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Research: SCHLAEGER and COLLEAGUES,
Listed in Issue 296
Abstract
SCHLAEGER and COLLEAGUES, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA present a review of the current literature that has addressed the effects of acupuncture and acupressure on intrapartum events
Background
Acupuncture and acupressure, 2 modalities of Traditional Chinese Medicine, are based on reducing pain and symptoms of disease through balancing yin and yang. Acupuncture and acupressure have been used in China for reduction of labour pain, labour augmentation, and other intrapartum indications for more than 2 millennia.
Methodology
This article presents a review of the current literature that has addressed the effects of acupuncture and acupressure on intrapartum events.
Results
Studies of acupuncture have demonstrated that acupuncture may reduce labour pain, the use of pharmacologic agents, the use of forceps and vacuum-assisted births, and the length of labour. Studies that examined the effect of acupuncture on labour that is induced or augmented for premature rupture of membranes have found that acupuncture may increase the degree of cervical ripening but does not reduce the amount of oxytocin or epidural analgesia administration, nor does it shorten length of induced labour. Acupressure may reduce labour pain and labour duration, but acupressure has not been found to increase cervical ripening or induce labour.
Conclusion
There are insufficient studies about acupuncture and acupressure and their effects on labour at this time, and there is need for further research. Areas of uncertainty include efficacy, optimal point selection, best techniques, and length of time for point stimulation.
References
Judith M Schlaeger, Elizabeth M Gabzdyl, Jeanie L Bussell, Nobuari Takakura, Hiroyoshi Yajima, Miho Takayama, Diana J Wilkie. Acupuncture and Acupressure in Labor J Midwifery Womens Health:;62(1):12-28. doi: 10.1111/jmwh.12545. Epub Dec 21 2016 . Jan 2017.
Comment
This review of the published literature signposts the need for further research regarding acupuncture and acupressure in labour pain, labour augmentation and other childbirth events and highlighted areas of uncertainty in these disciplines.
