Many people wonder just how acupressure can really be of benfit in indcuing labor. Acupressure has been around for nearly 5000 years and perhaps the simplest explanations of just how it works is that pressure is applied to specific nerve or "acupoints" on the body, thereby setting in motion your body's natural processes. This method probably is most popular for women who prefer a natural alternative to inducing labor. Maternity acupressure has none of the side effects of drugs and poses no risk to the unborn baby.

In more technical terms, acupressure works by stimulating points on what are called the "chi meridians" that are located just under the skin. These pressure points are very easy to manipulate with your hands. Some people may confuse acupressure with it's younger cousin, acupuncture — but in acupressure there's no need for needles! Instead the birthing partner or doula uses their thumbs, fingers, and elbows. Using acupressure in this way, tension and stress are reduced and circulation is improved, as well as a host of other marvelous benefits.