Increasing Oxytocin through Electroacupuncture Stimulation at LI4 and SP6 Points in Postpartum Cesarean Section

Abstract

Background: Pain from postoperative cesarean section stitches can cause physiological stress, thereby disrupting mobility and affecting the uterine involution process postpartum. Acupuncture at points LI4 and SP6 has been reported to stimulate uterine contractions and reduce pain. Objective: To look into how electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation works at particular places LI4, SP6, and the combination of LI4 & SP6 with frequencies of 30, 50, and 100 Hz on the increase in oxytocin levels postpartum cesarean section. Method: The number of respondents was 144 postpartum cesarean section patients who met the inclusion criteria, divided using the randomized controlled trial (RCT) method into 8 intervention and control groups. Oxytocin levels were analyzed through blood samples using the ELISA method, comparing results before and after the intervention as well as with the control group. Result: The electroacupuncture intervention group's analysis at points LI4 and SP6 showed a substantial (P<0.05) rise in oxytocin levels when compared to the control group. Conclusion: The findings of this research suggest that electroacupuncture intervention following a cesarean section can induce a rise in the levels of the hormone oxytocin.