SP6 Acupressure Research Articles

Comparison of the Effects of Sanyinjiao Point (SP6) Acupressure with Combined SP6 and LI4 Acupressure on Labor Pain Intensity in Primiparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Childbirth is an important event and special experience in women's lives. Labor pain is the most severe pain that women undergo in their lives. Pain management during labor is crucial for the well-being of the mother and fetus. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effect of combined LI4 and SP6 acupressure with SP6 acupressure on reducing labor pain. Methods: A total of 108 primiparous women who participated in the study were randomized into three groups, combining LI4 and SP6 acupressure, SP6 acupressure, and a control group. Pain intensity was evaluated before, immediately, 1 and 2 hours after the intervention and the second stage of labor by visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: Although the pain intensity immediately after the intervention was lower in the combined SP6 and LI4 acupressure group than in the other groups, the differences were not significant between the three groups (p = 0.147). The pain intensity 1 hour after the intervention and in the second stage of labor had a statistically significant difference between the three groups (p =0.006, p =0.001). The pain intensity 2 hours after the intervention was lower in the combined SP6 and LI4 acupressure group than the other groups, but it was not statistically significantly different (p= 0.05). The pain intensity 1 hour after the intervention was not statistically different between the SP6 group and the control group (p= 0.095). The pain intensity 2 hours after the intervention was lower in the combined SP6 and LI4 acupressure group compared to the control group, but it was not significant (p=0.06). The pain intensity in the second stage of labor was lower in the combined SP6 and LI4 acupressure group and SP6 acupressure group compared to the control group (p =0.001, p = 0.017), but there was no significant difference between the SP6 acupressure group and combined SP6 and LI4 acupressure group (p=1.000). Conclusion: The obtained results revealed that combination intervention is a safe, effective, noninvasive and economical method in alleviating labor pain intensity. Healthcare providers are expected to master the acupressure technique as an alternative, complementary therapy, which can be used as an alternative or additional therapy.

The Effect of Sanyinjiao Accupressure on Decreasing Dysmenorrhea Pain : Scoping Review

Purpose: Dysmenorrhea, characterized by challenging menstrual flow or menstrual pain, affects approximately half of all girls and women. Various approaches exist to alleviate the intensity of dysmenorrhea pain, among which non-pharmacological therapy stands out. Sanyinjiao acupressure (SP6) represents a non-invasive, cost-free, and time-efficient method to address discomfort during dysmenorrhea. The purpose of this research to assess the impact of Sanyinjiao acupressure (SP6) in diminishing the intensity of dysmenorrhea pain, a review of prior research is warranted. Method: This research employed a scoping review methodology, drawing upon diverse references. The search for research literature was conducted across several databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, and EBSCO, using keywords such as "Sanyinjiao Acupressure" OR "SP6 Acupressure" AND "Dysmenorrhea," guided by the Arkshey & O'Malley Framework and the PRISMA-ScR Checklist. Utilizing the Joana Briggs Institute (JBI) Appraisal Tool, the study evaluated the quality of articles, culminating in the inclusion of 7 research journals spanning from 2010-2022, aligning with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Findings derived from the examination of seven eligible research journals indicate a substantial impact of Sanyinjiao acupressure (SP6) in mitigating the intensity of dysmenorrhea pain. Conclusion: Sanyinjiao acupressure (SP6) has been substantiated as an effective intervention in non-pharmacologically diminishing the intensity of dysmenorrhea pain.

