[The effects of abdominal meridian massage on menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea in full-time employed women].

Purpose: This study was designed to examine the effects of abdominal meridian(Kyongrak) massage on menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea.

Method: Eighty-five women (of 110 screened) enrolled in this study and were employed full-time with more than 6.0 points (in 0-10.0 VAS scale) in menstrual cramps or more than 20 points on the dysmenorrhea scale (range 13-52). The forty-two participants in the experimental group received abdominal meridian massage for 5 minutes per day during 6 days from the fifth day before menstruation to the first day of menstruation and the forty-three participants in the control group didn't receive any treatment. Data were collected from June 1st to August 30th, 2003 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi2-test, and t-test.

Result: Menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea of the experimental group were significantly lower after abdominal meridian massage than those of the control group (p<.001).

Conclusion: Abdominal meridian(Kyongrak) massage was very effective for relief of menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea. Therefore, we suggest that abdominal Kyongrak massage can be a useful nursing intervention for women with menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea.