Using a comb for labour pain relief!

How do the combs work?

They are a simple, effective and wonderful pain management tool that help women in labour as they act as a  powerful distraction or a focal point  by activating the Gate Control Theory. Researchers have long observed that factors such as thoughts, emotions, and expectations can influence our perceptions of pain.

The Gate Control Theory of pain asserts that non-painful input closes the nerve “gates” to painful input, which prevents pain sensation from traveling to the central nervous system. The comb works on the Pain Gate Control Theory, distracting the brain which allows more of your attention to focus on the sensation of what is happening with your hand and away from the sensations of contractions. 

The teeth of the comb can put pressure onto specific acupressure points. The points lie along the creases of the hands where the fingers join the palm. This is usually more useful when the labour sensations have increased and you need to concentrate on getting through each contraction. They also help release endorphins into the body.