Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Relieving Pain in Postpartum Women With Episiotomy

Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Relieving Pain in Postpartum Women With Episiotomy

This randomized, single-blind controlled trial examined the effects of auricular acupressure on postpartum women who underwent episiotomy. A total of 86 participants were allocated to either an intervention group, which received routine care plus transparent auricular patches containing magnetic beads applied to selected acupoints, or a control group, which received identical patches without magnetic beads. The patches were applied for 48 hours after delivery. Perineal pain and its impact on daily activities were assessed at 2, 12, 24, and 48 hours postpartum, while satisfaction with perineal pain care was measured at 48 hours. Using independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and generalized estimating equations, the study evaluated whether auricular acupressure reduced perineal wound pain, lessened pain-related interference with daily activities, and improved satisfaction with perineal pain management.

-Inclusion Criteria-

1. Women with singleton pregnancies who delivered vaginally.
2. Women who underwent episiotomy.
3. Gestational age between 37 and 42 weeks.
4. Willing to participate in the study and provide signed informed consent.
5. Age 18 years or older.

-Exclusion Criteria-

1. Women with skin lesions or allergies at the auricular acupressure site.
2. Women with gynecological disorders, such as uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, or endometriosis.
3. Women or newborns with severe postpartum complications, such as postpartum hemorrhage, infection, perineal hematoma, major neonatal diseases, or admission to the neonatal intensive care unit.
4. Women with psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety or depression.