A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Acupressure on Dysmenorrhea among Nursing Students at Shri Vinoba Bhave College of Nursing, Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Menstruation is the normal process that occurs in all healthy adult. Menstrual pain or dysmenorrhea is the pain in the lower abdomen before or during menstruation. India has one of the fastest growing youth populations in the world, with an estimated 190 million adolescents. Girls below 19 years of age comprising 21% of India’s total population. In India 67.2% adolescent girls suffer from dysmenorrhea and 60% of them have disrupted daily routines.The incidence of menstrual pain to women in the world is relatively high on the average of more than 50% in every country.Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate body’s natural self-curative abilities. Acupressure release tension, increases circulation, reduces pain, and develops vibrant health, with a view to this; the study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of acupressure on dysmenorrhea among nursing student at Shri Vinoba Bhave College of Nursing, Silvassa. AIM Aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure on reduction of pain during menstruation among nursing students at Shri Vinoba Bhave College of Nursing, Silvassa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli. METHODOLOGY Quasi experimental, time series non-equivalent control group design with Non probability purposive sampling technique was used to select 60 nursing students, 30 experimental and 30 control group. Dysmenorrhea is assessed by WaLIDD scale. Tool was used for data collection were Numerical pain intensity scale, socio-demographic variable, baseline clinical data. Pretest was done before intervention in experimental group and control group. Acupressure therapy was given to experimental group and pain was assessed after 30 min, 60 min, and 120 min in both groups. RESULT Result shown that the mean score (8.10±0.84, 6.88±0.68, 6.49±0.69, 5.82±0.65) of experimental group is apparently lower than the mean score (8±0.83, 4.78±0.52, 3.83±0.47, 3.06±0.49) of control group except for the mean pretest score. The level of pain score status between the different time intervals pre and post observations in experimental group shows that the obtained F Value 207.2968(df=9) and the p value was 0.0001. the p value is <0.05 level of significance so it shows that statistical significance was very high in the experimental group respectively, compare than control group, hence research hypothesis (H1) is accepted and inferred that acupressure therapy is very effective in reducing the pain during menstruation and providing comfort. CONCLUSION Study proved that SP6 acupressure can be used as an effective intervention to decrease menstrual pain. Acupressure is a very effective means of decreasing dysmenorrhea. It can be assumed that applying acupressure with the same intensity for a shorter time is effective in reducing menstrual pain. KEY WORDS Acupressure, dysmenorrhea, complimentary and alternative therapy.

The Effect of Acupressure Points L14 and SP 6 on Pain Intensity in the First Stage Labor

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of acupressure points L14 and SP6 in reducing the intensity of pain during the first stage of labor at PMB Meita in Sidoarjo. Recognizing the physiological and psychological impacts of labor pain on both mothers and infants, the research seeks to assess the potential of acupressure as a non-pharmacological intervention to alleviate labor pain and enhance maternal well-being during childbirth. Methods: This research adopts a Quasi Experimental Design with a One Group Pre-Post Test Design approach. The study population comprises maternity mothers receiving prenatal care at PMB Meita in Sidoarjo. Accidental sampling is utilized to select a sample of 30 respondents. Data collection involves observing acupressure treatments using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) to measure pain intensity. Univariate analysis, employing frequency distribution, and bivariate analysis, utilizing paired t-test, are conducted to analyze the data. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that the mean labor pain intensity before administering acupressure points SP6 and L14 was 6.48, which decreased to 3.84 after acupressure treatment. The bivariate analysis demonstrates a significant effect of the SP6 and L14 acupressure technique on reducing labor pain during the active phase I of labor at PMB Meita in Sidoarjo (p–value 0.0001 <0.05), with a mean decrease of 2.64. These results suggest that acupressure therapy holds promise as a complementary intervention for managing labor pain and enhancing maternal comfort during childbirth. Implications of the Research: The research outcomes have implications for midwifery care and maternal health practices, particularly in the context of promoting non-pharmacological pain management strategies during labor. By demonstrating the effectiveness of acupressure in reducing labor pain intensity, the study highlights the importance of integrating complementary therapies into maternity care protocols to improve maternal experiences and outcomes during childbirth. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence of the efficacy of acupressure points L14 and SP6 in alleviating labor pain during the first stage of labor. By employing a quasi-experimental design and utilizing specific assessment tools, the research offers valuable insights into the potential benefits of acupressure therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention for pain management in childbirth. The findings underscore the importance of holistic and individualized approaches to maternity care, emphasizing the integration of complementary therapies to enhance maternal well-being and satisfaction during the childbirth process.

