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Sim H, Park Y. Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Nurses' Perceived Stress, Sleep Quality, and Presenteeism: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial. Holist Nurs Pract 2024:00004650-990000000-00027. [PMID: 39042725 DOI: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The physical and psychological health management of nurses is very important not only for individual nurses but also for organizations and patients. However, nurses are exposed to high stress, sleep problems, and high presenteeism. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of auricular acupressure (AA) on nurses' stress, sleep problems, and presenteeism. This randomized controlled trial encompassed 60 nurses divided into an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). Auricular acupressure using AA stickers with small magnets attached was performed in the experimental group, and a placebo AA using simple AA stickers (without the small magnets) was performed in the control group. The treatment lasted 7 weeks. To confirm the results, stress, sleep quality, and presenteeism were measured at pre- and posttest. There was a statistically significant difference in scores for sleep quality (t = -1.98, P = .047), health problems (z = -2.38, P = .017), and work impairment (t = -4.46, P < .001) between the experimental and control groups at posttest. Auricular acupressure increased sleep quality scores and decreased presenteeism. Auricular acupressure using AA stickers with small magnets attached was effective in improving sleep quality and reducing presenteeism in nurses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunseo Sim
- Author Affiliations: College of Nursing, Graduate School, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea
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Kawi J, Yeh CH, Grant L, Huang X, Wu H, Hua C, Christo P. Retention, adherence, and acceptability testing of a digital health intervention in a 3-group randomized controlled trial for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Complement Ther Med 2024; 81:103030. [PMID: 38437926 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluate a digital health intervention using Auricular Point Acupressure (APA) for chronic musculoskeletal pain in terms of participant retention, adherence, acceptability, and satisfaction. Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a global concern and there are persistent challenges in pain management. Despite the value of digital health interventions, these interventions need to be fully evaluated for feasibility. METHODS We conducted a 3-group, longitudinal, randomized controlled trial (RCT). After Institutional Review Board approval, we posted recruitment flyers in a university, healthcare clinics, and community settings. Participants were randomized into an in-person + app group (n = 8), virtual + app group (n = 7), and a wait-list, education-enhanced control group (n = 8), evaluating our outcomes using standard feasibility measures. The 4-week intervention consisted of virtual sessions, telecommunications, and our APA app, followed by a 3-month follow-up. RESULTS Data from 22 participants were subsequently analyzed (95.7%). All app participants adhered to the study protocol and used APA at the minimum recommended frequency and duration. The virtual + app group used APA more during the intervention and follow-up periods. All app participants found the intervention to be acceptable and at least 80% overall were satisfied with APA at the 3-month follow-up. There were no adverse events reported. CONCLUSIONS Our digital health intervention was found to be acceptable and sustainable; participants adhered to and were satisfied with the intervention providing support for a larger RCT. CLINICAL TRIAL #: NCT05020470.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Kawi
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Nursing, 4505 S Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3018, USA.
| | - Chao Hsing Yeh
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Cizik School of Nursing, 6901 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lauren Grant
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, 625 Shadow Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89106, USA
| | - Xinran Huang
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hulin Wu
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, 1200 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chunyan Hua
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, 4505 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Paul Christo
- Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Elliott T, Merlano Gomez M, Morris D, Wilson C, Pilitsis JG. A scoping review of mechanisms of auricular acupuncture for treatment of pain. Postgrad Med 2024; 136:255-265. [PMID: 38501597 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2024.2333232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trish Elliott
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Maria Merlano Gomez
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Deborah Morris
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Candy Wilson
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Julie G Pilitsis
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Kim B, Park H. The Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Menopausal Symptoms, Stress, and Sleep in Postmenopausal Middle-Aged Women: A Randomized Single-Blind Sham-Controlled Trial. J Midwifery Womens Health 2024; 69:41-51. [PMID: 37549976 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bomi Kim
- College of Nursing, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyojung Park
- College of Nursing, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
