Abstract
The pain and stress of labor is known to increase maternal levels of plasma beta-endorphin. Various forms of analgesia have been shown to block this increase. Electroacupuncture also provides pain relief and a tranquilizing effect in mothers during active labor. Plasma beta-endorphin levels were determined in 13 women receiving no analgesia. The control group that received no analgesia showed the expected rise in beta-endorphin levels. No increase in beta-endorphin levels was seen in women receiving electroacupuncture. These results may suggest that the electroacupuncture effect is not mediated by an increase in plasma beta-endorphin levels or that women in labor are resistant to the releasing effects of stimulation because the endogenous opioid system is already activated.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 345-348 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | American Journal of Acupuncture |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| State | Published - 1991 |
| Externally published | Yes |