Pengaruh Pemberian Akupresur terhadap Nyeri Persalinan Fase Aktif

Contraction pain is main problem for patients in the 1st stage of labor in active phase. Labor pain in first stage of the active phase can be treated with acupressure at points L14 and SP6. The L14 and SP6 acupressure points can stimulate release of hormone oxytocin from pituitary, which will stimulate uterine contractions, thereby helping the labor process to be better and reducing pain during labor. The aim of this study was to determine how acupressure impacts labor pain during active phase of the first stage. Design of this research is one group pre-post test. This study involved 30 women giving birth normally, in 1st stage of the active phase, who had no abnormalities or injuries at L14 and SP6 locations. Ttool used is Wong Baker Pain Scale. The results showed that maternal patients in 1st active phase had an average pain scale of 8.03 before being given acupressure, and pain scale dropped to 3.26 after being given acupressure. There was a significant difference between the groups before and after acupressure with a p value of 0.000. There is an effect of giving acupressure on the intensity of pain in mothers giving birth during the first active phase

The Effect of Ice Massage Applied to the SP6 Point on Labor Pain, Labor Comfort, Labor Duration, and Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Acupressure and cold application are nonpharmacologic methods that midwives can use for labor pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of ice massage applied to the SP6 acupressure point during labor on labor pain, labor comfort, labor duration, and anxiety. A single-masked, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 nulliparous women, including 50 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group. Rotational ice massage was applied to the SP6 point on both legs of the pregnant women in the intervention group at 4 to 5 cm, 6 to 7 cm, and 8 to 9 cm dilation amounts during 3 contractions. Routine oxytocin was administered to all pregnant women to promote progress of labor. Standard midwifery care was provided to the control group. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a partograph form, the Childbirth Comfort Questionnaire (CCQ), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory State subscale. The VAS pain scores of the pregnant women in the intervention group were significantly lower compared with the control group following the intervention at dilatations of 4 to 5 cm, 6 to 7 cm, and 8 to 9 cm (P = .001, P = .003, P <.001, respectively). The total CCQ and comfort level scores of the pregnant women in the intervention group at 8 to 9 cm cervical dilatation were significantly higher than the control group (P = 0.044, P = .027, respectively). Additionally, as the anxiety levels of the pregnant women increased, their total comfort scores decreased (P <.05). Ice application to the SP6 point during stage 1 of childbirth reduced labor pain, increased comfort, and reduced anxiety levels. No adverse events were found in the intervention group with ice massage applied to the SP6 point. Therefore, this method can be used as a safe and effective midwifery intervention in childbirth.

Effect of SP6 Acupressure on First-Period Labor Pain

The process of labor begins with uterine contractions that cause pain and discomfort in laboring mothers. The main problem in laboring mothers is pain. Pain is a single sensation caused by a specific stimulus that is subjective and different for each individual. One of the non-pharmaceutical therapies for overcoming labor pain is acupressure. The aim is to determine the effect of SP6 acupressure on labor pain during the first stage at the Midwife Clinic Nelly M. Harahap Padangsidimpuan City. This study was conducted using a quasi-experimental research method (pseudo-experiment) using a Pretest posttest only design. The number of samples in this study was 20 respondents. sampling method using a purposive sampling technique. Data were analyzed univariately and bivariately. The results of the study found labor pain before the SP6 Acupressure action in laboring mothers at time I with a mean of 6.65 and after the SP6 Acupressure action in laboring mothers at time I with a mean value of 3.05. This study concludes that there is an effect of Acupressure SP6 on labor pain at time I with a p-value of 0.002. It is recommended that laboring women gain knowledge and experience in the implementation of Acupressure SP6 on labor pain at stage I.

