Traditionally, the process of giving birth took place at home and it was a holistic process. Women were aware that their emotional and mental well-being was as important as their physical well-being to ensure a natural, pain-free delivery. Today, women should recognize that they have the inner resources required to go through labor and be mindful that it is a natural process for the body. Doing so helps minimize the pain, stress, fear, and anxiety. You can also apply the following holistic techniques for a relatively short, natural, and pain-free delivery without complications.
Energy Balancing Treatments And Their Benefits
For mothers who wish to deliver their baby at home, the treatments should be applied by her partner as soon as she feels her first contraction. For those who wish to deliver in a hospital, the treatments can be applied on admission to the labor ward.
1. To Relieve Discomfort Anxiety And Exhaustion
You can follow this traditional massage using the tips of the fingers.
- Firmly press each toe nail for 10 seconds each.
- Rotate each toe to the left and right for 10 seconds each.
- Intermittently press each web between the toes for a few seconds each.
- Apply continuous pressure along the top of each foot, including the ankle and up to the knee using a firm stroking movement.
- Continue this technique for 5 minutes on the left foot and 5 minutes on the right foot during the first hour of labor.
- Repeat in the second hour if labor continues.
2. To Stimulate And Release The Body’s Natural Painkillers
You can apply firm pressure to the back of the hands and arms using a firm bristled brush.
- Start at the nails and run the brush along the back of the fingers, hands, and arms and end at the elbows.
- Continue this technique for 5 minutes on the left arm and 5 minutes on the right arm during the first hour of labor.
- Repeat in the second hour if labor continues.
3. To Reduce The Length Of Labor And Ease Pain
You can apply this technique using fine-toothed combs.
- Hold a fine-toothed comb in each hand.
- Place the sharp teeth of the comb at the base of the fingers where they join the hand.
- Place your fingertips on the top flat edge of the comb.
- Place the tip of your thumbs on the side of the comb.
- Press your fingers hard against the comb for 2 minutes.
- Release your fingers, rest for 2 minutes, and repeat.
- Continue for as long as you are comfortable.
- Repeat in the second hour if labor continues.
4. To Use Along With Other Techniques
You can apply this technique on yourself for a fast, pain-free birth.
- Extend your tongue out of your mouth as far as possible.
- Use the handle of a dessert spoon and apply continuous pressure to the back of the tongue beyond the teeth for 1 minute.
- Rest for a few minutes and repeat until the baby is born.
5. To Prevent A Breech Delivery
- Lie down comfortably and release any tension from your abdominal muscles.
- Rub your hands together and place them on your abdomen, directly above your baby.
- Visualize the energy from your hands connecting with your baby’s energy.
- Breathe slowly and deeply and feel the energies connecting.
- Slowly and deliberately, move your hands around your abdomen in an anti-clockwise direction.
- Continue for 5 minutes.
- Repeat hourly.
6. To Reduce Complications During Childbirth
You can press this acupressure point on each leg.
- Measure 4 finger widths upward from the inside ankle bone.
- Press the point immediately above your index finger for 5 minutes continuously.
- Pause briefly and repeat.
7. Pranayama
Practicing this traditional breathing exercise between each contraction of labor rests and recharges the body and provides the vital energy required for a natural childbirth. Begin the practice during pregnancy to master the technique for use during labor between each contraction and also to empower the endocrine glands, which play a vital role during childbirth.
To Practice Pranayama
- Gently place your fingertips around your naval and close your eyes.
- Bring your awareness to your naval and release any tension or anxiety.
- Inhale slowly and deeply and imagine your in-breath entering your body through your navel.
- Feel your in-breath expanding and energizing your lower, middle, and upper abdomen.
- Exhale slowly deeply and imagine your out-breath being released through your navel.
- Keep your awareness on your navel and continue the breathing exercise for 5 minutes.
- Practice twice a day during pregnancy and between each contraction during labor.
8. Mudra
The apan mudra balances the endocrine glands and hormones, which harmonizes the body, mind, and emotions for a natural childbirth. Practice for up to 15 minutes each day during your pregnancy and for up to 15 minutes during the latter stages of labor.
- Place the tip of your thumb, middle finger, and ring finger together.
- Relax and extend your index and ring fingers.
- Practice with both hands.
9. Visualization
Your visualizations create your experiences, and positive thought patterns result in positive processes. During the final weeks of pregnancy, practice the following visualization to relax the mind and emotions.
- The color associated with childbirth is orange.
- Lie down comfortably, close your eyes, and visualize the color orange.
- See the color orange as a comforting cloud of orange healing energy.
- Visualize this orange healing energy embracing you and your baby.
- Feel it as an endless supply of calming energy saturating every part of your being.
- Sense its calming energy dissolving any negative thoughts and emotions.
- Breathe slowly and deeply and visualize yourself giving birth with ease and harmony.
- Create a positive physical, mental, and emotional image of this visualization.
- Draw upon it during your birthing process and allow the innate wisdom of your body to guide you through the natural process.
The traditional techniques balance your body, mind, and emotions and empower you to feel relaxed and in control of our birthing process.