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Kim B, Park H. The effects of auricular acupressure on blood pressure, stress, and sleep in elders with essential hypertension: a randomized single-blind sham-controlled trial. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 2023; 22:610-619. [PMID: 36594992 DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Reduction of blood pressure and improvement of stress and sleep disorders in patients with essential hypertension were important factors. This study aimed to examine the effects of auricular acupressure on blood pressure, stress, and sleep quality among elderly with essential hypertension in Korea. METHODS AND RESULTS This study was a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. The experimental group (n = 23) received 8 weeks of auricular acupressure intervention on specific acupoints (superior triangular fossa, Shenmen, kidney, heart, and occiput) related to blood pressure, pulse rate, stress, and sleep, whereas the control group (n = 23) received auricular acupressure on non-specific acupoints. The primary outcomes were the systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured weekly. The secondary outcomes were the pulse rate, heart rate variability, actigraphy measured through Fitbit, and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were measured before and after the experiment. There were statistically significant differences between two groups in systolic blood pressure (F = 5.67, P = 0.022), diastolic blood pressure (17.53, P < 0.001), and pulse rate (F = 6.78, P = 0.013) over time. Stress index (χ2 = 2.12, P = 0.040) and sleep efficiency (χ2 = 3.57, P = 0.001) were also significantly different before and after the experiment. However, there was no significant difference in the PSQI. CONCLUSION The findings showed that auricular acupressure leads to improvements in blood pressure, stress, and sleep in elderly people with essential hypertension. Therefore, auricular acupressure can be used as an alternative nursing intervention for hypertension prevention, stress, and sleep management. REGISTRATION WHO ICTRP KCT0007364.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bomi Kim
- College of Nursing, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Hyojung Park
- College of Nursing, Ewha Womans University, 52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, South Korea
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Kawi J, Yeh CH, Lukkahatai N, Hardwicke RL, Murphy T, Christo PJ. Exploring the Feasibility of Virtually Delivered Auricular Point Acupressure in Self-Managing Chronic Pain: Qualitative Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2022; 2022:8079691. [PMID: 36072397 PMCID: PMC9444388 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8079691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Chronic pain remains highly prevalent. Current pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies have not adequately managed chronic pain which has contributed to disability and high healthcare costs. With existing challenges in providing adequate pain care and access, we tested vAPA, a virtually delivered, self-management intervention using Auricular Point Acupressure (APA) by mobile app and virtual consultations (telehealth). Our key purpose was to evaluate the feasibility of the vAPA in self-managing chronic pain in preparation for a future randomized controlled trial. Methods We conducted a descriptive, qualitative study evaluating our 4-week vAPA intervention among 18 participants. We used directed qualitative content analysis. Results and Conclusion. Participants perceived that vAPA was feasible (acceptable, useable, practical, and beneficial). In addition, the following themes were gathered: better control of pain, less use of pain medications, self-management and motivation in pain, and expectations for pain relief. Refinements were recommended for the app, content, and delivery to improve study interventions. Findings are relevant in moving forward to a future randomized controlled trial and for wider implementation in a pragmatic clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Kawi
- University of Nevada, School of Nursing, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Chao Hsing Yeh
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Cizik School of Nursing, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nada Lukkahatai
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robin L. Hardwicke
- University of Texas Health Science Center, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Thomas Murphy
- University of Texas Health Science Center, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Paul J. Christo
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Kawi J, Yeh CH, Li M, Caswell, BS K, Mazraani, MD M, Lukkahatai, PhD, RN N, Mensah, RN S, Taylor J, Budhathoki C, Christo P. Auricular Point Acupressure Smartphone Application to Manage Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Longitudinal, One-Group, Open Pilot Trial. Glob Adv Health Med 2021; 10:2164956120987531. [PMID: 33623727 PMCID: PMC7876936 DOI: 10.1177/2164956120987531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is the most common self-reported chronic pain condition. Current treatment for CMP is limited. METHODS This was a two-phase study. In Phase 1, three auricular point acupressure (APA)-naïve participants were recruited to explore their experiences of APA and a smartphone app was developed based on their feedback. In Phase 2, a prospective longitudinal study was used to examine the effectiveness of the smartphone app to self-manage CMP. RESULTS Phase 1 resulted in the successful development of the APA smartphone app. In Phase 2, after four weeks of APA, participants reported reduced pain intensity (30%), pain interference (35%), and disability (40%), as well as improved physical function (47%). The mean score for the participants' perception of treatment efficacy was 4.94 (SD = 2.08, scale of 0-7) indicating that approximately 70% of participants rated global improvements with noticeable changes. The majority (88%, n = 22) of the participants were satisfied with the treatment: 32% [8] were very satisfied and 56% [n = 14] were somewhat satisfied. The average frequency of pressing APA seeds per day was 2.93 times (SD = 2.27, range 0-10) and 1.60 minutes per time (SD = 2.64, range 0-10); the participants were able to adhere to the suggested pressing time per day, although they only pressed the ear points about 53% of the suggested time. CONCLUSION It is feasible for individuals to learn APA from the smartphone app and successfully self-administer APA to manage their pain. Participants found the app useful and were satisfied with the information provided through the app.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Kawi