The Effect of Pelvic Rocking Exercise with a Birth Ball and SP6 Acupressure on Duration of the First and Second Stage of Labor

Background: Long duration of labor increases the pain that a mother experiences. Several non-pharmacological methods, such as pelvic rocking exercises and SP6 acupressure, have been discovered to reduce pain and accelerate labor duration. It needs to be clarified which of the two methods is more effective.Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of pelvic rocking exercise with a birth ball and SP6 acupressure in shortening the duration of the active phase in the first and the second stage of labor.Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design involving 64 mothers in the first stage of normal delivery who were recruited using propensity score matching sampling. The participants were divided into two intervention groups (the pelvic rocking exercise with a birth ball and SP6 acupressure). Each respondent in the two intervention groups was monitored for progress of labor during the active phase in the first stage using a partograph starting from cervical dilatation of 4 cm to 10 cm. The duration of the second stage was assessed by calculating the length of time from cervical dilatation of 10 cm to the delivery of the entire baby. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed to assess the difference between the two interventions in the two stages of labor assessed.Results: There was a difference in the duration of labor in the first stage (p=0.00) and the second stage (p=0.001) between the groups given the pelvic rocking exercise with a birth ball and the SP6 acupressure. The pelvic rocking exercise with a birth ball was found to be more effective in shortening the duration of the active phase in the first stage (Mean rank=19.83) and the second stage of labor (Mean rank=24.56) compared to SP6 acupressure (Mean rank of the first stage=45.17 and Mean rank of the second stage=40.44).Conclusion: The pelvic rocking exercise was found to be more effective compared to SP6 acupressure in shortening the duration of the active phase in the first and the second stage of labor. Pelvic rocking exercise can be implemented to help accelerate labor duration so that mothers can feel more comfortable during the labor.

Pengaruh Akupresur Titik SP6 dan LI4 terhadap Pengurangan Intensitas Nyeri Kala I Persalinan di PMB NY. T.O Desa Klapanunggal Kabupaten Bogor

Labor pain can cause stress which causes excessive release of hormones such as catecholamines and steroids. Pain in the active phase is physiological pain that occurs for a longer time, for that we need an effort to deal with pain in the first stage of labor. If pain in labor is not overcome, it will cause problems that are not only painful for the mother in labor, but also have the potential to threaten the life of the fetus. One technique that can be done to reduce the intensity of labor pain is to provide acupressure techniques. This study aims to determine the effect of acupressure points SP6 and L14 on reducing pain intensity in the first stage of labor at BPM Ny. T.O Klapanunggal Village, Bogor Regency. This research is a Quasi Experimental Design using the One Group Pre-Post Test Design approach. The population in this study were all maternity mothers who had their pregnancy checked at BPM Ny. T.O. The sampling technique was carried out by accidental sampling and obtained a sample of 25 respondents. The study was conducted from July to August 2021. The data was collected by observing the acupressure treatment with the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Univariate analysis using frequency distribution and Bivariate analysis using paired t-test. The results of the study that the average labor pain before being given the SP6 and L14 acupressure techniques was 6.48 and after being given the SP6 and L14 acupressure techniques was 3.84. There is an effect of SP6 and L14 acupressure techniques on labor pain in the first stage of active phase at BPM Ny. T.O (p–value 0.0001 &lt; 0.05) with a decrease of 2.64. Acupressure therapy can be applied to midwifery care for mothers in the first stage of labor, which aims to reduce labor pain.

