Acupressure and Acupuncture Use in the Peripartum Period

Abstract

Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting fine needles into specific points on the body for therapeutic purposes. Acupuncture and its derivatives (acupressure, moxibustion, electroacupuncture, and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation on acupoints) are a popular treatment choice in the peripartum period (32 wk' gestation to 14 d postdelivery). There is substantial research evidence supporting acupuncture and its derivatives in the peripartum period. Benefits in the use of acupressure to reduce labor pain intensity and a reduction in the duration of labor with acupressure have been found. There is mixed evidence for the use of both moxibustion and moxibustion with acupuncture for noncephalic presentations and for acupressure for reducing intraoperative nausea. There is limited evidence available on acupuncture use in women with high-risk pregnancies or multifetal gestations.

The Effects of Acupoint Stimulation Combined With Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Labor Pain: Protocol for a Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

“…From a contemporary medical standpoint, acupoint stimulation is believed to function through the gate control theory, wherein massage or pressure inhibits nociceptive transmission [ 22 ]. In addition, it has been suggested that acupoint stimulation activates Mu opioid receptors, increases serum endorphin levels, and stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone, all of which contribute to pain relief [ 23 ]. Several studies have explored its application during labor, with findings indicating that acupressure can reduce pain during the first stage of labor [ 21 ] and that auriculotherapy can alleviate labor pain in primiparous women [ 24 ].…”

The Effects of Acupoint Stimulation Combined With Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Labor Pain: Protocol for a Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

“…From a contemporary medical standpoint, acupoint stimulation is believed to function through the gate control theory, wherein massage or pressure inhibits nociceptive transmission [ 22 ]. In addition, it has been suggested that acupoint stimulation activates Mu opioid receptors, increases serum endorphin levels, and stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone, all of which contribute to pain relief [ 23 ]. Several studies have explored its application during labor, with findings indicating that acupressure can reduce pain during the first stage of labor [ 21 ] and that auriculotherapy can alleviate labor pain in primiparous women [ 24 ].…”

Effects of Acupressure on Maternal and Neonatal Obstetric Outcomes during Labor: Study Protocol

“…Different techniques developed in traditional Chinese medicine are used as alternative and/or complementary therapies in order to reduce the medicalization of healthcare. Some of these most-used techniques are acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion (moxa), and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) on acupoints, and all have been applied to pregnant women for this purpose [5]. Within the realm of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), qi represents the vital energy that traverses the body's 14 pathways, commonly known as meridians.…”

The Effects of Acupoint Stimulation Combined With Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Labor Pain: Protocol for a Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

“…From a contemporary medical standpoint, acupoint stimulation is believed to function through the gate control theory, wherein massage or pressure inhibits nociceptive transmission [ 22 ]. In addition, it has been suggested that acupoint stimulation activates Mu opioid receptors, increases serum endorphin levels, and stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone, all of which contribute to pain relief [ 23 ]. Several studies have explored its application during labor, with findings indicating that acupressure can reduce pain during the first stage of labor [ 21 ] and that auriculotherapy can alleviate labor pain in primiparous women [ 24 ].…”

Effects of Acupressure on Maternal and Neonatal Obstetric Outcomes during Labor: Study Protocol

“…Different techniques developed in traditional Chinese medicine are used as alternative and/or complementary therapies in order to reduce the medicalization of healthcare. Some of these most-used techniques are acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion (moxa), and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) on acupoints, and all have been applied to pregnant women for this purpose [5]. Within the realm of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), qi represents the vital energy that traverses the body's 14 pathways, commonly known as meridians.…”

The Effects of Acupoint Stimulation Combined With Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Labor Pain: Protocol for a Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

“…From a contemporary medical standpoint, acupoint stimulation is believed to function through the gate control theory, wherein massage or pressure inhibits nociceptive transmission [ 22 ]. In addition, it has been suggested that acupoint stimulation activates Mu opioid receptors, increases serum endorphin levels, and stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone, all of which contribute to pain relief [ 23 ]. Several studies have explored its application during labor, with findings indicating that acupressure can reduce pain during the first stage of labor [ 21 ] and that auriculotherapy can alleviate labor pain in primiparous women [ 24 ].…”

Effects of Acupressure on Maternal and Neonatal Obstetric Outcomes during Labor: Study Protocol

“…Different techniques developed in traditional Chinese medicine are used as alternative and/or complementary therapies in order to reduce the medicalization of healthcare. Some of these most-used techniques are acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion (moxa), and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) on acupoints, and all have been applied to pregnant women for this purpose [5]. Within the realm of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), qi represents the vital energy that traverses the body's 14 pathways, commonly known as meridians.…”