Korean J Child Health Nurs.  2005 Oct;11(4):427-435.

The Effects of Hand-Acupuncture Therapy on Headaches in Children

• Hong YR

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of hand acupuncture therapy on headaches in children. METHOD: A quasi experimental pre-test and post (1,2,3)-test design was used. Data were collected from March 2 to April 16 2001. Forty children were assigned to an experimental (20) or control group (20). The experimental group received Hand-Acupuncture therapy on the meridian point; A30, A31, A32, A33, E8, I2, M2, M3, M5, B25, B26, B27 for each 3 minutes, while the control group rested on a bed. Data were analyzed using the SAS program with chi2-test, t-test, repeated measured ANOVA, and ANCOVA. RESULT: In the experimental group, descriptive headache intensity (f=64.33, p=0.00), numeric headache intensity (F=74.69, 122.50, 7.52. p=0.00), and medication requirements (chi2=19.00, p=0.00) were significantly lower than those of the control group.
CONCLUSION
These findings indicate that hand acupuncture therapy is effective for reduction of headaches. Therefore, hand acupuncture therapy can be considered an independent nursing intervention for reducing headaches in children.

MeSH Terms

Acupuncture Therapy
Child*
Hand
Headache*
Humans
Nursing
Child Health