Comparing the Effect of Two Methods of Acupressure and Ice Massage on the Pain, Anxiety Levels and Labor Length in the Point LI-4

Delivery is one of the most painful experiences to women throughout life; therefore, it seems essential to obtain remedies for labor pain relief, especially in regard to non-invasive methods. This study intends to compare effect of two methods of acupressure and ice massage on the pain severity, anxiety level and length of labor in nulliparous women In this experimental study, 165 nulliparous women were randomly assigned to three groups. First group: acupressure, Group II: ice massage, and group III: control. Each group consisted of 55 women. Intervention was exerted in cervical dilatation of 3-4 cm on LI-4 and intervention period lasted for 30 minutes. In the first group pressure and in the second group ice massage was applied. Labor pain and anxiety levels in the three groups were assessed by VAS and Spielberger state questionnaire in two stages. Duration of first and second stage of labor was compared in the three groups. There was a significant decrease in pain immediately after intervention in ice massage and acupressure groups in comparison to the control group (P≤0/001). Moreover, pain was decreased more in the ice massage group, whereas pain intensity was increased in the control group (P≤0/001). Anxiety level and the length of first and second stage of labor were significantly reduced (P≤0/001) in comparison with the control group. Both acupressure and ice massage lead to reduce pain intensity, duration of labor and level anxiety in nulliparous women, the ice massage appeared to be more influential