(Good Things Utah) – You have a colicky baby, and nothing seems to work. But have you tried acupressure? Acupressure can help calm your baby, relieve stomach pain or nausea, and even open her sinuses or alleviate a migraine headache. And it’s safe, drug-free, at no cost, and can be done just about anywhere, according to Karena Luttmer, a pediatric acupuncturist at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. 

Watch the video for a demonstration. Karena uses a doll to show where the points are in general.

Acupressure is a safe way to help calm or ease pain and help your child maintain a healthy immune and digestive system. It can be done while bathing, massaging, nursing or dressing the baby for bed. Acupressure also can be used anywhere to help with symptoms. 

Here are a few guidelines to get you started: 

  • Use acupressure 1-3 times each day, and for no more than 15 minutes total. 
  • Massage the acupressure points with gentle pressure in small circular motions.
  • Don’t spend more than 30 seconds on any one pressure point.

Here are some simple acupressure points to help your baby remain in good health:

  • Du12 is considered one of the most calming point for children. The point is located in the middle of the back, below the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra. Rubbing this point is effective at calming most children and can be done when you’re out and about. 
  • Stomach 36 helps with digestion and bowels and builds immunity. This point is located on baby’s shin, about a kneecap’s length lower than the knee. 
  • Pericardium 6 can help your child with nausea and vomiting. It’s located a half inch up from the wrist on the inside of the arm between the tendons. 
  • LI4 is located on the back of the hand, between the thumb and pointer finger.  This point has a number of uses such as migraines, but studies have shown it to help colicky babies find relief. 
  • UB2 is an indentation on the inner eyebrows also known as the supraorbital notch. Stimulate this point to open sinuses and alleviate hiccups. 
  • LI3 is easiest to find with a loose fist, at the base of the pointer finger facing the thumb.  It is helpful for toothache and sore throats. 

For more information visit, intermountainhealthcare.org

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