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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07277478

Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Relieving Pain in Postpartum Women With Episiotomy

This randomized, single-blind controlled trial examined the effects of auricular acupressure on postpartum women who underwent episiotomy. A total of 86 participants were allocated to either an intervention group, which received routine care plus transparent auricular patches containing magnetic beads applied to selected acupoints, or a control group, which received identical patches without magnetic beads. The patches were applied for 48 hours after delivery. Perineal pain and its impact on daily activities were assessed at 2, 12, 24, and 48 hours postpartum, while satisfaction with perineal pain care was measured at 48 hours. Using independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and generalized estimating equations, the study evaluated whether auricular acupressure reduced perineal wound pain, lessened pain-related interference with daily activities, and improved satisfaction with perineal pain management.

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Key information

Conditions

Auricular Acupressure Episiotomy Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hsiao Ai Wen

Taipei, Sanchong, 241, Taiwan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

-Inclusion Criteria-

  • Women with singleton pregnancies who delivered vaginally.
  • Women who underwent episiotomy.
  • Gestational age between 37 and 42 weeks.
  • Willing to participate in the study and provide signed informed consent.
  • Age 18 years or older.

-Exclusion Criteria-

  • Women with skin lesions or allergies at the auricular acupressure site.
  • Women with gynecological disorders, such as uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, or endometriosis.
  • Women or newborns with severe postpartum complications, such as postpartum hemorrhage, infection, perineal hematoma, major neonatal diseases, or admission to the neonatal intensive care unit.
  • Women with psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety or depression.

Treatment and study plan

auricular patch

Device

After placental delivery, the intervention group received routine care plus a transparent patented auricular patch containing magnetic beads, while the control group received a transparent patented auricular patch without magnetic beads. The selected acupoints included internal genitalia (TF2), external genitalia (HX4), Shenmen (TF4), sympathetic (AH6a), and subcortex (AT4)

Primary outcomes

  1. perineal pain

    Time frame: At 2, 12, 24, and 48 hours postpartum

    Structured questionnaires were used to assess perineal pain and its impact on daily activities at 2, 12, 24, and 48 hours postpartum.

Secondary outcomes

  1. impact on daily life

    Time frame: At 2, 12, 24, and 48 hours postpartum

    Structured questionnaires were used to assess perineal pain and its impact on daily activities at 2, 12, 24, and 48 hours postpartum.

  2. satisfaction with pain management

    Time frame: At 48 hours postpartum

    At 48 hours postpartum, and satisfaction with perineal pain care at 48 hours

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

HSIAO AI WEN

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Dec 11, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 11, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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