Effects of Auriculotherapy on treatment of women with premenstrual syndrome symptoms: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Raciele Ivandra Guarda Korelo, Natália Boneti Moreira, Beatriz Aparecida de Carvalho Miguel, Caroline de Godoi da Cruz, Nicolly Suenny Pedro de Souza, Regina Moreira Borges de Macedo, Rubneide Barreto Silva Gallo
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of auriculotherapy on the intensity of physical and mood Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms. DESIGN: Single-blind randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil. INTERVENTION: Ninety-one women were randomly assigned to Auriculotherapy (AG), Placebo (PG), and Control (CG) groups. The intervention was 8 weeks long, done once per week. At each session in AG the microneedles were placed in seven points related to PMS symptoms (Anxiety; Endocrine; Muscle relaxation; Analgesia; Kidney; Shen Men; and Sympathetic). At PG the microneedles also were placed in seven points but unrelated to PMS symptoms (Tonsils; Vocal cords; Teeth; Eyes; Allergy; Mouth; and External nose). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessments of PMS symptoms (Premenstrual Syndrome Screening Tool), musculoskeletal pain (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), and quality of life (WHOQOL-Bref) were done at baseline, before the 5th session, after program completion, and a month follow-up. RESULTS: The AG and PG showed significantly lower scores of PMS symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and anxiety. On the quality of life and follow-up analysis, the significance was observed only in PG. CONCLUSION: Auriculotherapy can be used as adjunctive therapy to reduce the physical and mood PMS symptoms.