The Effect of Auriculotherapy on Labor Pain, Length of Active Phase and Episiotomy Rate Among Reproductive Aged Women

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of auriculotherapy on labor pain, the length of the active phase, and episiotomy rate among reproductive aged Iranian women. Materials and methods: In this study, 80 women were assigned to two groups: auriculotherapy (n = 40) and control group (n = 40). Auriculotherapy was performed in the earlobe in the Zero, Shen Men, Uterus, Pelvic, Abdomen, Spleen, External genitalia, and Master cerebral regions in the cervix dilation of 4, 6, and 8 cm between uterine contractions. The control group received routine hospital care. The labor pain, duration of the active phase, and rate of episiotomy were assessed in two groups. The independent t- test and chi-square were used for statistical purposes. Results: The mean of labor pain during the active phase was 7.56 ± 0.83 in the auriculotherapy group and 8.43 ± 0.69 in the control group (p < 0.001). The length of active phase was significantly lower in the auriculotherapy than that in the control group (176.2 ± 1 min vs. 342.8±87.2 min, p < 0.001). The rate of normal vaginal delivery (without an episiotomy or perineal tears) was significantly higher in the auriculotherapy group than that in the control group (50% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Auriculotherapy is safe, cost effective and devoid of side effects to reduce the labour pain, length of the active phase and the rate of episiotomy in nulliparous women. This method can be considered as a complementary medicine in labour.