Acupressure LI4 and SP6 on Pain with Quality of Life in Post Partum Sectio Caesarea

Pain is an unpleasant experience. In patients who still feel pain, it will affect the mobilization of the mother after cesarean section and all aspects of quality of life. Various attempts have been made to relieve pain both pharmacologically and non-pharmacologically. Acupressure LI4 and SP6 are believed to reduce pain. This study aims to identify the effect of Hegu LI4 and SP6 acupressure on Pain on Quality of Life in Post Partum SCThe research design used was a quasi-experimental with pre-post test non-equivalent control group design. The sampling technique was non-probabilty sampling with consecutive sampling with a total sample of 30 respondents in the treatment group and the control group. Independent bivariable analysis until T-test with a significance value of P &lt;0.05, multivariable analysis using linear regression. The results of this study are expected to help postpartum Sectio Caesarea mothers in reducing pain. The results of this study can reduce pain and improve the quality of life for postpartum SC which will be the basis for studies in the field of obstetrics

Effects of SP6 and ST36 Acupressure on Pain and Physiological Indexes in Addicted Men: A Single-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

BackgroundPain is the most crucial reason to seek treatment, and acupressure is one of the most common ways to relieve pain; therefore, this study was conducted with the aim to investigate the effectiveness of acupressure on the reduction of pain and stability of physiological indexes in addicted men.MethodsThe present single-blind, randomized, clinical trial was performed on 90 participants who were hospitalized in an addiction treatment camp in Masjed-e-Soleyman, Iran. The participants were divided into acupressure group (n = 45) and control group (n = 45) through allocating permutation blocks method. The acupressure group received acupressure on SP6 and ST36 points for 3 consecutive sessions and each session for 10 minutes. The data collection tools used included a demographic information questionnaire, the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and a physiological index registration form, tympanic thermometer, sphygmomanometer, pulse oximetry device, and digital watch. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statically significant.FindingsThere was a statistically significant decrease in the sensory dimension of pain in the acupressure group compared to the control group in all 3 sessions (P ≤ 0.001; P ≤ 0.001; P = 0.001, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in the overall pain score (P ≥ 0.005), emotional pain dimension (P ≥ 0.005), and physiological indexes of pain (P ≥ 0.005) between the two groups after the intervention.ConclusionAcupressure is a non-invasive and cost-effective method that reduces the sensory dimension of painý, and its application does not require special tools; ýthus, the use of such a safe and secure method for relieving pain is recommended.

Effect of acupressure on dysmenorrhea among adolescents

Background Dysmenorrhea is a significant public health problem, which has a negative effect on female's health, social relationships, school or work activities, and psychological status. Purpose The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of acupressure on Sanyinjiao Acupoint (SP6) on primary dysmenorrhea among adolescents. Patients and methods Research design was an experimental case–control study. A total of 100 girls were randomly assigned to two equal groups (A and B): group A included 50 girls who received SP6 acupressure, whereas group B included 50 girls who received only light skin touching. Menstrual pain was measured by using a structured questionnaire, a subjective menstrual pain scales (Visual Analog Scale and McGill Pain Questionnaire – part I), before (at 8 a.m.) and after the intervention (at 8 p.m.) during the first 3 days of menstruation for 2 consecutive months. Results There was a significant decrease in menstrual pain among the two groups. Conclusion SP6 acupressure was effective in decreasing menstrual pain and can easily be used as a nursing management method for adolescents. Recommendation Acupressure should be offered to cope with menstrual pain, as it is useful and has no adverse effects.

An Evaluation of Acupressure on the Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Hugo (LI4) Points on the Pain Severity and Length of Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Study.

Background:In this study, the effects of SP6 and LI4 acupressure on the pain severity and length of labor are examined.Materials and Methods:This systematic review and meta-analysis study was performed on articles published in 2004–2015. The articles, published in the English and Farsi languages, related to the effects of acupressure on the SP6 and LI4 points on the length and pain severity of labor. Data were collected by searching medical databases, including PubMed, ISI, MagIran, Google Scholar, Iran Medex, SID, Irandoc, and EMBASE, for relevant material.Results:Women who received SP6 acupressure experienced less pain immediately after the intervention [−0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.77, −0.36] than women in the touch group and exhibited decrease in the length of labor (−0.99, 95% CI: −1.39, −0.39), the active phase (0.95, 95% CI: −1.30, −0.61), and the second stage of labor (−0.39, 95% CI: −0.74, −0.03). Women who received LI4 acupressure experienced less pain immediately after the intervention (−0.94, 95%, CI: −1.36, −0.53) than women in the touch group and exhibited shorter active phase (−0.91, 95%, CI: −1.18, −0.63) and second stage of labor (−0.55, 95%, CI: −0.95, −0.15) lengths.Conclusions:The use of SP6 and LI4 acupressure shows promise as a method for managing the length and pain severity of labor, but further study is required to establish its effectiveness along with other pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Acupressure during Labour pain among Primigravida Mothers in Selected Hospitals, Puducherry

