title: Effects of electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture plus Tao Hong Si Wu Wan in treating primary dysmenorrhea.
abstract: This study investigated the efficacies of electroacupuncture and electroacupuncture combined with Tao Hong Si Wu Wan in treating primary dysmenorrhea and compared the results with those obtained using conventional medical treatment. One treatment group, group 1, was administered Tao Hong Si Wu Wan (2625 mg) while the other, group 2, was administered a placebo (2625 mg) twice daily for 3 months. Electroacupuncture was used in both treatment groups: two sessions per menstrual cycle for three menstrual cycles. The reference group, group 3, was administered ibuprofen, 600 mg, twice daily, for five menstrual cycles. Uses of the herb, placebo and ibuprofen were blinded. A ridit analysis was used for testing and interpreting the effects of treatment. Pain intensity was determined using a qualitative grading method in a blinded manner. The ridit scores in groups 1 and 2 were significantly higher than those in reference group immediately after treatment and three months later. Twelve months after the treatment, group 1 had a higher ridit score than group 2. In comparison to the reference group, groups 1 and 2 achieved better menstrual pain relief both immediately and 3 months after treatment. In addition, group 1 had better long-term pain relief than group 2.
authors: M. Modern Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: edwinmiao3@optusnet.com.au.
authors: Edwin Yong
authors: EY
authors: Miao
authors: M. Modern Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
authors: Miranda Yi-mo
authors: MY
authors: Miao
authors: School of Mathematical and Geospatial Sciences, RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) University, Melbourne, Australia.
authors: Daniel George
authors: DG
authors: Kildea
authors: M. Modern Traditional Chinese Medical Clinic, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
authors: Yi-Wen
authors: YW
authors: Lao
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015671:Electroacupuncture / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010919:Placebos; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D010919:Placebos
keywords: Tao Hong Si Wu Wan (a herbal pill); electroacupuncture; primary dysmenorrhea