Acupuncture and Acupressure in Labor

Area of Science:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Integrative Medicine
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Acupuncture and acupressure are ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques.
• These modalities aim to balance yin and yang for pain and symptom management.
• They have a long history of use in China for intrapartum care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on acupuncture and acupressure for intrapartum events.
• To evaluate the effects of these therapies on labor pain, duration, and interventions.
• To identify areas needing further research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on acupuncture and acupressure in labor.
• Analysis of findings regarding pain reduction, labor augmentation, and cervical ripening.
• Examination of effects on pharmacologic agent use and assisted births.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture may reduce labor pain, pharmacologic agent use, assisted births, and labor length.
• Acupressure may reduce labor pain and duration.
• Acupuncture did not shorten induced labor length or reduce oxytocin/epidural use for premature rupture of membranes.
• Neither modality was found to increase cervical ripening or induce labor.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture and acupressure show potential benefits in managing labor pain and duration.
• Evidence is insufficient to definitively establish efficacy and optimal application.
• Further research is required to determine optimal point selection, techniques, and stimulation duration.