Acupressure for abortion

Kelsey
Aug 19
2 min read

What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is when you apply pressure (often with your fingertips) to certain points of your body. It is a method rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and can be used to support physical and mental well-being. It is not a method of inducing an abortion, but rather a way to help ease pain and support a self-managed abortion. Depending on your physical ability, some of these points may be easier to access than others. For any points you have difficulty reaching, a support person can help. If you don't have a support person while using acupressure for your abortion, you are always welcome to take what fits you and leave the rest.

How to apply pressure:

When applying acupressure the pressure used should be firm and direct to the area. Hold pressure for 15-20 seconds then release for 60 seconds. You can continue repeating this for as long as you would like. If the practice causes you pain, excessive discomfort, or anxiety please stop immediately.

Acupressure for abortion support

Pain reduction:

GB 21:

This point is located midway between the base of the neck and top of the shoulder. It is the highest point of the shoulder. Press down with pointer finger.

A person uses their forefinger to press down on the space between their neck and top of the shoulder.

LI 4:

This point is in the webbing between the thumb and pointer finger. Squeeze with thumb and pointer finger of your other hand. You can do this on either hand or swap back and forth.

A person uses their thumb and pointer finger to press the webbing between their other thumb and pointer finger.

Squeezing a comb:

Squeezing a comb in your hand with the teeth facing up towards your fingers. This hits several points.

A person clutches a comb in their hands, teeth facing up.

Anti-nausea and anxiety relief:

PC 6:

This point is three fingers down from your wrist bend. Use pointer finger to press downward pressure on the inside of the wrist directly in the middle.

A person presses their pointer finger to the middle of their opposite wrist.

Stimulating and supporting the uterus:

SP6:

This point is on the Inner lower leg, 4 fingers above the ankle. Apply pressure inward with pointer finger. This point also alleviates pain and anxiety.

A person presses their pointer finger to the inside of their lower leg.

BL60:

This point is behind your outer ankle, in the dip between the prominent ankle bone and Achilles tendon. Apply inward pressure with pointer finger. This point also supports pain relief.

A person presses their pointer finger to the outside of their leg near the ankle bone.

Need more support? Contact one of our doulas.

If you need more help through your abortion, such as pain management suggestions, herbal support, or emotional counseling, we have a doula who can help. Our services are free and we are completely virtual. Contact one of our Rouge Doulas today.