Two acupuncture points reduce time in labour
Nowadays, acupuncture is widely used to manage pain, and childbirth is a condition requiring appropriate pain management interventions. In this study, we investigated the effects of acupuncture on labour pain, serum cortisol level, and duration of labour.
We conducted a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial that included 63 nulliparous women: 32 in the study group and 31 in the control group.
Acupuncture was performed at the SP-6 and the LI-4 points in the study group, and sham acupuncture was performed at the same points in the control group.
Our results show that acupuncture is significantly associated with a decreased duration of labour.
Reference
Asadi, et al. (2015) Effects of LI-4 and SP-6 Acupuncture on Labor Pain, Cortisol Level and Duration of Labor. J Acupunct Meridian Stud; 8(5):249-54. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2015.08.003.