A Study is Examining How Postpartum Pain after Cesarean Section (SC) Can be Reduced by Boosting Levels of β-endorphin Through Electroacupuncture Stimulation at The Specified Points LI4 and SP6

Abstract

Background: The physical healing process following a cesarean section surgery can induce anxiety and physiological stress due to wound pain, potentially impairing patient mobility and necessitating the administration of analgesic therapy. Pharmacological treatment sometimes proves insufficient or contraindicated for postpartum cesarean section patients, highlighting the need for non-pharmacological alternative therapies. Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at specific points SP6 and LI4 using frequencies of 30, 50, and 100 Hz on reducing pain intensity and increasing levels of the hormone β-endorphin in postpartum cesarean section patients. Method: In this research, 144 postpartum cesarean section participants meeting inclusion criteria are divided into 8 groups, comprising intervention and control groups, utilizing a randomized control trial (RCT) technique. Pain intensity is measured using the pain numeric rating scale (PNRS), while levels of β-endorphin are analyzed through blood samples using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method to compare outcomes before and after intervention. Result: The analysis of the intervention group receiving electroacupuncture at specific points LI4 and SP6 has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing pain by increasing levels of the hormone β-endorphin, in comparison to the control group, with significant findings. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that electroacupuncture intervention in postpartum cesarean section patients can stimulate an increase in β-endorphin hormone levels and effectively reduce postpartum cesarean section pain intensity. Keywords: Electroacupuncture, LI4, SP6, Postpartum, Cesarean section