Objective: To examine whether applying a simple acupressure protocol to the Taichong point is effective in
relieving dysmenorrhea. Methods: In this single-blind trial 194 students with dysmenorrhea were
randomized to receive acupressure 5 days before menstruation for 3 months on either the Taichong or a
placebo point. The severity of dysmenorrhea was assessed in the first and last of the 4 study cycles using the
Andersch and Milsom scale. The χ2 test, t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon signed rank test were
used for data analysis. Results: The difference in dysmenorrhea severity between the 2 groups was not
significant in the first cycle but it was significant in the fourth cycle (U=2377.00, Pb0.001), and the decrease
in dysmenorrhea severity was also significant in the study group (Pb0.05). Conclusion: Applying a simple
pressure protocol to the Taichong acupoint was an effective and inexpensive way of decreasing the severity
of dysmenorrhea.