Pregnancy can cause persistent back and pelvic pain for many women. But new research suggests targeting specific pressure points on the ears with acupuncture can bring many expectant mothers some relief.
According to Reuters, researchers at the Yale University School of Medicine followed 159 pregnant women for two weeks. The women either had ear acupuncture, acupuncture at points that wouldnt lessen pain, or no treatment. All of the subjects were instructed to use other forms of pain relief during the trial as well.
Although all of the women involved in the study reported a reduction in pain, the women who had the targeted ear acupuncture had the best results, with a 30 percent or greater reduction in pain as well as continued relief after the treatment had ended.
The ear acupuncture method uses needles held in place with tape at three pressure points for one week. Researchers involved with the study say it is an inexpensive, all-natural health resource for treating pain. The only reported side effect was some temporary tenderness in the ear area for those who received the treatment.
Muscle pain during pregnancy can set the stage for chronic pain afterwards, the studys author told Reuters.
According to ThePregnancyCentre.com, 47 percent of women report serious back or pelvic pain during pregnancy. 