Does auriculotherapy have therapeutic effectiveness? An overview of systematic reviews

Multi-level exploration of auricular acupuncture: from traditional Chinese medicine theory to modern medical application

As medical research advances and technology rapidly develops, auricular acupuncture has emerged as a point of growing interest. This paper delves into the intricate anatomy of auricular points, their significance and therapeutic principles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and the underlying mechanisms of auricular acupuncture in contemporary medicine. The aim is to delve deeply into this ancient and mysterious medical tradition, unveiling its multi-layered mysteries in the field of neurostimulation. The anatomical structure of auricular points is complex and delicate, and their unique neurovascular network grants them a special status in neurostimulation therapy. Through exploration of these anatomical features, we not only comprehend the position of auricular points in TCM theory but also provide a profound foundation for their modern medical applications. Through systematic review, we synthesize insights from traditional Chinese medical theory for modern medical research. Building upon anatomical and classical theoretical foundations, we focus on the mechanisms of auricular acupuncture as a unique neurostimulation therapy. This field encompasses neuroregulation, pain management, psychological wellbeing, metabolic disorders, and immune modulation. The latest clinical research not only confirms the efficacy of auricular stimulation in alleviating pain symptoms and modulating metabolic diseases at the endocrine level but also underscores its potential role in regulating patients' psychological wellbeing. This article aims to promote a comprehensive understanding of auricular acupuncture by demonstrating its diverse applications and providing substantial evidence to support its broader adoption in clinical practice.

Segmental Acupuncture for Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections. A Randomised Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common medical problem and prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs is an ongoing clinical challenge. In the present study we examined whether acupuncture is able to prevent recurrent UTIs in women.

METHODS

This multicentre randomised controlled trial, based at a University clinic and private acupuncture clinics, recruited women suffering from recurrent uncomplicated UTIs. Participants were randomised to the acupuncture group or control group. Acupuncture therapy consisted of 12 treatments over a period of 18 weeks, using a set of predefined body and ear acupuncture points. Cranberry products were recommended to all participants as standard of care.

RESULTS

A total of 137 women were randomised (68 acupuncture, 69 control group) and occurrence of UTIs at 6 and 12 months could be assessed in 123 and 120 women respectively. Acupuncture combined with cranberry slightly increased the proportion of UTI-free women compared with cranberry alone at 6 months (59% vs 46%, p = 0.2). Between 6 and 12 months the proportion of UTI-free women was significantly higher in the acupuncture group (66 vs 45%, p = 0.03). The number of UTIs decreased from baseline to 12 months in both study groups. The number of UTIs at 12 months was significantly lower in the acupuncture group (median difference 1, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Segmental acupuncture may be an effective treatment option for women with recurrent UTIs over a longer follow-up period and may limit antibiotics use. Further studies are needed.

Bibliometric analysis of auriculotherapy research trends over the past 20 years

OBJECTIVES

Auriculotherapy has long been used to treat various diseases. We analyzed and visualized auriculotherapy's geographical distribution, key contributors, and thematic trends over the past 20 years to provide current trends in auriculotherapy field and to offer recommendations for future research directions.

DESIGN/SETTING

We searched for relevant studies in the Web of Science between January 10, 2003, and December 31, 2022. A bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer for annual publications, journals, countries, institutions, authors, and keywords.

RESULTS

A total of 800 studies were included in the analysis, and the number of studies steadily increased over the 20 examined years. In 2018, there was a noteworthy rise in publications, nearly twice as many as the preceding year. Integrative & complementary medicine was the most researched area, with most articles published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. China was the country with the most published research, and the most active organization was Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in China, followed by Kyung Hee University in South Korea. The most prolific author was Yeh Mei-ling, who reported the effects of auriculotherapy on dysmenorrhea and smoking cessation. Keyword analysis revealed four clusters: pain, mental health, obesity, and smoking cessation.

CONCLUSION

Auriculotherapy research primarily focused on clinical studies related to pain, obesity, smoking cessation, and depression. Future research should place greater emphasis on verifying the mechanisms of auriculotherapy for specific ailments and may require efforts to enhance the robustness of clinical trials. Through visual analysis, our study may serve as a foundational resource, offering valuable insights into the trajectory of auriculotherapy research.

Adapting and Evaluating a Theory-Driven, Non-Pharmacological Intervention to Self-Manage Pain

BACKGROUND

The existing literature has limited detail on theory-driven interventions, particularly in pain studies. We adapted Bandura's self-efficacy framework toward a theory-driven, non-pharmacological intervention using auricular point acupressure (APA) and evaluated participants' perceptions of this intervention on their pain self-management. APA is a non-invasive modality based on auricular acupuncture principles.

METHODS

We mapped our study intervention components according to Bandura's key sources of self-efficacy (performance accomplishments, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and emotional arousal) to facilitate the self-management of pain. Through a qualitative study design, we conducted virtual interviews at one and three months after a 4-week APA intervention among 23 participants using purposive sampling to describe their experiences in managing their pain based on our theory-driven APA intervention.

RESULTS

Using thematic analyses, we found four themes: the enhanced self-management of pain, improved pain outcomes, the feasibility of technology, and the sustainability of APA.

CONCLUSIONS

Describing how interventions are mapped according to the elements of theoretical frameworks can help to guide intervention development, advance science and knowledge development, and promote the implementation of interventions. As such, using Bandura's self-efficacy theory as a foundation for the APA intervention, APA was found to be feasible and sustainable, improving self-management, pain intensity, and pain-related outcomes. Participants provided recommendations for the further improvement of this theory-driven intervention.

