Effects of SP6 Acupuncture Point Stimulation on Labor Pain and Duration of Labor

Abstract

Background:Acupressure has been used frequently to improve labor, manage labor pain, and shorten delivery time. However, there has been little research-based evidence to support the positive effects of acupressure in the obstetric area and obstetric nursing.Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SP6 acupressure on labor pain and delivery time in primigravida women in labor.Patients and Methods:The study was conducted at the Trabzon Maternity Hospital in Turkey. Its design was a randomized controlled clinical trial study using a single-blinded method. One hundred (100) primigravida women in labor were randomly assigned to either the SP6 acupressure (n = 50) or control group (n = 50). Acupressure was practiced 35 times in total on the SP6 point of both legs in the SP6 acupressure group; 15 times (during contraction) when cervical dilation was 2-3 cm, 10 times when cervical dilation was 5-6 cm and 10 times at 9-10 cm dilation, while the women in the control group received standard care. Labor pain was measured five times using a structured questionnaire of a subjective labor pain scale (visual analogue scale-VAS) when dilation was 2-3 cm (VAS 2), 5-6 cm (VAS 3) and 8-9 cm (VAS 4) before and after acupressure was applied to the SP6 point (VAS 1), and finally at the early postpartum period (VAS 5). The duration of labor in both groups was measured with a partograph and the length of delivery time was calculated in two stages: from 3 cm cervical dilation to full cervical dilation, and from full cervical dilation to delivery.Results:There were significant differences between the groups in subjective labor pain scores (except VAS 4) (P < 0.001). The duration of the Phase one (3 cm dilatation to full dilatation) and Phase two (full dilatation to birth) in the acupressure group was shorter than the control group (Phase one, 225 min and 320 min, respectively; Phase two, 15 min and 20 min, respectively; both P < 0.001).Conclusions:It was determined that SP6 acupressure was effective in decreasing pain and duration of labor.

Effects of auriculotherapy on labour pain: a randomized clinical trial

“…Acupressure uses specific acupuncture points, however it is performed by pressure with fingers or hands without the use of needles (2) . A randomized controlled trial (RCT) (3) assessed the effects of acupressure on labour pain and labour duration of 100 labouring women. This study showed a lower pain score on the visual analogue scale (VAS) among the patients who received the therapy (p-value <0.001), as well as a shorter duration of labour (225 minutes for acupressure versus 320 minutes for control group, p-value = 0.000).…”

Effects of Complementary Therapies on Labor Pain: A Literature Review

“…Such complications necessitate the use of methods decreasing LP. Today, various pharmacological and non -pharmacological methods are used to reduce LP (8). There are considerable advantages in the application of non -pharmacological LP relief techniques with few side effects for both the mother and fetus and no interference with labor process (9).…”

Preliminary Clinical Evaluation of Acupuncture Therapy in Patients With Postpartum Sciatica

“…The additional points including Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Zusanli (ST36) with TCM properties to “invigorate the Blood,” “dissolve the Stasis,” “dispel the Wind,” and “open the meridian” were also selected in our study, when the patients were diagnosed with a TCM syndrome called Postpartum Qi Deficiency is commonly used for gynecologic, genitourinary, and emotional disorders.…”

“…In TCM, Sanyinjiao (SP6), which can regulate the channel Qi of the liver, spleen, and kidney, is commonly used for gynecologic, genitourinary, and emotional disorders. Experimental research has shown that acupuncture on SP6 could have an effect on the contraction of the uterus and pain relief, and SP6 acupressure has been reported effective in decreasing pain and duration of labor for primigravida women in labor . Similarly, the general function of Zusanli (ST36) is strengthening deficiency conditions by harmonizing the Qi and Blood, and improving general weakness .…”