Hoku Cryokinetics for the Reduction of Pain during the Active Phase of Labor

Abstract

Hoku is located on the medial midpoint of the first metacarpal, within 3 - 4 mm of the web of skin between the thumb and forefinger. The study evaluated the effectiveness of the use of ice massage on the energy meridian point, large intestine 4 (Hoku), during contractions to reduce the woman’s perception of labor pain. This one-group, pretest-post test design was instituted among 30 primigravid Cebuano women. The study utilized a 100 mm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to numerically measure pain levels before and after using ice massage on the left and right hand. Pain response difference being evaluated consisted of four elements: pain before and after ice massage of left hand and pain before and after ice massage of right hand. Results indicated significant pain reduction with a mean difference of 18.93 mm on the left hand and 20.87 cm on the right hand. Hoku Cryokinetics on the left Hoku point highly yield the same analgesic effect with that of the right Hoku point. The study concludes that ice massage on either hand is a cost-efficient, safe, non-invasive, non-pharmacologic and effective method in reducing labor pain. Keywords - Hoku cryokinetics, active phase of labor, reduction of pain, Cebuano Women