1
|
Armstrong K, Gokal R, Todorsky W. Neuromodulating Influence of Two Electroacupuncture Treatments on Heart Rate Variability, Stress, and Vagal Activity. J Altern Complement Med 2020; 26:928-936. [PMID: 32654498 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2019.0267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Although the clinical use of electro-acupuncture is widespread, the neuromodulating influence of various applied frequencies is not well established. Objectives: Heart rate variability (HRV), stress and parasympathetic recovery are closely related to health, longevity and vitality in humans. This study was undertaken to determine the influence of different electro-therapy frequencies on various autonomic nervous system markers when applied to a Battlefield Acupuncture Protocol (BFA). Design: A detailed comparison of autonomic nervous system (ANS) response to low frequency (LF) 2.5 Hz electro-acupuncture and mid-frequency (MF) 15 Hz electro-acupuncture applied by point stimulation to acupuncture points was undertaken on 2 groups of 12 patients. Interventions: Both LFEA and MFEA were applied to Battlefield Acupuncture protocol, consisting of five (5) key acupuncture ear (auricular) points that isolate the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and central nervous system's role in the chronic/acute pain cycle. Evaluations entailed an advanced status of autonomic nervous system (ANS) function through Electro-Cardiogram (ECG) baseline markers reflecting: sympathetic stress (SI); parasympathetic vagal tone (high frequency [HF]) and heart rate variability (HRV = total power). All were repeated subsequent to electro-therapy using 2 separate electro-modalities of low-frequency (2.5 Hz) electro-acupuncture (LFEA) and Mid-Frequency (15 Hz) electro-acupuncture (MFEA). All 24 patients received one (1) elector-acupuncture session. Results: The autonomic nervous system response to LFEA (2.5 Hz) reflected a statistically significant pre-post improvement in three of the markers collected: heart rate variability (HRV) improved by 61% [p = 0.002]; sympathetic stress (SI) reduced 42% [p = 0.002]; and parasympathetic vagal tone (HF) increased 56% [p = 0.017]. In contrast, MFEA (15 Hz) showed positive but non-significant changes in outcomes in all nervous system markers. Conclusions: The autonomic nervous system response with LFEA showed a measurable reduction in sympathetic stress with subsequent improvement in vagal tone, and HRV. This positive sympathetic nervous system deactivation from LFEA application shown in this study could have a major impact on other pathologies related to human health and longevity. Further cohort studies are warranted to determine the validity of these outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Armstrong
- Center for Pain & Stress Research Ltd., St. Augustine, FL, USA
| | - Raman Gokal
- University of Manchester, Royal Infirmary, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Center for Pain & Stress Research Ltd., Toronto, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Prado JMD, Kurebayashi LFS, Silva MJPD. Experimental and placebo auriculotherapy for stressed nurses: randomized controlled trial. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2018; 52:e03334. [PMID: 29898171 DOI: 10.1590/s1980-220x2017030403334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of experimental auriculotherapy and placebo auriculotherapy with sham points for the treatment of stress in nurses of a charity hospital in São Paulo. METHOD Randomized, single-blind, controlled trial. The sample consisted of 168 nurses with medium and high stress levels according to the List of Stress Symptoms (LSS). The participants were randomized to three groups: Auriculotherapy (G1), Placebo (G2) and Control (G3). Groups 1 and 2 received 12 sessions, twice a week. The points used in Group 1 were: Shenmen and Brainstem; in Group 2 the points were: External Ear and Face Area. The three groups were evaluated at baseline, after eight sessions, 12 sessions and in a follow-up (after 15 days). RESULTS Group 1 achieved a 43% reduction and a 1.81 Cohen d index (high effect), presenting statistical difference after eight sessions, maintained in the follow-up evaluation (p <0.001), according to Analysis of Variance. Group 2 achieved a 26% reduction, with Cohen's d index of 0.86 (great effect), achieving a difference after 12 sessions (p<0.001), maintained in the follow-up (p <0.05). The G3 did not present stress reduction. CONCLUSION Experimental auriculotherapy achieved greater stress reduction among nurses, but there was no statistical difference between the two intervention groups. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-req2792.