A scoping review of mechanisms of auricular acupuncture for treatment of pain

OBJECTIVES

Auricular acupuncture (AA) is becoming increasingly common in primary care clinics, emergency departments and peri-operatively for pain relief. Over the last decade, since the last comprehensive reviews were published, the literature has expanded. In this scoping review, we seek to document the efficacy of AA in treating both acute and chronic pain, describe the mechanism of action of AA in treating pain, and discuss how AA has been integrated into Western medicine to date.

METHODS

The authors performed a MEDLINE search inclusive of articles from 1966 to June 2023 including articles written in English identifying literature. We included human studies when more than 3 patients were included. Three hundred and fourteen unique articles were identified and 152 were selected by title screen. After abstract review, 117 were chosen for full-text review. Following full-text review, 33 articles were excluded and 21 added from references, totaling 105 articles included in our scoping review.

RESULTS

AA reduces pain severity in patients with both acute and chronic pain. The best studies in the acute settings have occurred in the peri-operative setting where sham AA is employed, multiple sessions of AA are given, and medication dosing is carefully monitored. In these cases, AA reduced pain and post-operative medications. In patients with chronic pain, multiple sessions of AA resulted not only in pain relief but also in improvements in function and disability. Literature suggests that AA works through multiple mechanisms with the most compelling data coupled to the autonomic nervous system and neuroendocrine system. Curriculums designed to teach AA and aid in implementation have been published.

CONCLUSION

AA is an accessible, effective means of pain relief. AA is relatively straightforward to learn, and protocols and curriculums exist to teach healthcare professionals this valuable skill. Overcoming implementation barriers, including patient education, are essential next steps.

Efficacy of auriculotherapy in the control of pain, edema, and trismus following surgical extraction of the lower third molars: a split-mouth, randomized, placebo-controlled, and triple-blind study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this split-mouth, randomized, placebo-controlled, and triple-blind study was to evaluate whether auriculotherapy had any effect on the post-operative course after the extraction of third molars in terms of the control of pain, edema, and trismus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 42 patients (84 teeth) who had undergone a surgical extraction of the lower third molars. In each patient, the two extractions were randomly assigned to two study groups. In the therapy group, the patients underwent auriculotherapy with vaccaria seeds applied with patches in 6 ear points. In the control group, the patches were applied, without seeds, to the same ear points. After the extraction, the patients were asked to stimulate the ear points three times a day and whenever they felt pain. The patients were asked to keep a diary in which they assessed their pain by means of the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for 8 days. Edema and trismus were assessed 1, 2, 3, and 8 days after surgery.

RESULTS

The differences between the two groups were statistically significant at the 12-h control (auriculotherapy group (AG) VAS 5.5 [IQR 4.25-6.75], placebo group (PG) VAS 6 [IQR 5-8], p = 0.040), after 24 h (AG VAS 5 [IQR 4-6], PG VAS 6 [IQR 4.25-7], p = 0.024), after 2 days (AG VAS 4 [IQR 3-5], PG VAS 4.5 [IQR 4-6], p = 0.044), and after 3 days (AG VAS 3 [IQR 0-5], PG VAS 4 [IQR 3-5], p = 0.024). Throughout the observation period, the AG took a significantly lower number of painkillers than the PG (AG 6 [IQR 4.25-7]; PG 8 [IQR 8-9], p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the levels of edema and trismus between the two groups throughout the observation period.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the results of the present study, auriculotherapy can be considered as a cost-effective adjuvant pain reliever treatment in patients undergoing an extraction of the lower third molars.

Laser auriculotherapy associated with cupping therapy in chronic spinal pain: Randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal spine disorders are common causes of chronic pain and impair functionality. Laser auriculotherapy and cupping has played a significant role in the treatment of chronic pain.

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate the effect of laser auriculotherapy associated with cupping at systemic acupuncture points on chronic spinal pain.

METHODS

Randomized controlled clinical trial. Volunteers underwent three evaluations: an initial evaluation, a final evaluation immediately after the last intervention session, and a 15-day follow-up. The pain was identified using the numeric pain scale. The pain threshold was also evaluated against mechanical stimulation using a Digital Dynamometer at specific points in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. Fifty individuals with chronic spinal pain, randomized into groups: experimental (n = 25), submitted to 10 sessions of auriculotherapy with laser and cupping therapy and control (n = 25).

RESULTS

The experimental group achieved pain intensity reduction between pre and post and follow-up moments (p < 0.0001), of greatest pain in the last seven days among all moments (p < 0.0001), of least pain in the pre with post moment (p = 0.006) and follow-up (p = 0.002), and an increased pain threshold between pre and post (p = 0.023). The control group achieved a reduction in the nociceptive threshold between pre and post (p = 0.001) and follow-up (p < 0.0001). The experimental group showed reduced pain intensity (p = 0.027) and greater pain (p = 0.005) after intervention and in pain intensity (p = 0.018), greater (p < 0.0001) and less pain (p = 0.025) at follow-up, compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Auriculotherapy with laser associated with cupping therapy may effectively reduce pain intensity and increase the nociceptive threshold.

The Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Menopausal Symptoms, Stress, and Sleep in Postmenopausal Middle-Aged Women: A Randomized Single-Blind Sham-Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Middle-aged women in the postmenopausal period experience menopause symptoms, stress, and poor sleep quality due to hormonal changes. Nonetheless, most of them recognize such symptoms as an aging process without receiving proper treatment, and there are few nonpharmacologic interventions available.

