• C L Wong, K Y Lai, and H M Tse.
• Room 621, Esther Lee Building, The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR. jojowong@cuhk.edu.hk
• Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2010 May 1; 16 (2): 64-9.

ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the effects of Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupressure in reducing the pain level and menstrual distress resulting from dysmenorrhea.MethodsForty participants with dysmenorrhea were assigned to either the acupressure group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 21). The acupressure group received 20 min of SP6 acupressure during the initial intervention session and was taught to perform the technique for them to do twice a day from the first to third days of their menstrual cycle, 3 months subsequent to the first session. In contrast, the control group was only told to rest. Outcomes were measured through (1) the Pain Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS), (2) the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and (3) the Short-Form Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (SF-MDQ).ResultsThere was a statistically significant decrease in pain score for PVAS (p = 0.003) and SF-MPQ (p = 0.02) immediately after the 20 min of SP6 acupressure. In the self-care periods, significant reduction of PVAS (p = 0.008), SF-MPQ (p = 0.012), and SF-MDQ (p = 0.024) scores was noted in the third month of post-intervention.ConclusionsSP6 acupressure has an immediate pain-relieving effect for dysmenorrhea. Moreover, acupressure applied to the SP6 acupoint for 3 consecutive months was effective in relieving both the pain and menstrual distress level resulting from dysmenorrhea.Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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