Effects of LI4 Acupressure on Post-cesarean Section Pain

Abstract

Background: Post-cesarean section analgesia improves functional ability of the mother and her interaction with the infant. Pharmacological methods such as painkillers and narcotics are commonly used to reduce post-cesarean section pain. However, due to the complications of current pharmacological therapies, the use of non-pharmacological methods is currently receiving special attention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of LI4 acupressure on reducing post-cesarean section pain. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 108 women who were admitted to Fatemiyeh Hospital in Shahroud and had undergone cesarean section were randomly selected and, based on blocks of four, were divided into two groups (acupressure on LI4) and control (touch at the same point). The intervention at LI4 point was made for 20 minutes immediately after full consciousness of the cases and the control group received only touch on this point. Pain intensity in the two groups was measured with a visual analog scale (VAS) before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, 60, and 120 minutes following the intervention. The dose and frequency of narcotics and analgesics taken by the two groups was also measured. Results: There was no significant difference in pain intensity between the two groups prior to the intervention (P = 0.87). Additionally, there were no significant differences between the groups in pain intensity scores immediately, 60, and 120 minutes after intervention (P > 0 .05). Conclusions: LI4 acupressure was not effective in reducing post-cesarean section pain.