METHODS

This was a randomized single-masked, sham-controlled trial. For the intervention group, a vaccaria seed was applied to the auricular points of Shenmen, anterior lobe, adrenal glands, central rim, and endocrine that are related to the menopause symptoms, stress, and sleep while applying a seed to the auricular points not related to the forementioned symptoms to the control group. The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), heart rate variability, and electroencephalogram (EEG) were measured before the intervention, 4 weeks after the intervention, and 8 weeks after the intervention. Actigraphy was measured with a Fitbit, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was measured before and after the intervention. The study was registered with the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (KCT0007364).

RESULTS

The MRS showed significant differences over time in the intervention group (F, 22.057; P < .001). There was a significant difference over time in the PSS (F, 22.576; P < .001), stress index measured by heart rate variability (F, 14.027; P = .001), and antistress quotient of the right brain measured by EEG (F, 4.865; P = .033). Sleep quality, measured by the PSQI (t = -4.050, P < .001), and sleep efficiency measured by actigraphy (t = 5.996, P < .001) were found to be significantly different over time in the intervention group.

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrated that auricular acupressure is effective in improving menopause symptoms, stress, and sleep in postmenopausal middle-aged women. Therefore, auricular acupressure may be a useful nonpharmacologic intervention for alleviating these symptoms in this population.

Effect of auricular acupressure on postpartum blues: A randomized sham controlled trial

AIM

To investigate the effect of auricular acupressure on the severity of postpartum blues.

METHODS

A randomized sham controlled trial was conducted from February to November 2021, with 74 participants who were randomly allocated into two groups of either routine care + auricular acupressure (n = 37), or routine care + sham control (n = 37). Vacaria seeds with special non-latex adhesives were used to perform auricular acupressure on seven ear acupoints. There were two intervention sessions with an interval of five days. In the sham group, special non-latex adhesives without vacaria seeds were attached in the same acupoints as the intervention group. Severity of postpartum blues, fatigue, maternal-infant attachment, and postpartum depression were assessed.

RESULTS

Auricular acupressure was associated with significant effect in reduction of postpartum blues on 10th and 15th days after childbirth (SMD = -2.77 and -2.15 respectively), postpartum depression on the 21st day after childbirth (SMD = -0.74), and maternal fatigue on 10th, 15th and 21st days after childbirth (SMD = -2.07, -1.30 and -1.32, respectively). Also, maternal-infant attachment was increased significantly on the 21st day after childbirth (SMD = 1.95).

CONCLUSION

Auricular acupressure was effective in reducing postpartum blues and depression, reducing maternal fatigue, and increasing maternal-infant attachment in the short-term after childbirth.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Registered prospectively in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (ID: IRCT20180218038789N2).

A systematic review of auricular therapy for poststroke cognitive impairment and dementia: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke cognitive impairment and dementia (PSCID) is the main source of morbidity and mortality after stroke worldwide. It is one consequence of ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cognitive impairment and dementia after the clinical stroke may contribute to the clinical expression of PSCID, which are prevalent clinical symptoms, especially in the elderly. Current problems in the field of PSCID are related to a lack of harmonization of the classification and definition, deficiency of well-defined diagnosis, deficiency of standardized and objective treatment plans, etc. Auricular therapy can effectively improve the symptoms of patients with PSCID. However, there has been no systematic review of auricular therapy for PSCID. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of auricular therapy in patients with PSCID.

METHODS

Before December 2022, a systematic literature search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, SinoMed (previously called the Chinese Biomedical Database), Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database. Review Manager software (version 5.3) will be used for statistical analysis; otherwise, descriptive analysis or subgroup analysis will be conducted. The quality of evidence for outcomes will be assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis further confirmed the beneficial effects of auricular therapy in patients with PSCID.

CONCLUSION

This study investigated the efficacy and safety of auricular therapy in patients with PSCID, providing clinicians and patients with additional options for this disease.

Quality of life and satisfaction of students with auriculotherapy in the covid-19 pandemic: a quasi-experimental study

OBJECTIVES

to evaluate the quality of life before and after the application of auriculotherapy and the satisfaction of university students with the treatment during the covid-19 pandemic.

METHODS

quasi-experimental study conducted with 44 students in a University Health Center. The intervention consisted of ten sessions of auriculotherapy focusing on emotional changes with quality of life assessment before and after treatment. The study also investigated the satisfaction concerning the intervention.

RESULTS

predominated among the students: women, from health courses, in use of psychotropic drugs and complaining of emotional changes. There was a statistically significant increase in all domains of quality of life, and students were satisfied with the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

auriculotherapy improved the quality of life of university students during the covid-19 pandemic, and the level of satisfaction with the treatment was high.

Qualidade de vida e satisfação de estudantes com auriculoterapia na pandemia de covid-19: estudo quase experimental

RESUMO Objetivos: avaliar a qualidade de vida antes e depois da aplicação da auriculoterapia e a satisfação de estudantes universitários com o tratamento durante a pandemia de covid-19. Métodos: estudo quase experimental, realizado com 44 estudantes em um centro de saúde de uma universidade. A intervenção consistiu em dez sessões de auriculoterapia, com foco nas alterações emocionais, e a avaliação da qualidade de vida ocorreu antes e depois do tratamento. A satisfação com a intervenção também foi investigada. Resultados: predominaram entre os estudantes: mulheres, de cursos da área da saúde, em uso de psicotrópicos e com queixa de alterações emocionais. Houve aumento estatisticamente significativo em todos os domínios da qualidade de vida, e os estudantes ficaram satisfeitos com o tratamento. Conclusões: a auriculoterapia foi capaz de melhorar a qualidade de vida de estudantes universitários durante a pandemia de covid-19, e o nível de satisfação com o tratamento foi alto.