Acupressure has been used frequently to improve labour, manage labour 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. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of SP6 acupressure on labour pain and delivery time in primigravida women in labour. The study was conducted at selected Hospitals in Puducherry. Its design was a randomized controlled clinical trial study using a single-blinded method. One hundred (100) primigravida women in labour 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. Labour pain was measured five times using a structured questionnaire of a subjective labour 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 labour in both groups was measured with a parto-graph 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. There were significant differences between the groups in subjective labour 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). It was determined that SP6 acupressure was effective in decreasing pain and duration of labour.

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

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.

Effect of Acupressure on Labor Pain and Duration of Delivery among Laboring Women Attending Cairo University Hospital

Aim: To examine the effect of acupressure at sanyinjiao point (SP6) on labor pains and the duration of delivery in primigravida women. Material and Method: This study was conducted at labor and delivery unit at Cairo University hospital. One hundred (100) women in labor were randomly selected (50 women for study group and 50 women for control group). Labor pain and progress were measured using a structured questionnaire, partograph and subjective labor pain scale (visual-analogue scale [VAS]): before intervention, immediately after the intervention, 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 120 minutes after intervention. Results: There were significant differences between groups in subjective labor pain scores at all time points following the intervention Conclusion: The findings showed that SP6 acupressure was effective related to the reduction of labor pains, and duration of delivery. SP6 acupressure could be applied as an effective non pharmacological management during labor.

Effects of acupressure on dysmenorrhea in college students: a non-randomized controlled trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupressure in reducing the pain level due to primary dysmenorrhea. This is a quasi-experimental study with two-group design. Forty (40) participants with primary dysmenorrhea were allocated either to undergo SP6 acupressure (n=19) or control group (n=21).The experimental group received 20 minutes SP6 acupressure during the intervention session while the control group take rest only. The Pain Visual Analogue scale (PVAS), blood pressure and heart rate were assessed prior to and 1 hour following treatment. Results indicated that there were statistically significant decrease of PVAS immediate after (p=0.003) and one hour (p=0.001) after the 20 minutes of SP6 acupressure. Change of PVAS score immediate (r=-0.46, p=0.045) and one hour post-intervention (r=-0.53, p=0.018) in the experimental group was negatively correlated with the number of hours commenced acupressure after menstruation started. No significant differences were observed in blood pressure and heart rate. These findings suggested that SP6 acupressure have an immediate effect in relieving pain for primary dysmenorrhea. Moreover, early application of acupressure to the SP6 acupoint was shown to be associated with increase reduction of pain severity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupressure in reducing the pain level due to primary dysmenorrhea. This is a quasi-experimental study with two-group design. Forty (40) participants with primary dysmenorrhea were allocated either to undergo SP6 acupressure (n=19) or control group (n=21).The experimental group received 20 minutes SP6 acupressure during the intervention session while the control group take rest only. The Pain Visual Analogue scale (PVAS), blood pressure and heart rate were assessed prior to and 1 hour following treatment. Results indicated that there were statistically significant decrease of PVAS immediate after (p=0.003) and one hour (p=0.001) after the 20 minutes of SP6 acupressure. Change of PVAS score immediate (r=-0.46, p=0.045) and one hour post-intervention (r=-0.53, p=0.018) in the experimental group was negatively correlated with the number of hours commenced acupressure after menstruation started. No significant differences were observed in blood pressure and heart rate. These findings suggested that SP6 acupressure have an immediate effect in relieving pain for primary dysmenorrhea. Moreover, early application of acupressure to the SP6 acupoint was shown to be associated with increase reduction of pain severity.

