Acupuncture and pregnancy: oriental medicine as an ally in the treatment of low back pain

Abstract

Objective: to identify scientific evidence in the literature on the effect of acupuncture for the relief of low back pain during pregnancy. Methods: this is an integrative literature review. The bibliographic survey included articles indexed in the portal of six databases, using controlled keywords. Results: seven articles published in English were included. The studies using acupuncture for low back pain have been successful in reducing pain, as well as increased mobility, improved sleep, a sense of well-being, increased capacity for some physical activities and improved emotional reactions of pregnant women. Conclusion: acupuncture contributed to the reduction of low back pain in the pregnant women, among other benefits, contributing to the promotion of health in a pleasurable, simple, practical, risk-free, cheap and cost-effective way. Descriptors: Acupuncture; Pregnant Women; Nursing; Low Back Pain; Health Promotion. Objetivo: identificar evidências científicas na literatura sobre o efeito da acupuntura para o alívio da dor lombar na gestação. Métodos: revisão integrativa de literatura. O levantamento bibliográfico incluiu artigos indexados no portal de seis bases de dados, utilizando palavras-chave controladas. Resultados: foram incluídos sete artigos publicados no idioma inglês. Os estudos, que utilizaram acupuntura para a lombalgia, obtiveram êxito na redução da dor, assim como aumento da mobilidade, melhoria do sono, sensação de bem-estar, aumento da capacidade para algumas atividades físicas e melhoria das reações emocionais das gestantes. Conclusão: a acupuntura contribuiu para a diminuição da lombalgia em gestantes, dentre outros benefícios, contribuindo para a promoção da saúde de forma prazerosa, simples, prática, sem riscos, barata e com bom custo benefício.

The effect of acupuncture on the relief of physical and emotional discomfort during pregnancy

“…Mood swings observed during gestation may be attributed to variations in hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone, which are at a higher level compared to non-pregnant women. 17 A systematic review of 714 studies conducted in Canada has found that one of the most frequent mood disorders in this period is depression, with a prevalence of 7.4% in the first trimester, 12.8% in the second trimester and 12.0% in the third trimester. 17 The increase in patience was highlighted among the reports, as 80% of pregnant women claimed improvement in this aspect.…”

“…17 A systematic review of 714 studies conducted in Canada has found that one of the most frequent mood disorders in this period is depression, with a prevalence of 7.4% in the first trimester, 12.8% in the second trimester and 12.0% in the third trimester. 17 The increase in patience was highlighted among the reports, as 80% of pregnant women claimed improvement in this aspect. Some specific acupoints contribute to this positive percentage, as the shemen auricular point can lead to body relaxation, patience, and, in addition to analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, also has sedative effects.…”

Use of Integrative and Complementary Health Practices by professionals in pregnant women with low back pain: integrative review

“…Of the 12 articles included in this review the most cited professional was the nurse 9,11,[13][14][15][16]18 . ICHP are reaffirmed as a specialty of Nursing by the 581 Resolution of 2018 of the Conselho Federal de Enfermagem (COFEN -Federal Council of Nursing), which ensured for these professionals actions and research development in the general field of ICHP 26 .…”

Women’s Health Nursing in Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practices

“…As a matter of fact, studies conducted around the world and in Turkey show that nurses also take an active role in T&CM treatments. [6][7][8][9][10][11] The World Health Organization (WHO) defines traditional medicine as "The sum of knowledge, skills, and practices based on theories, beliefs, and experiences specific to different cultures in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, health protection, and improvement of physical and mental illnesses." 12 The terms "complementary medicine" or "alternative medicine" are used in many countries instead of traditional medicine and refer to practices that have not been integrated into the country's existing health system and have not become part of the country's culture.…”