The effect of auriculotherapy on improving sleep quality in postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years: A clinical trial study

BACKGROUND

Menopause is one of the developmental stages of women. One of the most common problems during this period is sleep disorders. Sleep disorders can affect the quality of life of these people. To improve sleep disorders, auriculotherapy has received less attention due to its low cost and effectiveness, and side effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of auriculotherapy on improving sleep quality in postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study is a clinical trial study that was performed on 82 postmenopausal women aged 45-60 years under the auspices of health centers in Mahshahr city, Iran from 2021-2022. Women with inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups (intervention and control). The intervention group underwent auriculotherapy for 4 weeks. The St. Petersburg Sleep Quality Questionnaire was completed by both groups at the beginning and 4 weeks after the start of the intervention. Finally, the data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22 and independent t-test, paired t-test and Chi-square test.

RESULTS

At the beginning of the study, both groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic variables. The results of data analysis using independent t-test showed that before the intervention, mental quality (P = 0.513), length of incubation period (P = 0.285), sleep duration (P = 0.121), sleep efficiency (P = 0.513), sleep disorders (P = 0.685), use of sleeping pills (P = 0.530), daily functioning (P = 0.60), and overall sleep quality score (P = 0.30) in the control and intervention groups were not statistically significant. However, comparing the mean scores after the intervention in the control and intervention groups showed that mental quality (P < 0.001), incubation period (P < 0.001), sleep duration (P < 0.001), sleep efficiency (P < 0.001), sleep disorders (P < 0.001), use of hypnotics (P = 0.002), daily functioning (P = 0.001), overall sleep quality score (P < 0.001), sleep duration (P = 0.822), sleep efficiency (P = 0.889), sleep disorders (P = 0.889), use of sleeping pills (P = 1.00), daily performance (P = 0.767), overall sleep quality score (P = 0.69) were statistically significant between the two groups. In-group comparison using paired t-test in the control group showed that mental quality (P = 0128), length of the incubation period (P = 1.00), and before and after the intervention did not differ significantly in the mean scores. However, a within-group comparison in the intervention group showed that mental quality (P < 0.001), incubation period (P < 0.001), sleep duration (P < 0.001), sleep efficiency (P < 0.001), sleep disorders (P = 0.003), use of sleeping pills (P = 0.007), daily functioning (P < 0.001), and overall sleep quality score (P < 0.001) before and after the intervention had a significant difference in the mean scores.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that auriculotherapy has significant effectiveness in improving the quality of sleep, and its dimensions and can be used as an effective method in this area that can be implemented at a low cost and easily. According to reports from participants and previous studies in this field, auriculotherapy did not have any side effects and can be used as a safe way to improve sleep quality.

Effectiveness of auriculotherapy for anxiety, stress or burnout in health professionals: a network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the effectiveness of auriculotherapy, when compared to the control group, placebo or usual treatment for anxiety, stress or burnout in health professionals.

METHOD

a systematic review conducted in nine information sources, being selected experimental or quasi-experimental studies with auriculotherapy intervention in health professionals, compared to control, placebo or usual treatment groups. Descriptive analysis and network meta-analysis by means of direct and indirect comparison. Quality of the outcomes was assessed with the Confidence in Network Meta-analysis.

RESULTS

15 articles were included: 66.6% with Nursing teams and 53.3% with interventions involving semi-permanent needles. The shen men, brainstem, kidney, sympathetic, lung and liver acupoints predominated. There was a reduction in anxiety with semi-permanent needles (CI -8.18, -6.10), magnetic palettes (CI -7.76, -5.54), placebo (CI -5.47, -3.36) and seeds (CI -6.35, -4.05); as well as in stress with semi-permanent needles (CI -37.21, -10.88) and seeds with (CI -28.14, -11.70) and without a closed protocol (CI -36.42, -10.76). Meta-analysis was unfeasible for burnout; however, significant reductions were verified when it was treated with auriculotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Auriculotherapy is effective to reduce anxiety and stress in health professionals; however, this assertion cannot be made in the case of burnout. It was evidenced that workers' health is favored with the use of auriculotherapy.

Visualizing Research Trends and Identifying Hotspots of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Nursing Technology for Insomnia: A 18-Years Bibliometric Analysis of Web of Science Core Collection

Objective

To explore the research hotspot and frontier direction of TCM nursing of insomnia and provide reference for the follow-up study of the optimal scheme of TCM nursing of insomnia.

Background

Insomnia is a common sleep-wake disorder, affects 6–10% of adults and was associated with independent higher risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. TCM Nursing Techniques of insomnia has a long history and has shown a definite impact. However, it's still lack of analysis in the field of the most commonly used and effective techniques, as well as the co-morbidities associated with insomnia. Therefore, the database was searched and analyzed to find effective TCM Nursing Techniques for insomnia and related diseases related to insomnia.

Method

Randomized controlled trials on the intervention of TCM Nursing Techniques in insomnia were retrieved from Web of Science Core Collection and imported into CiteSpace 5.6.R5 visualization software. The works of literature were co-cited by keywords authors and institutions for visual analysis, and the co-morbidities associated with insomnia of TCM Nursing Techniques in literature was extracted manually. The symptoms of co-morbidities associated with insomnia were imported into Cytoscape 3.9.0 software and clustered by CytoHubba.

Result

As of October 20, 2021, the literature published in the last 20 years from Web of Science Core Collection was screened, and the publication period of the included literature was from 2004 to 2021. From 2016 to now, the total number of articles has been increasing. A total of 146 articles were included, and the highest production year was 2020. There is little cooperation between states, institutions, and authors. China (including Hong Kong and Taiwan) and Hong Kong Polytech University are leading countries and institutions in this area. MYUNGHAENG HUR is the most cited author, and J ALTERN COMPLEM MED is the most cited journal. According to cluster analysis and keyword frequency, auricular therapy, aromatherapy, and acupressure are the three most commonly used techniques. While the top five co-morbidities are fatigue, anxiety, depression, pain and hemodialysis. The three frontier topics and the main research directions are sleep quality, comorbid insomnia and clinical trial design.

