Comparison of Acupressure Effect on Two Points, Sanyinjiao versus Tai Chong, on Primary Dysmenorrhea

Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is a common gynecological problem in women. It is defined as a menstrual pain that occurs in absence of pelvic pathology. PD causes school absence and job restriction for many women and girls. Pain is the main complain of PD but other systemic symptoms like headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, irritability and dizziness are common. Many chemical drugs have been used to manage dysmenorrhea, but most of them have side effects. Acupoint stimulation therapies, like acupressure, might be an effective intervention for primary dysmenorrhea. SP6 and Liv3 are two important acupoints to improve primary dysmenorrhea. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of acupressure in two points SP6 and Liv3 on primary dysmenorrhea. This is a single-blind, randomized clinical trial study. Severity of pain and symptoms were assessed at baseline and also after two menstrual cycles of the investigation using validated questionnaires. 94 non-married women between 18-30 years old, who suffered from primary dysmenorrhea, completed the study (n=50 Liv3, n=44 SP6). The SP6 group received 20 min of acupressure during the initial intervention session and educated to perform the technique twice a day, from 3-5 days before to third days of their menstrual cycle, for two cycles. In contrast, the Liv3 group, performed this method but on Liv3 acupoint. Severity of dysmenorrhea was assessed with Andersch and Milsom verbal multidimensional scoring system. In order to analysis of data, Friedman test and GEE statistics test were used. In comparison with baseline, severity of pain in both treated groups decreased (p=0.001). But statistical significance was not observed between two groups. It seems that acupressure on SP6 and Liv3, without any preference, is effective to decrease of severity of pain of dysmenorrhea.