The efficacy of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point in the improvement of women's general health.

This study's objective was to examine the effectiveness of Sanyinjiao point (SP6) acupressure on women's general health. This was a randomized, single-blind clinical trial. The setting for this trial was at Medical University, Bojnoord University of Medical Science, Bojnoord, Iran. Eighty-six (86) university students were recruited for this study. Their demographic characteristics were gathered before the intervention commenced. Participants completed General Health Questionnaires (GHQ) prior to participation. Next, they were randomly assigned to either the acupressure-receiving group or the sham-pressure-receiving group. The study group received acupressure at the Sanyinjiao point, while the control group received sham pressure. Both groups completed GHQ after both the first and second months of intervention. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 13.5 for Windows. The mean age of those who completed the study was 20.84±1.64 years. Mean scores of GHQs were similar between groups before intervention (p>0.05). The general health of participants in both groups improved after intervention, and the amelioration in four domains was significant in the groups (p<0.05 within group). It was found that acupressure was more effective than sham pressure. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the four domains of their general heath after the first month of the intervention (p<0.0001). Furthermore, the general health status of the participants changed much more after the second month in both the acupressure intervention and the sham pressure groups; nevertheless, acupressure was more effective than sham pressure (p<0.05). Both acupressure and sham pressure were effective in promoting women's general health; nevertheless, the efficacy of acupressure was more than that of sham pressure. SP6 acupressure could be regarded as a self-manageable approach to improve women's general health.

The effects of acupressure on primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of acupressure on primary dysmenorrhea in Iranian medical sciences students. A randomized controlled pre and post-test design was employed to verify the effects of SP6 acupressure on dysmenorrhea. A total of 30 young college female students with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The intervention group received SP6 acupressure during menstruation cycle and the control group received light touch on the SP6 acupoint. Using a Visual Analog Scale, the severity of dysmenorrhea was assessed prior to and immediately, 30 min, 1, 2, and 3 h following treatment. Data were analyzed using X(2), t-test and ANOVA statistical tests. Significant differences were observed in the scores of dysmenorrhea between the two groups immediately after (3.50 ± 1.42 vs. 5.06 ± 1.43, p = 0.004) and also 3 h after treatment (1.66 ± 1.98 vs. 4.80 ± 1.37, p = 0.000). Acupressure on the SP6 meridian can be an effective non-invasive nursing intervention for alleviating primary dysmenorrhea and its effects last for 3 h post-treatment.

Effects of SP6 acupressure on pain and menstrual distress in young women with dysmenorrhea

This study aims to evaluate the effects of Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupressure in reducing the pain level and menstrual distress resulting from dysmenorrhea. Forty participants with dysmenorrhea were assigned to either the acupressure group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 21). The acupressure group received 20 min of SP6 acupressure during the initial intervention session and was taught to perform the technique for them to do twice a day from the first to third days of their menstrual cycle, 3 months subsequent to the first session. In contrast, the control group was only told to rest. Outcomes were measured through (1) the Pain Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS), (2) the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and (3) the Short-Form Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (SF-MDQ). There was a statistically significant decrease in pain score for PVAS (p = 0.003) and SF-MPQ (p = 0.02) immediately after the 20 min of SP6 acupressure. In the self-care periods, significant reduction of PVAS (p = 0.008), SF-MPQ (p = 0.012), and SF-MDQ (p = 0.024) scores was noted in the third month of post-intervention. SP6 acupressure has an immediate pain-relieving effect for dysmenorrhea. Moreover, acupressure applied to the SP6 acupoint for 3 consecutive months was effective in relieving both the pain and menstrual distress level resulting from dysmenorrhea.