Conclusion

We found that acupressure, aromatherapy, and auricular acupoint therapy are the most commonly used nursing methods of TCM to intervene in insomnia. However, these studies have limitations such as small sample size, lack of objectivity in evaluating sleep quality, and high heterogeneity of intervention measures, which are not conducive to forming TCM clinical nursing guidelines. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt objectified sleep quality evaluation methods, select suitable acupoints according to TCM theories, and design multi-center large-sample clinical trials based on the safety principle of randomized blind control. This study provides an in-depth perspective for insomnia research on TCM Nursing Techniques and includes information for follow-up research on TCM Nursing Techniques of insomnia.

Efectividad de la auriculoterapia para la ansiedad, el estrés o el burnout en profesionales de la salud: metaanálisis en red

Resumen Objetivo: analizar la efectividad de la auriculoterapia, comparándola con el grupo control, el placebo o el tratamiento habitual para la ansiedad, el estrés o el burnout de los profesionales de la salud. Método: revisión sistemática en nueve fuentes de información, siendo seleccionados estudios experimentales o cuasiexperimentales con intervención de auriculoterapia en profesionales de la salud, comparada con grupos control, placebo o atención habitual. Análisis descriptivo y metaanálisis en red por comparación directa e indirecta. La calidad de los resultados se evaluó con Confidence in Network Meta-analysis. Resultados: Se incluyeron 15 artículos, 66,6% con equipos de enfermería, 53,3% con intervención de aguja semipermanente. Predominaron los puntos de acupuntura shen men, tronco encefálico, riñón, simpático, pulmón e hígado. Se observó una reducción de la ansiedad con agujas semipermanentes (IC -8,18, -6,10), paletas magnéticas (IC -7,76, -5,54), placebo (IC -5,47, -3,36) y semillas (IC -6,35, -4,05); del estrés con agujas semipermanentes (CI -37,21, -10,88) y semillas con (CI -28,14, -11,70) y sin protocolo cerrado (CI -36,42, -10,76). No fue posible realizar el metaanálisis para el burnout, pero se constató que hubo reducciones significativas cuando se trató con auriculoterapia. Conclusión: la auriculoterapia es eficaz para reducir la ansiedad y el estrés en los profesionales de la salud, pero no se puede afirmar que lo sea para el burnout. Se observó que la salud del trabajador mejora con el uso de la auriculoterapia.

Efetividade da auriculoterapia para ansiedade, estresse ou burnout em profissionais da saúde: metanálise em rede

Resumo Objetivo: analisar a efetividade da auriculoterapia comparada ao grupo controle, placebo ou tratamento habitual para ansiedade, estresse ou burnout de profissionais da saúde. Método: revisão sistemática em nove fontes de informação, sendo selecionados estudos experimentais ou quase-experimentais com intervenção de auriculoterapia em profissionais da saúde, comparados com grupos controle, placebo ou tratamento habitual. Utilizou-se análise descritiva e metanálise em rede por comparação direta e indireta. A qualidade dos desfechos foi avaliada por meio do Confidence in Network Meta-analysis. Resultados: foram incluídos 15 artigos, sendo 66,6% com equipes de enfermagem, 53,3% com intervenção de agulhas semipermanentes. Predominaram os acupontos shen men, tronco cerebral, rim, simpático, pulmão e fígado. Houve redução de ansiedade com agulhas semipermanentes (IC -8,18, -6,10), paletas magnéticas (IC -7,76, -5,54), placebo (IC -5,47, -3,36) e sementes (IC -6,35, -4,05); de estresse com agulhas semipermanentes (IC -37.21, -10.88) e sementes com (IC -28.14, -11,70) e sem protocolo fechado (IC -36.42, -10.76). A metanálise foi inviável para burnout, mas foram constatadas reduções significativas quando tratado com auriculoterapia. Conclusão: a auriculoterapia é efetiva para reduzir ansiedade e estresse de profissionais da saúde, não sendo possível realizar esta afirmação para burnout. Evidenciou-se que a saúde do trabalhador é favorecida com uso da auriculoterapia.

Therapeutic applications of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation with potential for application in neurodevelopmental or other pediatric disorders

Non-invasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as a newly developed technique involves stimulating the cutaneous receptive field formed by the auricular branch of the vagus nerve in the outer ear, with resulting activation of vagal connections to central and peripheral nervous systems. Increasing evidence indicates that maladaptive neural plasticity may underlie the pathology of several pediatric neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, disruptive behavioral disorder and stress-related disorder. Vagal stimulation may therefore provide a useful intervention for treating maladaptive neural plasticity. In the current review we summarize the current literature primarily on therapeutic use in adults and discuss the prospects of applying taVNS as a therapeutic intervention in specific pediatric neurodevelopmental and other psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, we also briefly discuss factors that would help optimize taVNS protocols in future clinical applications. We conclude from these initial findings that taVNS may be a promising alternative treatment for pediatric disorders which do not respond to other interventions.

Auriculotherapy used to manage orthodontic pain: a randomized controlled pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Several methods are commonly used to decrease orthodontic pain, but versatile tools and standardized protocols are still lacking.

OBJECTIVE

In response to the need for alternatives to conventional analgesic methods, this study evaluates the analgesic effects of auriculotherapy (AT) during the first three months of fixed orthodontic treatment.

