Acupressure significantly reduces pain and duration of labour
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of SP6 acupressure on labour pain and delivery time in women in labour. Seventy-five (75) women in labour were randomly assigned to either the SP6 acupressure (n = 36) or SP6 touch control (n = 39) group.
The 30-minute acupressure or touch on SP6 acupoint was performed.
There were significant differences between the groups in subjective labour pain scores at all time points following the intervention: immediately after the intervention (p = 0.012); 30 minutes after the intervention (p = 0.021); and 60 minutes after the intervention (p = 0.012). The total labour time (3 cm dilatation to delivery) was significantly shorter in the SP6 acupressure intervention group than in the control group (p = 0.006).
These findings showed that SP6 acupressure was effective for decreasing labor pain and shortening the length of delivery time. SP6 acupressure can be an effective nursing management for women in labour.
Reference
Mi et al. (2004). Effects of SP6 Acupressure on Labor Pain and Length of Delivery Time in Women During Labor. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10(6): 959-965.