ACUPUNCTURE & LABOUR

Does Acupuncture Help if Used for Labour?

Last year I went to a course on Acupuncture in Labour and Childbirth and came across some interesting research. There is much evidence now that acupuncture and acupressure can help with pain relief.

A Cochrane review published in 2011 looking at 13 trials and 1986 women concluded this:

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There is much evidence now that acupuncture reduces the pain intensity compared with no treatment.

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Acupuncture patients use less medication for pain relief

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Acupuncture produces greater patient satisfaction when compared to sham (pretend) acupuncture

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Acupuncture further reduces anxiety levels and increases relaxation.

There are acupuncture points that can induce uterine activity and acupuncture points could be used alongside artificial rupture of membranes.

Maybe you know somebody who is pregnant and worried about labour or childbirth or conversely is trying to conceive? Why let them know that acupuncture is a tried and tested method and could well be extremely beneficial.