METHODS

A sample of 36 subjects was selected, with patients randomly allocated into two homogeneous groups, Study Group (SG) and Control Group (CG), depending on the application/non-application of AT. Patients rated their pain scores monthly from 0 to 10, on visual analogue scales (VAS) at the time of bonding (T0) and again at two appliance adjustments (T1 and T2). At each of these treatment phases, VAS was applied in six different time moments (TM): immediately before, immediately after, after 4 hours, after 8 hours, after 24 hours, and after 72h hours. Descriptive statistical analysis, a Student's t-test, and a Chi-square test were applied to the collected data (statistical significance for p< 0.05).

RESULTS

SG patients reported lower pain levels than CG patients, both at T0, T1 and T2. Moreover, average pain intensity values were lower in the SG for all TM analyzed, with the t-test significant (p< 0.05) for most TMs.

CONCLUSION

AT was effective in the pain treatment of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Further studies are needed with a sham control group to confirm the validity of these results.

Effects of ear acupuncture combined with cupping therapy on severity and threshold of chronic back pain and physical disability: A randomized clinical trial

Background and aim

Chronic back pain causes physical, functional, and emotional disabilities. Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies have been shown as interventions to treat chronic back pain. The present study aimed to clinically evaluate the effects of ear acupuncture combined with cupping therapy on people with chronic back pain.

Experimental procedure

We conducted an open-label, randomized, parallel-group controlled clinical trial. Following the CONSORT statement recommendations, 198 participants were randomized into ‘ear acupuncture’ and ‘ear acupuncture and cupping therapy’ groups. Data were collected in three different points; before the first session (initial) with the patient, after the last session (final), and seven days after the end of the treatment (follow-up). The Brief Pain Inventory, a digital algometer, and the Rolland Morris Disability Questionnaire were used for data collection. Generalized Estimation Equation model was used to examine the association between the interventions and the primary outcome pain severity.

Results

Pain severity, pressure pain threshold, and physical disability improved over time in both groups. However, for the patients being treated with both ear acupuncture and cupping therapy, significant changes were seen in pain severity, pain relief, and physical disabilities between the initial and final sessions. For the ‘ear acupuncture and cupping therapy’ group, significant changes were also seen for pain relief and physical disability in the follow-up session.

Conclusion

Ear acupuncture combined with cupping therapy was shown to be more effective in the treatment of chronic back pain when compared to treatment using only ear acupuncture.

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Ear acupuncture plus cupping therapy is effective to treat chronic back pain.

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Patients treated with both interventions achieved positive changes in all variables.

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These are interventions that can be implemented in clinical practice.

Comparison between Acupuncture and Nicotine Replacement Therapies for Smoking Cessation Based on Randomized Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and/or safety of acupuncture therapy (AT) in quitting smoking.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM). We used Cochrane Collaborative Quality Assessment to assess the risk of bias. Bayesian network meta-analysis was utilized to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different interventions. Data analyses were conducted using WinBUGS 1.4.3, Stata 14, and RevMan 5.3.5 software.

Results

A total of 2706 patients from 23 studies were included, involving 6 treatment arms. Network meta-analysis demonstrated that there was no significant difference in short-term abstinence rates or changes in Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) scores and daily smoking among these groups (AT, sham acupuncture therapy (SAT), auricular acupressure (AA), sham auricular acupressure (SAA), acupuncture plus auricular acupressure (APAA), and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)). However, there was a significant difference between SAA and AA with risk ratio (RR) of 2.49 (95% CI 1.14, 5.97) in long-term abstinence rate. The probabilistic ranking results showed that APAA and AA were superior to other interventions in the comparison of abstinence rates. There was no obvious inconsistency between the direct comparison and indirect comparison, using the consistency test.

Conclusion

AA was superior to SAA in smoke quitting, but there was no difference among other interventions in long-term truncation rates. There was no difference in short-term abstinence rates among these selected groups. We need large sample RCTs to clarify the advantages of interventions such as APAA and AA. In addition, reporting of adverse events that may occur during treatment also should be enhanced to complement evidence-based medicine. The trial is registered with PROSPERO CRD42020164712.

Risks and Safety of Extended Auricular Therapy: A Review of Reviews and Case Reports of Adverse Events

OBJECTIVE

Auricular acupuncture (AA) and extended auricular therapy (AT) are a part of acupuncture practice shown to benefit patients with pain, anxiety, and other conditions, with cost-effective access enhanced when given in a group setting. Yet there are safety concerns and risks, perhaps unnecessary risks, that attend embedded, indwelling needles applied to the ear as a means of extended AT.

METHODS

Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for "auriculotherapy," "auricular acupuncture" or "auricular acupressure," "safety," "adverse events," "chondritis," and "perichondritis," with additional manual review of titles, links, and reference lists. Individual auricular therapy adverse event (AE) case reports were included, as well as systematic reviews and or meta-analyses if they evaluated AEs associated with AT.

RESULTS

Nineteen auricular AE case reports and nine safety reviews of or including auriculotherapy were included. Ten systematic reviews of AT with eight specific reviews of auricular acupressure (AP) were also included.

CONCLUSIONS

The primary AE risks is infection, perichondritis, and chondritis stemming from embedded or indwelling needles or potential inadvertent needlesticks from contaminated roaming sharps. Extended AP i.e., application of spheres, preferably seeds (natural, nontoxic botanical Vaccaria seeds) provides clinical benefit without the risks associated with embedded needles. More research is needed to establish if embedded needles at the ear are even necessary or have any advantage over in-session auricular acupuncture for immediate pain relief followed by ear acupressure.

Auriculotherapy in adults and elderly people with lower urinary tract symptoms: an integrative review

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the evidence available in the literature on the use of auriculotherapy in adults and elderly people with lower urinary tract symptoms.

