Comparison of Dry Cupping Therapy and BL 23 Acupressure Point on the Severity of Lower Back Pain after Delivery in Nulliparous Women Based on the Visual Assessment Scale in 2012

Introduction: Lower back pain after childbirth interferes with most daily activities. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of applying dry cupping, and acupressure on the severity of lower back pain in nulliparous women admitted to the Selection Centre of Shiraz Medical University (Hafez). Methods: The study was a randomized clinical trial conducted in 2012. The study sample involved 150 cases who were randomly assigned into 3 groups of cupping therapy, acupressure and control groups. Cupping therapy was performed four times a week for 20-15 minutes each time. Acupressure was applied within 20 minutes, according to the model of rotation (clockwise and anti-clockwise) similar to the cupping group. In the third group which was a control one, no intervention was executed. In both experimental groups, VAS measure was completed in terms of self-report before, immediately, 24 hours and 2 weeks after the intervention. The study data were submitted to SPSS software (version16) and analyzed utilizing ANOVA repeated measure. Results: Mean of lower back pain in the cupping therapy changed from the value of 7.8±2.7 in the pre-intervention to 3.7±1.8 immediately, 2.58±1.7 within 24 hours and 1.4±1.4 for 2 weeks after the intervention. Moreover, acupressure values were reduced from 7.4 ± 2.6 to 5.2 ± 2 immediately, 4.0 ± 1.7 within 24 hours and 2.4±1.4 for 2 weeks after the intervention. The study analysis revealed that there is a significant difference between the different measurement phases (P = 0.01). Conclusion: The study results demonstrate that cupping therapy and acupressure can be used as effective treatments for lower back pain in the postpartum perio