Effect of Su Jok therapy on dysmenorrhea and quality of life in young individuals with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized controlled trial

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Su Jok application on dysmenorrhea severity and quality of life in young women with primary dysmenorrhea complaints. This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial and was conducted between January and July 2025 at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Muş Alparslan University. The study was completed with 100 female students who met the inclusion criteria and voluntarily participated (intervention group: 50, control group: 50). Data were collected using the "Data Collection Form," "Premenstrual and Postmenstrual Dysmenorrhea Monitoring Form," "Visual Analog Scale (VAS)," and "World Health Organization Quality of Life Measure-Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF)." Pre-tests were administered to the intervention group during the first menstrual period. 2. Starting on the first day of the menstrual period, specific reflex points were stimulated for a total of 10 days using the macro, insect, and mini systems with the help of rings and spirals; moxa was applied to the uterus and ovary reflection points for 2–5 minutes. Then, black pepper seeds were applied to the painful areas using adhesive tape and left in place for 4–10 hours. The post-intervention assessments were completed, and the same procedures were repeated during the third menstrual cycle. In the fourth and fifth cycles, only the VAS, WHOQOL-BREF, and the Pre- and Post-Intervention Dysmenorrhea Follow-Up Form (PPIDF) were administered.No intervention was made to the control group. The significance of the data analysis was evaluated at p<0.001 levels. The study found that Su Jok therapy administered to young individuals in the intervention group significantly reduced primary dysmenorrhea complaints (p<0.001) and significantly improved quality of life (p<0.001). Su Jok therapy is an effective and safe complementary nursing practice that improves quality of life by reducing the severity of primary dysmenorrhea in young individuals.