TCM, these specific points are known for their ability to strongly “move Qi and Blood” or possess a “descending action” on the body’s energy.
The traditional view holds that stimulating these potent points directs energy downward and inward, inadvertently stimulating the uterus. Modern physiological studies suggest that stimulating certain acupressure points, particularly LI4 and SP6, affects the body’s neuroendocrine system. Specifically, stimulation has been shown to encourage the secretion of oxytocin from the pituitary gland.
Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for stimulating uterine contractions and is used medically to induce labor. By stimulating a strong release of this hormone before the body is ready, these points can initiate labor prematurely. Furthermore, some points may exert influence through somatovisceral reflexes. In this process, nerves stimulated on the body’s surface have a direct, reflexive connection to an internal organ like the uterus.
Safe Acupressure for Pregnancy Relief
Many other acupressure points offer safe relief for common pregnancy discomforts without posing a risk to the developing baby. One of the most well-known and widely studied safe points is Pericardium 6 (PC6), also called Neiguan or Inner Gate. PC6 is commonly used to combat nausea and vomiting.
This point is located on the inner forearm, three finger-widths up from the wrist crease, directly between the two prominent tendons. Applying gentle, steady pressure or wearing an acupressure wristband can help modulate the signals that trigger the vomiting reflex.
Kidney 1 (KI1), or Yongquan, can be safely used for swelling and promoting relaxation. This point is located on the sole of the foot, in the depression roughly one-third of the way down from the base of the toes. KI1 is traditionally used to draw excess energy downward. This action can help relieve the feeling of heat and heaviness in the head and reduce mild lower-extremity swelling (edema).
For back pain, which is common in later pregnancy, gentle massage and pressure along the sides of the spine can be soothing. It is important to avoid the sacral points mentioned previously. Kidney 9 (K9), located on the inner leg five finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, is cited as a safe point for anxiety and blood pressure regulation. Safe self-care involves using light, circular pressure on these approved points for one to two minutes at a time, several times a day.
Ensuring Safety and Professional Consultation
The safest approach to using acupressure during pregnancy is to limit self-treatment to the gentle application of universally recognized safe points like PC6. For any deeper or more therapeutic application, it is necessary to consult a licensed acupuncturist who specializes in prenatal care. These practitioners have extensive training and experience in adjusting techniques and avoiding contraindicated points based on the stage of pregnancy and the individual’s health profile.
Before beginning any form of complementary therapy, clear communication with your primary prenatal care provider, such as your obstetrician or midwife, is necessary. This ensures that any new treatment is integrated safely into your overall care plan and that any underlying medical conditions are considered. Although scientific evidence does not show a strong link between stimulating the forbidden points and causing harm, the traditional caution remains a standard of care that should be respected for maximum safety.