Effects of Hand Acupuncture for Relieving Abdominal Pain in the Middle School Students

수지침요법이 중학생의 복통 완화에 미치는 효과

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of hand acupuncture on relieving of abdominal pain. Method: Fifty-five middle school students who complained abdominal pain were selected as subjects. There were 35 students in the experimental group while 20 students were in the control group. Convenience assignment was used. The experimental group received hand acupuncture treatment which was to puncture corresponding points (epigastric pain A8, A12, A16, K9, F4, E42; lower abdominal pain A1, A4, A6, A8, J1, H2) on both the palm and the back of a hand with disposable acupuncture needles, and then to remove them after a 20-30min. recess during the subjects was in supine position on a bed. Result: Degree of subjective pain decreased statistically in the experimental as compared to the control group. No statistical significant differences were found in objective pain and comfort between experimental and control group. Conclusion: These findings indicate that hand acupuncture is an effective method for reducing abdominal pain. Therefore, hand acupuncture could be considered as an independent nursing intervention for abdominal pain reduction.