Journal of Acupuncture Research

Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine Society (대한침구의학회)
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Electroacupuncture Treatment for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

  • Jeon, Myung Kyu (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Park, Jae Eun (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Min Cheol (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Hyeon Jin (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Ahn, Jae Young (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Shin, Na Young (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Nam, Hye Jin (Department of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology of Korean Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Chae, Go Eun (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Jo, Hye Jeong (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Hyun Woo (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Lee, Young Jin (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Koh, Arha (Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital) ;
  • Kim, Woo Young (Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine, Ulsan Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital)
  • Received : 2022.07.04
  • Accepted : 2022.08.01
  • Published : 2022.08.31
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Abstract

To evaluate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture treatment for primary dysmenorrhea (PD), a literature review of a randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed where electroacupuncture was used as a treatment intervention in patients diagnosed with PD. Relevant clinical studies (N = 226) were retrieved from multiple databases according to the study inclusion/exclusion criteria, and interventions and outcomes were analyzed. As a result of the review, there were 6 RCTs which met the criteria. In all 4 studies that measured pain indicators (visual analog scales), electroacupuncture showed significantly positive changes. In addition, positive changes were observed in most indicators (MMDQ, PGF2a, PGE2, 6-keto PGF1, TXB2, clinical efficacy score, uterine arterial blood flow parameters, and blood viscosity). 2 studies showed that electroacupuncture had a stronger therapeutic effect than NSAIDs. No major side effects were reported. Electroacupuncture may be an effective and safe treatment for PD however, further RCTs are required.

Keywords

References

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