A randomized clinical trial of the efficacy of applying a simple acupressure protocol to the Taichong point in relieving dysmenorrhea

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether applying a simple acupressure protocol to the Taichong point is effective in relieving dysmenorrhea. Methods: In this single-blind trial 194 students with dysmenorrhea were randomized to receive acupressure 5 days before menstruation for 3 months on either the Taichong or a placebo point. The severity of dysmenorrhea was assessed in the first and last of the 4 study cycles using the Andersch and Milsom scale. The chi(2) test, t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for data analysis. Results: The difference in dysmenorrhea severity between the 2 groups was not significant in the first cycle but it was significant in the fourth cycle (U = 2377.00, P<0.001), and the decrease in dysmenorrhea severity was also significant in the study group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Applying a simple pressure protocol to the Taichong acupoint was an effective and inexpensive way of decreasing the severity of dysmenorrhea. (C) 2010 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.