Auricular Acupressure for Premenstrual Syndrome in Female Students

Auricular acupressure will be performed using Cowherb seeds (Wangbuliuxing seeds) applied to specific acupoints, including Shenmen (TF4), Sympathetic (AH6a), Endocrine (CO18), Liver (CO12), Kidney (CO10), Subcortex (AT4), and Zero Point on one ear, with treatment administered once a week, alternating between the left and right ears. In total, auricular acupressure was applied 8 times over a period of 8 weeks. The first treatment session occurred 5-7 days prior to the onset of menstruation. Participants were instructed to perform acupressure at the acupoint sites three times daily-morning, noon, and evening-pressing each point for 1 minute per session.

Sham auricular acupressure therapy will be performed using similarly sized adhesive patches without seeds, applied to the same acupoint locations as in the intervention group. The procedure steps and the duration of the trial were the same as in the auricular acupressure group.

"Lifestyle modifications will be followed according to the Guidelines for the Management of Premenstrual Syndrome by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), which will include: Regular moderate exercise (such as walking, yoga, or swimming), stress reduction, and ensuring quality sleep (7-8 hours per night); Reducing intake of salt, sugar, and foods containing saturated fats; Increasing intake of high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables; Avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol, and other stimulants."