The Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Primary Dysmenorrheal Women

• Main Authors: Mei-Chuan Wang, 王美娟
• Other Authors: Chi-Feng Liu
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2005
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/21512220814159110029

碩士 === 國立台北護理學院 === 中西醫結合護理研究所 === 93 === The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of auricular acupressure on serum concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and menstrual distress level in primary dysmenorrheal women. Quasi-experimental design was adopted in this study. A total number of 71 subjects were recruited in this study from two nursing colleges in Taiwan. They were assigned to either experimental or control group by randomized sampling method. The experimental group received auricular acupressure treatment, the control group accepted only placebo. Short-form Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (Short-form MDQ) in self-writing form was adopted to assess symptoms and signs during the menstruation. Serum NO levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pre- and post-treatment tests were performed in both experimental and control groups. Sort-form MDQ scales showed significant difference (p <0.01) in the experimental group before and after the treatment. Instead, serum NO concentrations were not significant different in both groups before and after the interventions. In conclusion, auricular acupressure treatment is effective in relieving the menstrual distress of women with primary dysmenorrhea. It can be performed by a self-treating way, and shows no specific side-effect. This study provided clinical evidences of the auricular acupressure in the management of primary dysmenorrhea.