A new Cochrane review of acupuncture and acupressure for pain management in labour has come to the tentative conclusion that ‘acupuncture and acupressure may have a role with reducing pain, increasing satisfaction with pain management and reduced use of pharmacological management’ ; however they note as is so often the case, that there is a need for further research to confirm these findings.
In the review, 13 trials with data reporting on 1986 women were used. Nine trials reported on acupuncture and four trials reported on acupressure. Less intense pain was found from acupuncture compared with no intervention, one trial showed increased satisfaction with pain relief compared with placebo control; and reduced use of pharmacological analgesia was found in one trial of acupuncture compared with placebo (and compared with standard care).
Fewer instrumental deliveries from acupuncture were found compared with standard care, however there was significant heterogeneity. Pain intensity was reduced in the acupressure group compared with a placebo control and a combined control.
While the reviewers note there are potential areas of bias (quite possibly because acupuncture cannot be delivered ‘blind’) the preliminary evidence is encouraging.
Full details here:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21735441