Effectiveness of Cheek Acupuncture Therapy for Pain Control After Cesarean Delivery

Cheek Acupuncture Therapy Vs. Standard Therapy for Pain Control After Elective Caesarean Section - a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study investigates whether cheek acupuncture therapy can alleviate postoperative pain in cesarean section patients and explores its mechanisms of action through a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.

Pain control after cesarean delivery, if inadequately managed, can impact the prognosis of the mother and the health of the infant. There is an urgent need to explore safer, more effective, and straightforward non-pharmacological adjunctive interventions to alleviate the pain associated with cesarean section. Cheek acupuncture therapy is a green micro-acupuncture treatment that has shown significant improvement in various types of pain and holds great potential for relieving perioperative pain. To practice the concept of perioperative acupuncture medicine, this study aims to investigate whether cheek acupuncture therapy can alleviate postoperative pain in cesarean section patients and to explore the mechanisms by which it exerts its effects, through a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients are classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I to III.
2. Scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia.
3. Patients are aged between 19 to 45 years old.
4. Patients have provided written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Local skin infection at the acupuncture sites in the cheek area.
2. Cases where spinal anesthesia fails and general anesthesia is required.
3. Patients with conditions such as recurrent alcohol abuse, fever, convulsions, or cardiopulmonary failure.
4. Patients who have used opioid medications at least 6 months prior to surgery.
5. Patients who are unable to understand the consent form and study questionnaire, including those with cognitive impairments.
6. Patients with a history of psychiatric illness.