Positive Health Online

Abstract

FELHENDLER and LISANDER, Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping, Sweden studied the analgaesic effect of acupoint pressure upon postoperative pain in a controlled single-blind study.

Background

Methodology

40 patients undergoing knee arthroscopy were randomised to receive either an active stimulation (AS) or a placebo stimulation (PS) 30 minutes following awakening from anaesthesia. The authors stimulated 15 classical acupoints in the AS group, on the side opposite to surgery using firm pressure and a gliding movement across the acupoint. For the PS group, 15 nonacupoints were subjected to light pressure in the same areas as the acupoints in the AS group. Pain was assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS) prior to sensory stimulation, after 30 and 60 minutes and following 24 hours. Heart rate, systolic arterial pressure and skin temperature were monitored prior to stimulation and following 30 and 60 minuts. Skin blood flow was assessed using laser Doppler before stimulation and after 1 and 30 minutes.

Results

VAS pain scores were lower than in the placebo group 60 minutes and 24 hours following AS and there were no significant changes in the autonomic variables.

Conclusion

Pressure on acupoints can decrease postoperative pain.

References

Felhendler D and Lisander B. Pressure on acupoints decreases postoperative pain. Clin J Pain 12(4): 326-9. Dec 1996.