- School of Nursing, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas,
Nevada
| | - Chao Hsing Yeh
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing,
Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mengchi Li
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing,
Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Keenan Caswell, BS
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing,
Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | - Sylvanus Mensah, RN
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing,
Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Janiece Taylor
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing,
Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chakra Budhathoki
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing,
Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Paul Christo
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine,
Baltimore, Maryland
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous reviews indicate that the effect of auricular acupuncture on migraine. However, a systematic review is not available. Therefore, this protocol was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of auricular acupuncture on migraine, by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS The following databases will be searched from their inception to October 2019: Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wan Fang Database, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Cochrane Library, EMBASE, EBSCO, PubMed. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English or Chinese associated with auricular acupuncture for migraines will be included. Eligible study conference abstracts and reference lists of manuscripts will be searched. The data collection and analysis will be conducted independently by 2 reviewers. Meta-analysis will be performed using Rev Man V.5.3.5 statistical software. RESULTS This systematic review will be conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of auricular acupuncture in the treatment of migraine. Therefore, auricular acupuncture in the treatment of migraine needs to be further clarified. CONCLUSIONS In summary, this review will determine whether the impact of auricular acupuncture for intelligence on the treatment of migraines. A better approach may be established for migraine base on this review. It provides reliable evidence for its extensive application. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The private information from individuals will not publish. This systematic review also will not involve endangering participant rights. Ethical approval is not available. The results may be published in a peer-reviewed journal or disseminated in relevant conferences. OSF REGISTRATION NUMBER DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/7ZR8Q.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Sichuan Integrative Medicine Hospital
- Acupuncture and Tuina School
| | - Yifeng Shen
- Clinical Medicine School, Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongjuan Fu
- Sichuan Integrative Medicine Hospital
- Acupuncture and Tuina School
| | - Hao Zhou
- Sichuan Integrative Medicine Hospital
| | - Chao Wang
- Sichuan Integrative Medicine Hospital
- Acupuncture and Tuina School
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Lin L, Zhang Y, Qian HY, Xu JL, Xie CY, Dong B, Tian L. Auricular acupressure for cancer-related fatigue during lung cancer chemotherapy: a randomised trial. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2019; 11:32-39. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-001937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PurposeTo evaluate the effect of auricular acupressure (AA) on cancer-related fatigue (CRF), sleep disturbance and anxiety in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.Materials and methodsPatients were recruited from the respiratory department of a general hospital and were randomised into three groups. A 9-week course of AA using Semen Vaccariae (SV) (Group A)/AA using magnetic beads (Group B)/routine care (Group C) was implemented. CRF scores were used as the primary outcome while the sleep and anxiety scores were the secondary outcomes. Analysis of variance and least significant difference t-test were used to determine the intergroup differences and paired-sample t-test was used for the intragroup comparison.Results100 lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were included. Compared with Group C, AA could significantly alleviate CRF (F:24.63, p<0.01), especially for physical and affective fatigue and Group A was more effective for managing physical fatigue than Group B in per-protocol (PP) (−1.75 (−2.69 to –0.82), p<0.01)/Intention to Treat analysis (ITT) (−1.41 (−2.39 to –0.41), p=0.01) analysis. However, AA had no effect on cognitive fatigue. Compared with Group C, only Group A produced significant improvements in sleep quality in PP analysis (−1.17 (−2.23 to –0.10), p=0.03) while it yielded negative results in ITT analysis (−0.82 (−1.74 to 0.10), p=0.08). Compared with Group C, AA could significantly reduce anxiety in PP analysis (F:9.35, p<0.01) while there was no statistical difference between Group B and Group C (−0.95 (−2.81 to 0.90), p=0.31), Group A and Group B (−1.26 (−3.12 to 0.59), p=0.18) in ITT analysis.ConclusionAA can alleviate CRF of lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, especially for physical and affective fatigue. AA using SV is more effective for physical fatigue while AA using magnetic beads works better for anxiety. However, AA cannot improve the sleep quality.Trial registration numberISRCTNregistry (ISRCTN16408424).
