Effects of auriculotherapy on labour pain: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: Assessing the effects of auriculotherapy in pain control and its outcomes on the duration of labour. Method: This is a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial with preliminary data. Thirty pregnant women with gestational age ≥ 37 weeks, cervical dilatation ≥ 4 cm and two or more contractions in 10 minutes were selected and randomly divided into three groups: auriculotherapy, placebo and control. Auriculotherapy was applied using crystal beads on four strategic points. Results: No statistical significance was found between the groups with regard to pain; however, the women from the auriculotherapy group had lower intensity and less perception of pain at 30, 60 and 120 minutes of treatment. The average duration of labour was shorter in the auriculotherapy group (248.7 versus placebo 414.8 versus control 296.3 minutes); caesarean section rates were higher in the placebo group (50%) and the same in the other groups (10%). Conclusion:Mothers who received auriculotherapy presented a tendency for greater pain control and shorter labour duration; however, caesarean section rates in this group were similar to the control group. This trial precedes a larger study in progress. Registration of Brazilian Clinical Trials: RBR-47hhbj.

Effectiveness of Auricular Therapy on Labor Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…This is a randomized and parallel clinical trial conducted from April 2015 to June 2016, with preliminary data previously published. 11 The research participants were parturients, admitted for childbirth care to a public teaching hospital, located in a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Practices considered humanizing care have been used in the local obstetric unit of the study, such as the right of companion of choice of women during labor and delivery and joint accommodation.…”

Current Resources for Evidence‐Based Practice, July/August 2020

“…A third study used the LI4 point applying pressure to both hands using 10‐second presses 5 times per minute during contractions in early active phase for a total of 20 minutes. The fourth study applied auricular beads in active labor (defined as cervical dilatation of at least 4 cm and 2 contractions in 10 minutes) to 4 ear points: Shenmen, uterus, neurasthenia, and endocrine; each was pressed for 1 minute 7 . Acupressure seems to decrease pain intensity although only studies with combined controls (either placebo or no treatment) reached moderate certainty.…”

Comparing Effect of Auricular Acupressure and Body Acupressure on Pain and Duration of First Stage of Labor: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Accordingly, in Rastegarzadeh's work, auriculotherapy led to a significant reduction in the labor pain among nulliparous women, whereas Maftoni's study indicated that use of auriculotherapy caused no significant reduction in the studied women's labor pain. (23,24) As can be inferred from investigations, most of the studies on body acupressure have more frequently applied pressure on one or two points; only a few studies have been focused on a combination of the points affecting the pain and progress of labor. Furthermore, some studies have been conducted on the effect of auricular acupressure on the reduction of different pain throughout the body, the results of which have confirmed the effectiveness of this technique.…”