Abstract
Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) is a significant gynecological problem in girls and young women. The recommended second-line treatment includes acupuncture and hot compresses.
Moreover, the World Health Organization classifies dysmenorrhea to conditions that can be effectively treated by acupuncture as proven in controlled clinical trials. This publication presents a study design that combines elements of acupuncture and thermotherapy, in which acupuncture points are stimulated with heat.
Such a procedure can be called point thermotherapy (moxibustion). Aim.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of moxibustion on relieving symptoms associated with painful menstruation in girls and young women aged 16-20 years. Materials and methods.
The study group included 15 participants. Four acupoints used in the study were heated with moxa in the form of smokeless cigar-shaped sticks, 12 cm long and 1.5 cm in diameter.
The sticks were placed 2-5 cm over the skin of the heated site (depending on individual heat perception). The points were heated until the participant reported an evident heat stimulus.
Each treatment lasted approximately 30 minutes. It was touchless and painless.
The patient felt only warmth in heated sites. Each participant underwent 3 treatments over a period of 2 weeks.
Results. The research shows that moxibustion considerably reduces symptoms associated with dysmenorrhea, such as headache, backache, nausea, nervousness and mood swings.
The implemented therapy significantly improved sleep quality and appetite of the participants as well as self-esteem of girls and young women suffering from painful menstruation. Conclusions.
Heating acupoints has led to positive changes in the participants' quality of life and has significantly improved physical functioning, limitations associated with the physical condition, general well-being and mental health.