The Effectiveness of Acupressure on the Physiological and Psychological Improvement of Patients Undergoing Local Anesthesia

Background: Local anaesthesia surgeries are outpatient procedures that allow patients to go home the same day. However, these surgeries often cause pain and anxiety for patients. Opioids are commonly used for pain management, but concerns about allergies and side effects have driven the need for alternative, safer treatments. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the meridian system, which regulates qi, energy, and blood flow in the body. Stimulating acupoints on these meridians may help alleviate various ailments. This study examines whether acupressure can reduce pain and anxiety and improve physiological outcomes in patients undergoing local anaesthesia.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of acupressure on reducing pain and anxiety, and enhancing physiological outcomes in local anaesthesia patients.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with adult patients under local anaesthesia. The experimental group received acupressure at specific points (Hegu LI4 and Shenmen HT7), while the control group received standard care. Pain, anxiety, and autonomic function were measured before and after the intervention using IBMSPSS version 20.0 for analysis.

Summary:

Outpatient surgeries with local anesthesia allow patients to return home the same day but can often lead to pain and anxiety. Although opioids are frequently used for pain management, concerns about allergies and side effects prompt the search for safer alternatives. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) suggests that stimulating acupoints along the body's meridian system can promote the flow of qi, energy, and blood, potentially alleviating various ailments. This study investigates whether acupressure can effectively reduce pain, anxiety, and improve physiological outcomes in patients undergoing local anesthesia.

Objective: To determine if acupressure can reduce pain and anxiety while improving physiological outcomes in patients receiving local anesthesia.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with adults undergoing local anesthesia. The experimental group received acupressure on the Hegu (LI4) and Shenmen (HT7) points, while the control group received standard care. Pain, anxiety, and autonomic function were measured before and after the intervention, analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20.0.

Additional Context: Distraction techniques, including VR, music, videos, breathing exercises, vibration stimulation, and acupressure with hand-held pressure balls, have been shown to help patients manage pain and anxiety during procedures. This study uses acupressure and pressure balls to create a positive psychological model for managing stress, fear, and anxiety, potentially helping patients adopt a better mental approach toward surgery.

Eligibility Criteria:
1. The acceptance conditions of the subject must meet:

1. Adults (20-64 years old).
2. Mainly patients receiving local anesthesia.
3. Those who have no abnormal limb sensation and good skin integrity, and can perform normal acupoint pressure.
4. Those who are willing to participate in this study and can communicate in Mandarin and Taiwanese.

2. Exclusion conditions:

1. Those who have taken painkillers before surgery.
2. The surgical site is already inflamed.
3. Those diagnosed with mental illness and cognitive impairment.
4. Heart disease and arrhythmia (pacemaker).