Acupuncture & acupressure can both reduce pain in labour

Many women would like to avoid pharmacological or invasive methods of pain management in labour and this may contribute towards the popularity of complementary methods of pain management.

This review examined evidence supporting the use of acupuncture and acupressure for pain management in labour.

We included 13 trials with data reporting on 1986 women. Nine trials reported on acupuncture and four trials reported on acupressure.

Acupuncture and acupressure may have a role with reducing pain, increasing satisfaction with pain management and reduced use of pharmacological management.

Reference

Smith, et al. (2011). Acupuncture or acupressure for pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 7.