Our wooden birthing combs for acupressure during labour have nice blunt "teeth" so they apply just the right amount of pressure without feeling "stabby".
Here's how to use them:
As you hold the comb in your palm, the 'teeth' of the comb press on acupressure points.
These
points lie along the creases of the hands where the fingers join the
palm. These are said to help release endorphins (the body's natural
painkillers) into the body.
Acupressure combs help in two ways - they help reduce pain via the "gate theory" of pain relief - and they give *you* something to hold as tightly as you like, and give you something to focus on.
This "gate theory" holds that the brain can only focus on a select number of sensations. Because the nerve endings are closer on your hands, they reach your brain faster, helping your body forget about the contractions.
That's the theory, anyway!
Our acupressure combs are engraved with a little birth affirmation: "I am safe. I am strong".
Once labour is over and done, these peach wood combs are lovely for de-tangling hair easily, and provide a tangible memory of the incredible day that you did an incredible job, bringing a new little life into the world.
They can also be useful for "combing" your breasts - you use the comb to stroke your breasts towards the areola, which can be helpful for dislodging blocked ducts (best done in the shower under the flow of warm water).
Our combs come with a handy little calico drawstring bag to keep your comb clean.
Want to know more?
This post by Debra Bretts includes a video to help you locate the pressure points accurately: