Developed more than 6000 years ago in Asia, Acupressure is an ancient healing art with particular application here in the 21st century. In this day and age when drugs have proven not to be our ally for the most part, people are searching for ways to do things more naturally, and drug free.

So it's little surpirse that acupressure would turn out to be one of the most popular natural ways to induce labor. Acupressure itself deals with the way energy is transmitted through our bodies, and how by gently applying pressure on "acupoints" the body responds by relaxing and releasing stress.

This is very valuable in maternity circles, as the relief of stress and pain is most desirable, and can actually help facilitate the birthing process. Studies show more than 80% success rates when attempting to induce labor through the use of maternity acupressure, with nearly none of the side affects one might associate with drugs and other medications. These techniques have also been proven to shorten labor, another very big plus.