Effectiveness of auricular point acupressure with magnetic plate for pain management in acute postpartum cesarean section patients in Thammasat University Hospital: a randomized clinical controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of auricular acupressure with or without magnetic plates to routine post cesarean pain management.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Thammasat University Hospital, between January and June 2020. All participants were term primigravida pregnant women who underwent cesarean delivery during the study period. Participants were divided into three groups, namely control, placebo and study groups. Study (magnetic application) and placebo (non-magnetic application) groups received magnetic and non-magnetic auricular patches at both pinnas, respectively. Randomized assignments for each group were computer-generated, printed and kept in opaque sealed envelopes. The points in this study were Shenmen (TF4), Erzhong (HX1) and Penqiang (TF5). Visual analog scale (VAS) was immediately recorded up to 72 h after the operation.

Results: A total of 195 cases were enrolled during the period of study. Each group had 65 participants. The mean participant's age was 31 years old. Demographic and clinical characters among the three groups were comparable. Pain scores within 12 h postoperative period of all three groups were comparable. Between 36 and 72 h post-operation, study groups had significantly lower VAS than the control group. One-quarter of participants had comparable nausea and vomiting side effects.

Conclusions: Auricular acupressure at Shenmen (TF4), Penqiang (TF5) and Erzhong (HX1) with magnetic plate attachment could significantly relieve post cesarean pain between 18 and 72 h.

Keywords: acupressure; cesarean section; magnetic plate; pain.