Auricular Acupuncture Prior to Menstruation Can Reduce Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Med Acupunct
; 36(1): 12-20, 2024 Feb 01.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38380169
ABSTRACT
Objective:
Primary dysmenorrhea is a common condition that impacts quality of life significantly. Auricular therapies have shown promise for treating primary dysmenorrhea, but there is a lack of evidence specifically for auricular acupuncture (AA). This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of AA for managing primary dysmenorrhea. Materials andMethods:
A randomized, double-blinded controlled trial was conducted on 90 females with primary dysmenorrhea an AA group; n = 45) and a sham-AA (SA) group; n = 45. Specific ear acupoints (i.e., Uterus, Endocrine, Shenmen, Subcortex, Liver, and Kidney) were used for the intervention, which was 1 or 2 days prior to the expected menstruation onset. Outcomes were visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, ibuprofen needs, and adverse events (AEs).Results:
The AA group had significantly lower VAS scores, compared to the SA group at menstruation onset and for up to 12 hours (mean differences [MDs] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs] -1.08 [-1.96, -0.21] and -1.17 [-2.16, -0.18], respectively). Both groups had reductions in pain levels, compared to the prior menstrual cycle; the AA group had a significantly greater improvement. The AA group needed fewer ibuprofen tablets (MD -0.28; 95% CI -0.58, 0.00]). AEs were mild pain and irritation at insertion sites, all resolved spontaneously with no lasting effects.Conclusions:
AA is safe. It may be effective for managing primary dysmenorrhea. Further studies are warranted on AA's effectiveness in diverse populations and extended times.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Med Acupunct
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Vietnam
Pais de publicación:
Estados Unidos