Getting pregnant might sound simple. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always happen when you want it to. For example, stress, weight problems, sleep deprivation, and other factors can cause infertility.
To enjoy the joys of motherhood sooner, many women try different ways to get pregnant faster. In the US, 12.2% of women aged 15-49 use infertility services.1
If your pregnancy tests keep coming back negative, don’t fret just yet. There are ways to naturally increase your chances of getting pregnant. One of these is activating acupressure points for improving fertility.
How Can Acupressure Affect Fertility?
Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It improves blood circulation and restores the balance in the body’s life force called qi to treat various ailments.
This ancient healing practice follows the same principles as acupuncture. However, it does not involve needles. It simply requires applying pressure to certain points in the body using the hands or specialized tools to remove the blockage in the energy pathways called meridians.
In TCM, fertility issues can be caused by insufficient blood circulation in the ovaries and uterus. This is where acupressure can help.
Fertility acupressure works similarly to fertility massage. According to Chinese medicine expert and acupuncturist Tsao-Lin Moy, “Physical touch taps into the nervous system and can release feel-good chemicals in the brain, increase circulation and lymph flow, bring awareness of the body and self, improve sleep, aid digestion, and provide stress relief.”
Activating specific acupressure points can stimulate blood flow to the reproductive organs, improving reproductive tissue health. It then helps release toxins, reduce inflammation, and ease the pain.
10 Acupressure Points to Improve Fertility
Fertility acupressure increases the chances of a successful pregnancy by balancing the hormonal system, removing blockages from fallopian tubes, and reducing stress. Here are some acupressure points you need to activate to boost fertility:
1. Liver 3 (Taichong or Great Surge)
Liver 3 (LV 3) helps with the uterus and ovaries and induces ovulation. It also regulates the menstrual cycle and relieves headaches, stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Before massaging this point, make sure that you’re in your ovulation or follicular phase of your cycle.
How to use this acupressure point:
- On the top of your foot, find the point in the webbing between your first and second toes
- Press and massage the point in circular motions
- Repeat on your other foot
2. Liver 14 (Qimen or Cycle Gate)
Liver 14 (LV 14) is best used when you’re trying to conceive as it enhances libido and boosts sexual energy. It also helps balance hormones and eases PMS and breast tenderness.
How to use this acupressure point:
- Locate the points directly below your nipples
- Apply pressure to the points
- Massage the points in circular motions
3. Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao or Three Yin Intersection)
Spleen 6 (SP 6) is widely used for improving fertility and regulating the menstrual cycle. It also helps increase the chances of a successful pregnancy by relieving anxiety and calming the mind.
How to use this acupressure point:
- Measure four finger-widths above your inner ankle
- Apply pressure to the point
- Repeat the steps on your other ankle
4. Kidney 9 (Zhubin or Guest Building)
Kidney 9 (KI 9), also known as the beautiful baby point, is said to help you produce a beautiful baby. Use this to calm your mind and ease your fear while trying to conceive.
How to use this acupressure point:
- Measure five finger-widths above the tip of the inner bone of your ankle
- Press and massage the point
- Repeat the techniques on your other ankle
5. Stomach 36 (Zusanli or Leg Three Miles)
Stomach 36 (ST 36) is ideal for women over 35 trying to conceive. This acupressure point builds the qi and the blood, balances emotion, and calms the spirit.
How to use this acupressure point:
- Measure four finger-widths from below your knee
- Apply pressure to the point
- Repeat the technique on your other knee
Read More: Best Acupressure Points For Anxiety
6. Ren 3 (Zhongji or Middle Pole)
Ren 3 (CV 3) is one of the most effective acupressure points for fertility. It promotes healthy blood circulation in the ovaries and uterus by strengthening kidney qi. It also improves the menstrual cycle and reduces pelvic inflammation.
How to use this acupressure point:
- Measure four inches below your belly button on the midline
- Apply moderate pressure to the point
- Massage the point in circular motions
7. Ren 4 (Guanyuan or Gate of Origin)
Ren 4 (CV 4) is especially helpful for older women trying to conceive. It boosts fertility and benefits the uterus by building the body’s qi.
How to use this acupressure point:
- Measure two inches below the belly button along the midline
- Press the point
- Massage the point in circular motions
8. Ren 6 (Qihai or Sea of Qi)
Ren 6 (CV 6) builds the body’s qi and blood, regulates hormones, and treats different gynecological disorders. It also provides more energy and promotes overall health.
How to use this acupressure point:
- Measure one and a half inches below your belly button along the midline of your lower abdomen
- Press the acupressure point
- Massage the point
9. Ren 12 (Zhongwan or Middle Epigastrium)
Ren 12 (CV 12) helps regulate the qi, improves the blood circulation in the uterus and ovaries, and supports cervical mucus production. It is also helpful in addressing digestion problems like gas, bloating, or reflux.
How to use this acupressure point:
- Measure four inches above your belly button
- Apply pressure to the point
- Massage the point
10. Ren 14 (Juque or Great Palace)
Ren 14 (CV 14) runs along the Ren meridian, also known as the conception meridian. It helps those struggling to get pregnant by relieving fears, anxiety, and worries associated with fertility problems.
How to use this acupressure point:
- Measure six inches above your belly button
- Press the acupressure point
- Massage the point
Other Home Remedies to Improve Fertility
Fertility issues are a common global problem. Studies suggest that 12-15 percent of couples have difficulty conceiving.2
Although the journey to a successful pregnancy can be challenging, there are natural ways to increase your fertility. Besides acupressure, here are other tips for helping you get pregnant faster:
- Aim for a healthy weight
- Avoid coffee and alcohol
- Avoid trans fats
- Choose high-fat dairy
- Cut down on carbs
- Eat a bigger breakfast
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants
- Eat more fiber
- Exercise regularly
- Find ways to relax
- Incorporate multivitamins into your diet
- Swap protein sources
In Short
Acupressure is an effective and natural way to improve fertility. To better enjoy its benefits, combine this practice with stress management, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and IVF medications.
While acupressure is generally safe, keep in mind that stimulating some acupressure points should be avoided if you are possibly pregnant. Use this practice only if you are preparing for pregnancy and actively trying to conceive before ovulation.
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