Collapse
|
3
|
Stadler J, Raith W. Active Ear Acupuncture Points in Neonates: Initial Results in a New Research Field. Med Acupunct 2018; 30:155-158. [PMID: 29937970 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2018.1277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Little is known about active ear acupuncture points (EAP) in neonates. Previous unblinded studies by Stähler van Amerongen et al. showed that neonates have detectable active EAP, and that sick neonates could have more EAP relative to healthy neonates. EAP was investigated in an unblinded trial involving neonates with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Furthermore, a blinded, controlled observational trial was conducted to compare active EAP present in healthy neonates with EAP of sick neonates. Materials and Methods: An electrical point search device (PS3, Silberbauer, Vienna, Austria) was used to detect EAP. Active EAP were detected with an integrated optical and acoustical signal, and readings were transferred to a standardized ear map. A Mann-Whitney-U test and Spearman's correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 94 neonates were enrolled across both trials. EAP were detectable in all healthy and sick neonates. In the blinded trial, sick neonates had a significantly higher number of active EAP than did healthy neonates. Conclusions: A notable difference in the number of active EAP was detected between healthy and sick neonates. More trials with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm the diagnostic power of EAP in neonates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Stadler
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Research Group for Paediatric Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM Research Center Graz (Acupuncture Research), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Raith
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Research Group for Paediatric Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM Research Center Graz (Acupuncture Research), Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang ZX, Li CR, Rong PJ, Bai ZH, Hill AM, Jing Q, Ren L, Wang CY. Efficacy and Safety of Auricular Therapy for Depression. Med Acupunct 2016. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2016.1182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Xing Zhang
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huanggu District, Shenyang, China
| | - Chun-Ri Li
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huanggu District, Shenyang, China
| | - Pei-Jing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zeng-Hua Bai
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huanggu District, Shenyang, China
| | - Ashley Marie Hill
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huanggu District, Shenyang, China
| | - Qin Jing
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huanggu District, Shenyang, China
| | - Lu Ren
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huanggu District, Shenyang, China
| | - Chun-Yan Wang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China, and Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Huang W, Halpin SN, Perkins MM. A case series of auricular acupuncture in a veteran's population using a revised auricular mapping-diagnostic paradigm (RAMP-uP). Complement Ther Med 2016; 27:130-6. [PMID: 27515887 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate clinical effects of auricular acupuncture treatments for pain based on a revised auricular mapping and diagnostic paradigm (RAMP-uP). DESIGN Retrospective chart review. SETTING A major US Veterans Affairs Medical Centre located in the Southeaster United States. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pain and efficacy rating scores based on visual analogue scales during each clinical visit. Duration of acupuncture treatment effects based on clinic notes documentation. RESULTS Patients' average pain score decreased by almost 60% (p<0.0001). The treatment effects lasted 1-3 months (47%). The overall efficacy reported by most patients was helpful (83.6%). CONCLUSION The observed clinical effects of auricular acupuncture based on RAMP-uP are promising. Further research is needed to assess its feasibility to generalize and generate clinical effects in randomized controlled clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Huang
- Extended Care/Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Atlanta VA Medical Centre, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033, United States; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
| | - S N Halpin
- Department of General and Geriatric Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - M M Perkins
