Points to Avoid

Acupuncture’s recorded use in obstetrics has been documented in China since the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and most certainly before then.  It provides a safe, drug-free solution to many of the uncomfortable physical sensations that arise throughout pregnancy and childbirth.  Treatment includes standard acupuncture prescriptions for morning sickness, sciatica and the induction of labour, as well as ear acupuncture for pain relief, and moxibustion for breech presentation.  This piece is the first in a series that looks at acupuncture’s use during pregnancy and childbirth.  

For many expectant mothers the first question off their lips is, “Is it safe?”  In a word, “Yes”.  Acupuncture has been shown to be an extremely safe treatment protocol during pregnancy.  This is born out by both practitioners and clinical studies.  Specific care should however be taken in the use of certain contraindicated points and point combinations (acupuncture points are physical locations on the body where acupuncture needles are inserted; they are identified in the West using a letter and number system).  Practitioners also need to be aware of the underlying anatomy of the torso and how the growing uterus might prohibit certain point selection in the later weeks of pregnancy.

For acupuncturists the main points to be avoided are: BL-31, BL-32, BL-60, BL-67, GB-21, LI-4, and SP-6.  The main reason for this is that they are often used in a delayed or difficult labour to stimulate induction.  Some will however be chosen in the final weeks of pregnancy to stimulate downward movement of the baby and to relax and soften the ligaments prior to labour.

For many clients, a pleasant side effect of treatment is the feeling of regained control and calm that it gives them over a body that otherwise seems to have gone slightly out of control.  For some women this is added motivation for their weekly acupuncture session.