Acupressure for Labor: Points to Support Labor and Ease Pain
In traditional Chinese medicine, a small set of points is used during labor to support the body's progress and help manage discomfort. This guide covers those points and how they are traditionally applied. It is written for use during late pregnancy at term, during active labor, or with your midwife or obstetrician's knowledge — not as a do-it-yourself method to start labor early.
Important safety note: The points below (LI4, SP6, BL60, GV20, GB21) are the same points listed as points to avoid during pregnancy, because they are traditionally used to encourage uterine activity. Do not use them during pregnancy before term. Only use them at term or during active labor, and only with your provider's awareness.
Which Acupressure Points Support Labor?
The points below are the ones most commonly used for this goal. Each links to a full guide with location, technique, and safety notes.
1. LI4 (Hegu) - Joining Valley
LI4 is the most commonly used point during labor. In TCM practice it is used to move energy downward and is a standard point for pain and urging progression.
How to Use LI4
Location: In the webbing between the thumb and index finger. LI4 guide.
Technique: Have a partner apply steady pressure to the webbing during a contraction, holding for the length of the surge. Avoid entirely before term.
Which Acupressure Points Support Labor?
The points below are the ones most commonly used for this goal. Each links to a full guide with location, technique, and safety notes.
2. SP6 (Sanyinjiao) - Three Yin Intersection
SP6 is traditionally used to strengthen and regulate the lower pelvis and is one of the key points in labor support routines.
Location: On the inside of the lower leg, about four finger-widths above the inner ankle bone. SP6 guide.
Technique: Press firmly for 30-60 seconds during contractions. Strictly avoid during pregnancy before term.
Which Acupressure Points Support Labor?
The points below are the ones most commonly used for this goal. Each links to a full guide with location, technique, and safety notes.
3. BL60 (Kunlun) - Kunlun Mountains
BL60 is traditionally used to ease labor pain, especially low back and pelvic discomfort, and to support downward movement.
Location: In the depression between the outer ankle bone and the Achilles tendon. BL60 guide.
Technique: Firm thumb pressure for 30-60 seconds on each ankle during contractions.
Which Acupressure Points Support Labor?
The points below are the ones most commonly used for this goal. Each links to a full guide with location, technique, and safety notes.
4. GV20 (Baihui) - Hundred Meetings
GV20 at the crown is traditionally used to lift energy and support the body during the pushing stage of labor.
Location: On the midline of the head, about two finger-widths behind the hairline at the very top of the skull. GV20 guide.
Technique: Gentle steady pressure with the fingertips; often used between contractions to help the person gather energy.
Which Acupressure Points Support Labor?
The points below are the ones most commonly used for this goal. Each links to a full guide with location, technique, and safety notes.
5. GB21 (Jianjing) - Shoulder Well
GB21 is traditionally used to release tension in the upper back and shoulders and to support downward movement during labor.
Location: At the highest point of the shoulder, midway between the neck and the shoulder joint. GB21 guide.
Technique: Firm pressure with the thumb for 30-60 seconds, typically applied by a partner during a contraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupressure induce labor?
These points are traditionally used to encourage labor, which is exactly why they are avoided during earlier pregnancy. They are not a reliable or safe way to start labor on your own. Any use should be at term and discussed with your midwife or obstetrician.
Does it replace pain medication?
No. Acupressure is a comfort measure that some people find helpful between or during contractions. It does not replace epidural anesthesia or other medical pain relief, and you can use both.
When should we stop?
Stop and tell your provider if you feel unwell, if anything feels wrong, or if your care team advises against it. Acupressure is a supportive practice, not a substitute for obstetric care.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Acupressure during labor should only be used at term and with your midwife or obstetrician's knowledge. Never use these points to induce labor on your own before term.
Acupressure has been evaluated in clinical trials for pain, nausea, anxiety, and sleep, with evidence described as promising but requiring further high-quality research.
— Lee EJ, Frazier SK. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2011;42(4):589-603. PMID 21531533.
Verifiable sources
- Lee EJ, Frazier SK. The efficacy of acupressure for symptom management: a systematic review. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. 2011;42(4):589-603. PMID 21531533 · DOI
- Song HJ, Seo HJ, Lee H, Son H, Choi SM, Lee S. Effect of self-acupressure for symptom management: a systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2015;23(1):68-78. PMID 25637155 · DOI
Evidence for acupressure from published systematic reviews. See our research page for details.