The Efficacy of Shiatsu Therapy at “Sea of Energy” Point on Primary Dysmenorrhea in Nursing Students

Abstract

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecological disorders, affects more than half of the reproductive aged women. Women experience periodic repeated discomforts associated with menstruation can affect their daily activities. A Quasi experimental study was conducted to study the efficacy of using shiatsu therapy at "Sea of Energy" point on relieving primary dysmenorrhea. The study was conducted at College of Applied Medical Science, Shaqra University at the academic year 2015-2016. Eighty-two of nursing students at different academic levels was recruited for the study, allocated into two groups' shiatsu group (46) and non-shiatsu group (36). Three tools for data collection were used; a structured interviewing questionnaire, visual-analogue scale and follow up chart. Results of the current study revealed that, the severity of pain and the associated symptoms was decreased in the shiatsu group compared to non-shiatsu group, with a highly statistically significant difference was found between groups after using the shiatsu massage therapy. In conclusion, using shiatsu massage therapy at "Sea of Energy" point was effective on relieving primary dysmenorrhea pain and associated symptoms for women. The study recommended that, considering the shiatsu therapy as one of the effective therapeutic options for women suffering primary dysmenorrhea. Further studies are needed to investigate the effect of shiatsu points in a large population and on other health problems.  

Keywords: Primary Dysmenorrhea, Shiatsu.