The Effect of Su-jok Therapy Applied in the First Stage of Labor on Pain Level in Primiparas

Birth pain, known as acute pain, is felt in the human body as one of the oldest, complex, severe and most difficult to control types of pain. However, this pain differs from other types of pain due to the fact that it reunites the mother with her baby and covers a limited period of time. Pain is a subjective phenomenon that every individual experiences throughout their lives and to which people react differently.

Su Jok therapy, an alternative and complementary therapy technique, is seen as a method that balances the energy flow based on the philosophy of non-pharmacological and non-invasive acupuncture that can be used to control labor pain.

Su-jok application is the development of a massage therapy that will create a feeling of comfort in the body by using certain points. There are tiny swellings on the reflection points on the hands and feet (such as the area between the 3rd and 4th fingers reflecting the uterus area). These are also called micro acupuncture points. When pressure is applied to these swellings on the hands and feet for 1-2 minutes, pain and a feeling of pulling occur. Thus, the area to be massaged is determined. During the detection phase, a blunt-tipped diagnostic probe or a round-tipped stick can be used. At this stage, the same amount of pressure should be applied to the area to be applied. When a point is determined, the correct point for massage application should be massaged and energy flow should be provided. Since it does not have any side effects, it is a therapy that can be used in pregnant women and is a massage application that does not require any invasive intervention.

Inclusion criteria

• Being primiparous
• The pregnant woman must be over 18 years of age
• To participate in the research voluntarily
• The beginning of labor (water breaking, presence of non-stress testa contractions, engagement)

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnancies outside 37-41 weeks
• Multiparas
• Those who are not pregnant
• Having visual, mental and auditory disabilities
• Being pregnant as an adolescent
• Not accepting participation in the research