METHOD

An integrative literature review. Primary study search was carried out in nine relevant health databases. The characterization of studies regarding the method of application of auriculotherapy was based on the Revised Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture recommendations.

RESULTS

296 studies were found, 17 pre-selected and eight included in the review. Favorable results from auriculotherapy were evidenced in specific populations, such as elderly men with prostatic disorders and individuals undergoing surgical procedures. The main urinary symptoms addressed were frequency, urgency, nocturia, incomplete voiding, intermittency, weak flow, effort to start urination, incontinence, and urinary retention.

CONCLUSION

Despite the limited number of studies and weaknesses with regard to sample size and different intervention protocols, it is suggested that auriculotherapy, associated or not with other complementary therapies, may contribute to lower urinary tract symptom control in adults and elderly people.

The Immediate Effect of Informational Manual Therapy for Improving Quiet Standing and Bodily Pain in University Population

Background: The Informational Manual Therapy (IMT) is a therapeutic touch. This study aims to assess the effect of IMT on quiet standing, pain and health status in university population. Methods: An experiment was conducted on subjects utilizing a comparative paired analysis both before and after the intervention. One IMT session was performed on 57 healthy individuals aged from 18 to 65 years. The primary outcome was quiet standing assessed by the Satel 40 Hz stabilometric force platform. Secondary outcomes were bodily pain assessed by the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and health status by EQ-5D-3L. The primary outcome was evaluated before and immediately after treatment. Results: The individuals were divided into 3 age groups, 18–35 (52.6%), 35–50 (29.8%) and 51–65 (17.6%). Statistically significant differences were immediately observed after the session ended when comparing the pre-post quiet stance scores in a number of length parameters: L, Lx, Ly and stabilometry amplitude on Y-axis with eyes open and closed. Significant differences were also found when testing bodily pain (SF-36) and anxiety (5Q-5D-3L). Conclusion: One session of IMT produced positive effects when testing quiet standing with eyes open and eyes closed, as well as a significant reduction in pain and anxiety for those tested. Further research is suggested.

International Consensus Based Review and Recommendations for Minimum Reporting Standards in Research on Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (Version 2020)

Given its non-invasive nature, there is increasing interest in the use of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) across basic, translational and clinical research. Contemporaneously, tVNS can be achieved by stimulating either the auricular branch or the cervical bundle of the vagus nerve, referred to as transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation(VNS) and transcutaneous cervical VNS, respectively. In order to advance the field in a systematic manner, studies using these technologies need to adequately report sufficient methodological detail to enable comparison of results between studies, replication of studies, as well as enhancing study participant safety. We systematically reviewed the existing tVNS literature to evaluate current reporting practices. Based on this review, and consensus among participating authors, we propose a set of minimal reporting items to guide future tVNS studies. The suggested items address specific technical aspects of the device and stimulation parameters. We also cover general recommendations including inclusion and exclusion criteria for participants, outcome parameters and the detailed reporting of side effects. Furthermore, we review strategies used to identify the optimal stimulation parameters for a given research setting and summarize ongoing developments in animal research with potential implications for the application of tVNS in humans. Finally, we discuss the potential of tVNS in future research as well as the associated challenges across several disciplines in research and clinical practice.

Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapeutics: An Overview of the Basics and Clinical Applications

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a systematic healthcare system developed from clinical experience based on a scientific model of regulation. TCM relies on unique theories and practices to treat diseases and enhance health. These practices include Chinese herbal medicine and dietetics, acupuncture and moxibustion, and other non-medication therapies such as Chinese bodywork or manual therapy, known as "Tuina", and traditional biofeedback exercises, known as "Qigong" and "Taijiquan". The integration of TCM in Western health systems and research requires a rational communicable theory, scientific proof of efficacy and safety, and quality control measures. Understanding the structural concepts of the TCM language makes possible the parallelism to Western physiology, and the inherent rational use of the reflex therapeutic systems, anti-inflammatory mechanisms and mental training involved, for example, in acupuncture and "Qigong". The results of TCM clinical trials and fundamental research on its nature and mechanisms have encouraged the development and application of well-designed research strategies such as double blinding in acupucture to overcome limitations and resistances in integrating these practices into the existing biomedical paradigms of the West. This review aims to overview some TCM theoretical concepts and the evidence-based clinical application of TCM's leading practices to create an easy-to-consult and condensed source of information, available for the healthcare community, facilitating the understanding and communication between conventional health professionals and TCM practitioners and acupuncturists.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Substance Use Disorders: A Scientometric Analysis and Visualization of Its Use Between 2001 and 2020

Background: This study aimed to identify frontiers for further studies via brief understanding in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for substance use disorders (SUDs). Materials and Methods: Publications on the use of CAM for treating SUDs were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection from 2001 to 2020 on July 12, 2020, and visualized by CiteSpace V. Results: A total of 3,807 publications were obtained. The USA, China, and England were the leading research centers. However, India and Pakistan have recently focused on assessing CAM for the treatment of SUDs. Frederick L Altice was found to be the most productive author. Addiction ranked first among the frequently cited journals, which exceeded 1,000. The most common CAM therapies were acupuncture and CAM psychotherapies, such as mindfulness meditation. Conclusion: CAM is gaining attention globally for treating SUDs. CAM psychotherapy and acupuncture are hotspots and deserve further study. Researchers should strengthen peer cooperation in this field.

Auriculotherapy and reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain: integrative review

OBJECTIVES

to describe the scientific evidence on the use of auriculotherapy to reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults and the elderly.

METHODS

integrative literature review conducted in the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences, SciVerse Scopus and MEDLINE databases (via National Library of Medicine), in March 2019, with no time frame.

