The Effect of LI14 Acupressure on Children Undergoing Painful Procedures and Infants’ Apgar score: An Overview

Abstract

Background: Non-pharmacological methods of pain relief are widely used in some societies/places today. They are readily available, inexpensive and uncomplicated methods that have an acceptable efficacy. Acupressure is one of these methods which is a branch of acupuncture. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of LI14 acupressure on children and infants undergoingpainful procedures and infants’ Apgar score. Materials and Methods: In this overview, the research was conducted by screening the relevant articles evaluating the effect of LI14 acupressure on children undergoingpainful procedures and the application of LI14 acupressure during labor on infants’ Apgar score. The electronic databases included Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Medline with no language or time restrictions (until March 10, 2020). Results: LI14 acupressure is safe and effective in improving pain in children undergoing tonsillectomy, insertion of cannula, immunization, and IV insertion in pediatric patients with thalassemia. However, LI14 acupressure changed Apgar scores at one and five minutes. Conclusion: LI14 acupressure is a safe and effective method in improving pain relief in children undergoing painful procedures. According to the results, the use of He Gu point acupressure can be suggested as a non-pharmacological method to relieve pain in children.