Chromotherapy as an integrative and complementary practice for reducing pain in childbirth care

Abstract

Introduction: Labor is characterized by involuntary and coordinated uterine contractions, facilitated by oxytocin, which lead to dilation of the cervix and expulsion of the fetus. Pain during labor is physiological and varies between pregnant women, being associated with dilation and distension of the pelvic structures. Non-pharmacological techniques, such as chromotherapy, are used to relieve pain and promote well-being. They stand out for their analgesic and calming properties, helping to reduce the use of medication and providing a more comfortable experience for the parturient woman. To identify chromotherapy as an Integrative and Complementary Practice in pain relief during childbirth. Method: This is an integrative literature review of a descriptive and exploratory nature, analyzing the use of chromotherapy in labor and delivery. Results: Non-pharmacological methods (NPM), such as chromotherapy, offer benefits such as pain relief and stimulation of dilation, but face barriers due to lack of knowledge. Obstetric nurses play a key role in the use of these methods. Conclusion: The study concluded that although there is limited scientific evidence on some practices, such as chromotherapy, its benefits are clear. As an Integrative and Complementary Practice (ICP), chromotherapy has been shown to be effective in reducing pain during labor, relieving anxiety and stress, and facilitating dilation, providing greater comfort and well-being for the parturient. However, more research is needed to deepen our understanding of this technique and its effects.