- Birmingham/Atlanta Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Centre, Atlanta VA Medical Centre, Atlanta, GA 30033, United States; Department of General and Geriatric Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kurath-Koller S, Pansy J, Mileder LP, Schmölzer GM, Urlesberger B, Raith W. Active Somatic and Psychic Ear Acupuncture Points in Newborn Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. J Altern Complement Med 2016; 22:788-793. [PMID: 27486672 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2016.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) occurs within the first days after birth in newborns of mothers with a history of drug abuse. It may also occur in newborns whose mothers are undergoing substitution therapy. OBJECTIVE To determine the presence of active ear acupuncture points in newborn infants with NAS. METHODS Among newborn infants with NAS admitted to the Division of Neonatology at the University Hospital Graz between March 2009 and November 2014, an acupuncture-point detector (PS3 Silberbauer, Vienna, Austria) was used to identify active ear acupuncture points. An integrated optical and acoustical signal detects the ear points, which were then assigned to the ear map. A total of 31 newborn infants were assessed; 1 infant was excluded, however, because the mother had already weaned herself off opiates before admission. RESULTS The excluded infant did not develop signs of NAS, had a low Finnegan score (3 points), and did not present any detectable active psychic ear acupuncture points. In all included newborn infants with NAS, active ear acupuncture points were identified: The psychovegetative rim was the most common active somatic area in each infant, followed by a few somatic and psychic ear acupuncture points. In all infants with symptoms of NAS, active psychic ear points were identified, of which the most frequently found points were the Frustration point and the R point. CONCLUSION The activity of psychic ear acupuncture points may be specific for neonates with NAS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kurath-Koller
- 1 Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz , Graz, Austria
| | - Jasmin Pansy
- 1 Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz , Graz, Austria
| | - Lukas P Mileder
- 1 Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz , Graz, Austria
| | - Georg M Schmölzer
- 2 Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada .,3 Neonatal Research Unit, Royal Alexandra Hospital , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada .,4 Alberta Health Services , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Berndt Urlesberger
- 1 Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz , Graz, Austria .,5 Research Group for Pediatric Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM Research Center Graz, Medical University of Graz , Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Raith
- 1 Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz , Graz, Austria .,5 Research Group for Pediatric Traditional Chinese Medicine, TCM Research Center Graz, Medical University of Graz , Graz, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Moore CB, Hickey AH. Increasing Access to Auricular Acupuncture for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting. J Perianesth Nurs 2016; 32:96-105. [PMID: 28343649 DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Revised: 03/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) affects more than 30% of surgical patients. Auricular acupuncture (AA) has been shown to decrease the incidence of PONV in select populations. DESIGN An evidence-based quality improvement project made AA available to all adult surgical patients, and the results were recorded in a database. A retrospective between-groups analysis of 210 database entries was conducted, of those 25 receiving AA. FINDINGS More risk factors for PONV were present in the AA group (P < .001). Both groups experienced a less-than-expected rate of PONV. Similar rates were shown between groups for PONV, postanesthesia care unit length of stay, and opioid consumption. Patient satisfaction was 96% with AA. The AA group was treated with less antiemetic medication (P < .001), yet PONV rates remained similar. CONCLUSIONS A multimodal approach treating patients at risk for PONV is recommended. Administration of multiple antiemetics may result in unnecessary cost or unfavorable side effects when effective and less costly alternatives exist. AA is a viable treatment for PONV, considering cost and patient satisfaction.
Collapse
|
8
|
A randomized clinical trial of auricular point acupressure for chronic low back pain: a feasibility study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:196978. [PMID: 23554825 PMCID: PMC3603381 DOI: 10.1155/2013/196978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Revised: 01/22/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. This prospective, randomized clinical trial (RCT) was designed to investigate the feasibility and effects of a 4-week auricular point acupressure (APA) for chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods. Participants were randomized to either true APA (true acupoints with taped seeds on the designated ear points for CLBP) or sham APA (sham acupoints with taped seeds but on different locations than those designated for CLBP). The duration of treatment was four weeks. Participants were assessed before treatment, weekly during treatment, and 1 month following treatment. Results. Participants in the true APA group who completed the 4-week APA treatment had a 70% reduction in worst pain intensity, a 75% reduction in overall pain intensity, and a 42% improvement in disability due to back pain from baseline assessment. The reductions of worst pain and overall pain intensity in the true APA group were statistically greater than participants in the sham group (P < 0.01) at the completion of a 4-week APA and 1 month followup. Discussion. The preliminary findings of this feasibility study showed a reduction in pain intensity and improvement in physical function suggesting that APA may be a promising treatment for patients with CLBP.
Collapse
|