Induction
Acupuncture is used to encourage labour to start. Women often look to acupuncture for help when they are post dates or when their water has broken and contractions have not kicked in yet.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, the onset on labour is an example of “Yin transforming to Yang”. After 9 months of maintaining the job of keeping the fetus safe and enclosed, the uterus suddenly begins to contract. The key terms become “opening” and “down”. Acupuncture points are chosen to support the downward and opening movement of energy. Some of the points used are from the classical “do not use in pregnancy” list – specifically because these points have downward and opening functions. Other points are chosen in relation to the specific needs of the woman at the time and with consideration to her constitution.
Induction treatments last 20-30 minutes and are very comfortable for the woman. Women often sleep while the needles are in, or at least relax deeply.
Treatment also allows the woman to discuss her situation and receive support in accepting and feeling comfortable with her current situation, and better understanding her options.
For details about a study on the effectiveness of Acupunucture for labour induction see:
http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab002962.html
Smith CA, Crowther CA. Acupuncture for induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD002962. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002962.pub2.
This video offers a short and clear representation of the opening and downward motions in labour and birth.
