Effects of endorphin massage on B-endorphin level and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score in women with postpartum blues

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of endorphin massage on B-endorphin level and EPDS score in women with postpartum blues. Material and Methods: Twenty postpartum women volunteered for the study. All of them gave written consent regarding their participation. The inclusion criteria were mother with post partum blues at third day post partum and EPDS score > 9, while the exclusion criteria were mother with history of depression post partum. The measurement of marker (B-endorphin) and EPDS scoring was done prior and after massage treatment.Endorphin massage was done by her husband or researcher according instruction that provided, 4 times a week, once in morning for 20 minutes including right arm, left arm, neck, and lower back (5 minutes each). Results: Endorphin massage treatment significantly increase the B-endorphin level compared to before treatment (P 0.05). The level of EPDS significantly decrease after treatment than that before treatment (P 0.05). There is significantly negative correlation between B-endorphin level and EPDS score (r = -0,517; P 0.05). Conclusion: Endorphin massage is good alternative treatment to increase B-endorphin level and decresae EPDS score among mother with postpartum blues. [Cukurova Med J 2014; 39(3.000): 512-516]

Keywords

• endorphin massage; minor depression; scoring; hormonal