Effects of SP-6 Acupressure on Dysmenorrhea, Skin Temperature of CV2 Acupoint and Temperature, in the College Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify effects of the SP-6 acupressure on dysmenorrhea, the skin temperature of the CV2 acupoint and oral temperatures in the college students. Data was collected from May 1 to August 31, 2002. A total of 58 students from two universities participated in the study. Both groups were pretested before the intervention for three variables', the intensity of dysmenorrhea, skin temperature of the CV2 acupoint and oral temperature. Then, SP-6 acupressure was provided for 20 minutes for students in the experimental group. The instruments used in this study included the Visual Analogue Scale developed by Johnson & Rice(1974), Menstrual Attitudes Questionnaire Scale developed by Brooks-Gunn & Ruble(1980), and a Stress scale developed by Cheun and Kim(1991). There were statistically significant differences in the intensity of dysmenorrhea 30 minutes after the intervention. The experimental group had a lower intensity than the control group. There were not statistically significant differences in skin temperature of the CV2 acupoint and oral temperature 30 minutes after the intervention with the experimental group. SP-6 acupressure reduced the subjective perception of dysmenorrhea.