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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Validation of a safe San Yin Jiao (SP6) acupressure method for mothers and infants during labor: Protocol for a feasibility study using a 3+3 design
1
Osaka Metropolitan University, Department of Nursing, Osaka, Japan
2
The University of Osaka Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Children’s and Women’s Health- Division of Health Sciences-, Suita, Japan
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A694
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Acupressure at acupoint SP6 is believed to reduce labor duration when applied during childbirth; however, its actual efficacy remains unclear. Previous reviews have highlighted the need to evaluate the safety of acupressure for both mother and fetus, and to standardize its technique and application duration. This study aimed to develop a safe SP6 acupressure method to support future randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVES:
To verify the safety of SP6 acupressure for both mothers and fetuses.
METHODS:
A 3+3 dose-escalation design—commonly used in phase I drug trials—was employed to assess safety and estimate the Maximum Tolerated Dose of acupressure. Maternal and fetal responses were monitored during acupressure to evaluate safety and identify an appropriate application duration. Three cohorts were established with acupressure durations of 10, 20, and 30 minutes. The initial cohort of three pregnant women underwent acupressure for 10 minutes. If no abnormalities were observed, the duration was escalated to 20 minutes in the next cohoIf one participant in a cohort experienced abnormalities, three additional women underwent acupressure for the same duration. If only one of the six patients exhibited abnormalities, the study progressed to the next cohort; if two or more did, the duration was deemed intolerable and reduced accordingly. The maximum tolerated duration was determined based on the occurrence of any abnormalities, with modifications guided by feedback from participants and acupressure administrators. Safety was assessed through extended observation of maternal vital signs, subjective symptoms, and fetal heart rate.
RESULTS:
The study is now ongoing, with three women who underwent 10 minutes acupressure so far.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings will clarify the safety of SP6 acupressure during childbirth for both mother and fetus, providing foundational evidence for future efficacy studies.
KEY MESSAGE:
While it is essential to verify the effects of acupressure, understanding its safety profile and standardizing its application method are equally important. Poster session 2 (Group A)
Acupressure at acupoint SP6 is believed to reduce labor duration when applied during childbirth; however, its actual efficacy remains unclear. Previous reviews have highlighted the need to evaluate the safety of acupressure for both mother and fetus, and to standardize its technique and application duration. This study aimed to develop a safe SP6 acupressure method to support future randomized controlled trials.
OBJECTIVES:
To verify the safety of SP6 acupressure for both mothers and fetuses.
METHODS:
A 3+3 dose-escalation design—commonly used in phase I drug trials—was employed to assess safety and estimate the Maximum Tolerated Dose of acupressure. Maternal and fetal responses were monitored during acupressure to evaluate safety and identify an appropriate application duration. Three cohorts were established with acupressure durations of 10, 20, and 30 minutes. The initial cohort of three pregnant women underwent acupressure for 10 minutes. If no abnormalities were observed, the duration was escalated to 20 minutes in the next cohoIf one participant in a cohort experienced abnormalities, three additional women underwent acupressure for the same duration. If only one of the six patients exhibited abnormalities, the study progressed to the next cohort; if two or more did, the duration was deemed intolerable and reduced accordingly. The maximum tolerated duration was determined based on the occurrence of any abnormalities, with modifications guided by feedback from participants and acupressure administrators. Safety was assessed through extended observation of maternal vital signs, subjective symptoms, and fetal heart rate.
RESULTS:
The study is now ongoing, with three women who underwent 10 minutes acupressure so far.
CONCLUSIONS:
The findings will clarify the safety of SP6 acupressure during childbirth for both mother and fetus, providing foundational evidence for future efficacy studies.
KEY MESSAGE:
While it is essential to verify the effects of acupressure, understanding its safety profile and standardizing its application method are equally important. Poster session 2 (Group A)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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