RESULTS

14 original scientific articles were analyzed, 64.3% of which were classified with level of evidence 2. All productions show the benefit of auriculotherapy in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain, especially in the lumbar spine (42.9%). The treatment was developed in one or more sessions, using semi-permanent needles (42.9%) and electro-auriculotherapy (21.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

auriculotherapy was effective in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain, showing itself as an alternative to be used for the promotion and recovery of individuals' health.

The Effects of Auriculotherapy on Shoulder Pain After a Cesarean Section

BACKGROUND

Postcesarean section shoulder pain caused by constrained upper extremity movement limits the maternal activities of breastfeeding and neonatal care.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims at investigating the effects of auriculotherapy on shoulder pain after a cesarean section.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, 90 candidates for a cesarean section were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly allocated into control and intervention groups by the minimization method. In the intervention group, ear seeds were placed on shoulder and muscle relaxation points from two hours prior to surgery until 24 hours after it. In the control group, ear seeds were placed on placebo points. Shoulder pain was assessed on a numerical pain scale in 1, 6, and 24 hours after surgery.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the two groups 1 and 6 hours after surgery. However, there was a significant difference between the two groups 24 hours after surgery and the mean pain score was lower in the intervention group (independent t-test, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The use of auriculotherapy is recommended for the prevention and alleviation of shoulder pain after a cesarean section.

Auriculotherapy as a means of managing nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: A double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

This study was aimed to assess the effectiveness of auriculotherapy on managing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

METHODS

In this randomized clinical trial, 128 pregnant women suffering from nausea and vomiting were selected and assigned to study groups. The data were collected using demographic information and Rhodes' questionnaires and analyzed in SPSS v.22.

RESULTS

After intervention, the average nausea score of the Rhodes index declined significantly in patients in the intervention group (p < 0.001).However, there was no significant (p = 0.305) difference between the two groups regarding vomiting. The results of the repeated measures showed that interventions had a significant effect on the total score of the questionnaire and also the scores regarding nausea (p < 0.04).

CONCLUSION

The appropriate use of effective points on ears to control nausea and vomiting as a non-medicine and complementary treatment can alleviate nausea among pregnant women.

Benefícios da auriculoacupuntura em profissionais de enfermagem atuantes na COVID-19 à luz da Teoria do Conforto

RESUMO Objetivo analisar os benefícios da auriculoacupuntura em profissionais de enfermagem atuantes na pandemia COVID-19 à luz da Teoria do Conforto de Katherine Kolcaba. Método pesquisa descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, realizada com 33 profissionais de enfermagem atuantes no combate à COVID-19. Os depoimentos foram coletados por meio de entrevista após a realização de sessões de auriculoacupuntura, em seguida organizados e analisados segundo a análise de conteúdo de Bardin, com ancoragem na Teoria do Conforto. Resultados emergiram três categorias temáticas: “Auriculoacupuntra como medida de conforto”; “(Des)Conforto físico e psicoespiritual e atuação na assistência à COVID-19”; e, “Do apoio organizacional ao comprometimento individual com a saúde”. Verifica-se que os sujeitos declararam melhora no autopercepção de conforto, com destaque para os domínios físico e psicoespiritual, como a melhora da ansiedade, dores e qualidade do sono. A integridade institucional aparece como aliada ao comportamento de procura de saúde. Considerações finais e implicações para a prática: A auriculoacupuntura foi percebida como benéfica para melhorar a sensação de conforto físico e psicoespiritual pelos profissionais de enfermagem.

Effects of auriculotherapy on weight and body mass index reduction in patients with overweight or obesity: Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Auriculotherapy is based on the stimulation of reflex points in the ear. However, little is known about its weight-reducing effects. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of auriculotherapy on weight and/or (BMI) reduction in overweight or patients with obesity.

METHODS

Twelve articles were selected for systematic review. Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating weight reduction and five investigating BMI reduction were selected for the meta-analyzes.

RESULTS

The results revealed an association between auriculotherapy and weight reduction (WMD, 1.507; 95% CI, 0.606-2.407; p < 0.000). Auriculotherapy was also significantly associated with BMI reduction (WMD, 0.865; 95% CI, 0.533-1.196; p < 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that auriculotherapy was effective in reducing weight and/or BMI in overweight or patients with obesity. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity.

Auriculotherapy in primary health care: A large-scale educational experience in Brazil

Auriculotherapy consists of physical stimuli applied to the outer ear and is commonly associated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The authors present and discuss the development of a course that offers a semi-on-site auriculotherapy course for Brazilian primary health care (PHC) professionals. The course was funded by the Brazilian Ministry of Health and developed at the Federal University of Santa Catarina in 2015 by a team of experts in auriculotherapy. It consisted of 75 h of distance learning (five sequential modules) and 5 h of on-site learning. The modules included the following items: (1) introduction to integrative practices; (2) ear reflexology; (3) introduction to TCM; (4) biomedical view of auriculotherapy; and (5) auriculotherapy in PHC. The teaching material included a workbook for each module, 14 video lectures and an interactive ear (online resource) to study location and application to the main auricular points. The on-site lectures follow a structured script of ear palpation techniques, auricular seed insertion practice and clinical case discussions, under the supervision of trained instructors. The course was offered in 2016 and 2017 and on-site lectures took place in 25 cities, covering all Brazilian regions, in coordination with municipal or state boards of health. A total of 4273 health professionals concluded the training and their evaluation of the course was highly positive. The Brazilian experience of large-scale training shows the potential to disseminate auriculotherapy in the context of PHC, given that its practice is fast, easy to learn, safe, effective for different health problems and well accepted by the patients.