Thermotherapy for relieving dysmenorrhea in girls – a pilot study
Journal Title: Ginekologia i Położnictwo medical project - Year 2016, Vol 4, Issue 42
Abstract
Introduction. Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) is a significant gynecological problem in girls and young women. The recommended second-line treatment includes acupuncture and hot compresses. Moreover, the World Health Organization classifies dysmenorrhea to conditions that can be effectively treated by acupuncture as proven in controlled clinical trials. This publication presents a study design that combines elements of acupuncture and thermotherapy, in which acupuncture points are stimulated with heat. Such a procedure can be called point thermotherapy (moxibustion). Aim. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of moxibustion on relieving symptoms associated with painful menstruation in girls and young women aged 16–20 years. Materials and methods. The study group included 15 participants. Four acupoints used in the study were heated with moxa in the form of smokeless cigar-shaped sticks, 12 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter. The sticks were placed 2–5 cm over the skin of the heated site (depending on individual heat perception). The points were heated until the participant reported an evident heat stimulus. Each treatment lasted approximately 30 minutes. It was touchless and painless. The patient felt only warmth in heated sites. Each participant underwent 3 treatments over a period of 2 weeks. Results. The research shows that moxibustion considerably reduces symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea, such as headache, backache, nausea, nervousness and mood swings. The implemented therapy significantly improved sleep quality and appetite of the participants as well as self-esteem of girls and young women suffering from painful menstruation. Conclusions. Heating acupoints has led to positive changes in the participants’ quality of life and has significantly improved physical functioning, limitations associated with the physical condition, general well-being and mental health.
Authors and Affiliations
Mariusz Molenda, Małgorzata Molenda, Agnieszka Nowak-Brzezińska, Jan Horejší
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP555127
- DOI -
- Views 162
- Downloads 0
Czy menopauza i śródmaciczna selekcja zarodków to zjawiska sprzyjające ewolucji i rozwojowi człowieka jako gatunku?
W licznych badaniach medycznych dowiedziono, że kobiety decydujące się na ciąże w starszym wieku znacznie częściej rodzą dzieci z wadami rozwojowymi o różnej etiologii niż młode matki. Przyczyny tego zjawiska nie są jedn...
Martwica guza jajnika w ciąży bliźniaczej jednokosmówkowej – opis przypadku
Guzy jajnika są rzadkim powikłaniem ciąży. Rozpoznanie ich w pierwszym trymestrze zwykle nie nastręcza trudności diagnostycznych. Diagnoza w III trymestrze ciąży może mieć miejsce przypadkowo podczas operacji cięcia cesa...
Implantation important stage in the development of pregnancy
The paper presents the process of embryo implantation in the uterus. Successful implantation depends on the correct dialogue between the embryo and decidua. The factors of its failure include aneuploidy and metabolic dis...
Ovarian leiomyoma – case reports and literature review
Introduction. Ovarian leiomyoma is a rare benign ovarian tumor accounting for 0.5–1.0% of all benign ovarian tumors. The paper presents four cases of ovarian leiomyoma detected post-operatively by histopathological exami...
Complications after gynecologic surgeries
The paper discusses selected complications after gynecologic surgeries on the basis of Evidence Based Medicine with particular emphasis on their prevention. The authors analyze risk factors associated with postoperative...