Acupuncture and related treatment modalities Part II: Applications to antepartal and intrapartal care

Effects of LI4 and BL 67 Acupressure on Labor Pain and Uterine Contractions in the First Stage of Labor

“…Therefore, the results of the study support the hypothesis that the acupressure group experienced a greater decrease in labor pain than those in the effleurage and control groups during the active phase of the first stage of labor. Much of the empirical data indicated that acupressure of LI4 and BL67 provided pain relief during labor (Beal, 1992;Betts, 1999;Brown, Douglas, & Flood, 2001;Simkin, 1995), however, none of the information specifies the particular time during the labor process at which acupressure would be most beneficial. The results of the study fail to support the hypothesis that the acupressure group experienced a greater decrease in labor pain than those in the effleurage and control groups during the latent and transitional phases of the first stage of labor.…”

“…These channels are called meridians and through them currents of energy flow through the body, enhancing blood flow, nourishing tissue, and facilitating normal functions of the body (Beal, 1992;Betts, 1999;Coggins & Freels, 2000;Cook & Wilcox, 1997;Simkin, 1995). The presentations of the meridians near the skin surface are acupoints.…”

“…Theoretically and empirically supported acupoints, namely LI4 and BL67, were selected for use in this study as being easy for nurses to locate and to manage (Beal, 1992;Kwang & Chaou, 1998;Lu & Chu, 1993, see Figure 1). …”

The sharp end of medical practice: the use of acupuncture in obstetrics and gynaecology

“…Acupuncture has been used to treat morning sickness, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, migraine, backache, sciatica, breast soreness, discomfort due to sinus conditions, oedema, varicose veins, vulval varicosities, haemorrhoids, indigestion, heartburn, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, hyperemesis gravidarum, anaemia and hypertension. Acupuncture can also be used to aid in the correction of malpresentation, induction of labour and pain relief in labour 2,4 . Acupuncture can also be used postnatally to treat perineal pain, breast engorgement, mastitis, postnatal depression and insufficient lactation 2 .…”

“…The effectiveness of acupuncture at P6 in curing post-operative nausea and vomiting was also reported. P6 is located three fingerbreadths proximal to the crease of the wrist on the pericardium meridian, which runs up the middle of the inner aspect of both arms 4 .…”