In 2012, a study conducted about Childbirth which is widely regarded as one of the most painful experiences in a woman’s life. A study conducted by researchers Zahra Hajiamini, Sirati Nir Masoud, Abbas Ebadi, Afzali Mahboubh, and Ali Asgari Matin delved into alternative methods for mitigating this pain, focusing on the effects of ice massage and acupressure.

The quasi-experimental study involved 90 pregnant women from selected hospitals in Tehran, with an average age of 27.82 years. These women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: ice massage, acupressure, or placebo, each comprising 30 participants. The interventions were applied at the Hegu point, a commonly used pressure point located on the hand. Pain intensity was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) at three intervals: before the intervention, immediately after, 30 minutes post-intervention, and one hour post-intervention.

Results indicated a significant reduction in pain intensity for both the ice massage and acupressure groups compared to the placebo group. Notably, the ice massage group experienced the most pronounced and sustained pain relief, particularly 30 minutes after the intervention.

This study suggests that both ice massage and acupressure are effective, non-invasive, and cost-efficient techniques for reducing labor pain. The researchers recommend that these techniques be repeated during the first stage of labor to maximize pain relief. This finding offers a promising avenue for expectant mothers seeking alternative pain management strategies during childbirth.

Reference: Hajiamini, Z., Masoud, S. N., Ebadi, A., Mahboubh, A., & Matin, A. A. (2012). Comparing the effects of ice massage and acupressure on labor pain reduction. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 18(3), 169-172.