Researchers from Northern Khorosan University in Bojnoord Iran recently conducted a study evaluating the effectiveness of acupressure in menstrual pain/cramps.  Researchers recruited 86 students who were experiencing menstrual pain/cramping (dysmenorrhea).  Acupressure was utilized on the acupuncture point san yin jiao (SP 6) and pain levels were assessed before intervention, at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hour and at the 3 hours following the intervention.

The study found that this relatively simple acupressure technique reduced pain in women experiencing menstrual pain/cramps.  All in all this is an entirely safe and effective treatment that can easily be done on oneself or with the help of family or friends.

Further studies should be done comparing needling to acupressure to help illustrate any differences between the relative strength of the techniques.