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Comparing the effects of auricular seed acupressure and foot reflexology on neonatal abstinence syndrome: A modified double blind clinical trial. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2019; 36:72-76. [PMID: 31383448 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.06.002] [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] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neonates of addicted women are at risk for neonatal abstinence syndrome. This study aimed to compare the effects of auricular seed acupressure and foot reflexology on neonatal abstinence syndrome among the neonates of addicted women. METHODS Thirty one neonates of addicted women were purposively recruited and randomly allocated through coin flipping to receive either foot reflexology then seed acupressure or seed acupressure then foot reflexology. Interventions were performed in two successive days with a 12-h washout interval. Foot reflexology was applied for 15 min to the first horizontal zone of the sole while seed acupressure was applied for 24 h through attaching acupuncture-specific ear seeds to the posterior surface of the auricle on the SJ 17 acupoint. The symptoms of abstinence syndrome were assessed using Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Scoring System before and after foot reflexology, and before, 15 min, and 24 h after the onset of the seed acupressure intervention. Symptom assessment was done by a research assistant who was blind to the study intervention. FINDINGS The mean score of abstinence symptoms for the foot reflexology intervention significantly reduced from 10.32 ± 2.10 at pretest to 7.87 ± 2.04 at posttest (P < 0.001). Moreover, the mean score of abstinence symptoms for the seed acupressure intervention significantly reduced from 9.70 ± 2.10 to 8.70 ± 1.46 at the first posttest (P = 0.007) and 7.32 ± 1.42 at the second posttest (P < 0.001). The change in the mean score of the foot reflexology intervention was significantly greater than the change in the mean score at the first seed acupressure posttest (P < 0.001) but did not significantly differ from the change in the second seed acupressure posttest (P = 0.880). CONCLUSION Both foot reflexology and auricular seed acupressure has significant effects on abstinence symptoms. Of course, 15-min seed acupressure is less effective than 15-min foot reflexology, while 24-h seed acupressure is as effective as 15-min foot reflexology in alleviating abstinence symptoms.
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Effect of Auriculotherapy on the Plasma Concentration of Biomarkers in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2018; 11:145-152. [PMID: 29783048 DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most frequent noncommunicable diseases with pain associated symptoms and affects the musculoskeletal system. Various forms of treatment can be indicated, and nonpharmacological treatment is also an available option for the management of KOA individuals. For instance, auriculotherapy (AT) is one possible procedure associated with the Traditional Chinese Medicine for dealing with KOA. It is believed that the concentration of certain biomarkers could be altered in individuals with KOA after AT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of AT on plasma concentration of biomarkers in KOA individuals. This intervention is a controlled trial. Twenty-one subjects were grouped in two groups and submitted to AT with the stimulation of the Shen Men, kidney, and knee points in the treatment group or different points in the control group, once a week for 5 weeks. Blood was collected before the beginning of protocols and a week after the last session. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Wilcoxon tests were performed, and a p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Hematological parameters did not show any significant variation between the control group and treated group. Concerning the biochemical parameters, a significant reduction of direct bilirubin (from 43.31 ± 22.10 to 21.21 ± 5.30 μmol/L, p = 0.003), aspartate aminotransferase (from 0.48 ± 0.16 to 0.38 ± 0.09 μKat/L, p = 0.010), and triglycerides (from 7.04 ± 2.90 to 5.45 ± 2.57 mmol/L, p = 0.008) in the treated group was obtained. In conclusion, the analysis of results suggests that AT might be a useful intervention for the management of KOA individuals.
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Hou PW, Hsu HC, Lin YW, Tang NY, Cheng CY, Hsieh CL. The History, Mechanism, and Clinical Application of Auricular Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2015; 2015:495684. [PMID: 26823672 PMCID: PMC4707384 DOI: 10.1155/2015/495684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Auricular therapy includes acupuncture, electroacupuncture, acupressure, lasering, cauterization, moxibustion, and bloodletting in the auricle. For 2500 years, people have employed auricular therapy for treating diseases, but the methods have been limited to bloodletting and cauterization. Only after 1957, the international scientific community became aware that the map of the ear resembles an inverted fetus, its introduction has led to auricular acupuncture (AA) becoming a more systemic approach, and, following the identification and standardization of more precise points, AA has been employed in clinical applications. The mechanisms of AA are considered to have a close relationship with the autonomic nervous system, the neuroendocrine system, neuroimmunological factors, neuroinflammation, and neural reflex, as well as antioxidation. Auricular therapy has been applied, for example, for pain relief, for the treatment of epilepsy, anxiety, and obesity, and for improving sleep quality. However, the mechanisms and evidence for auricular therapy warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu-Wei Hou
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Cheng Hsu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Wen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Nou-Ying Tang
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Yi Cheng
- School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Liang Hsieh
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
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