Auricular Acupuncture Prior to Menstruation Can Reduce Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE

Primary dysmenorrhea is a common condition that impacts quality of life significantly. Auricular therapies have shown promise for treating primary dysmenorrhea, but there is a lack of evidence specifically for auricular acupuncture (AA). This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of AA for managing primary dysmenorrhea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized, double-blinded controlled trial was conducted on 90 females with primary dysmenorrhea: an AA group;  = 45) and a sham-AA (SA) group;  = 45. Specific ear acupoints (i.e., Uterus, Endocrine, , Subcortex, Liver, and Kidney) were used for the intervention, which was 1 or 2 days prior to the expected menstruation onset. Outcomes were visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, ibuprofen needs, and adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

The AA group had significantly lower VAS scores, compared to the SA group at menstruation onset and for up to 12 hours (mean differences [MDs] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: -1.08 [-1.96, -0.21] and -1.17 [-2.16, -0.18], respectively). Both groups had reductions in pain levels, compared to the prior menstrual cycle; the AA group had a significantly greater improvement. The AA group needed fewer ibuprofen tablets (MD: -0.28; 95% CI: -0.58, 0.00]). AEs were mild pain and irritation at insertion sites, all resolved spontaneously with no lasting effects.

CONCLUSIONS

AA is safe. It may be effective for managing primary dysmenorrhea. Further studies are warranted on AA's effectiveness in diverse populations and extended times.