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Lovato A, Biral M, Postiglione M, Gagliardi G, Gagliardi V, Ceccherelli F. A Possible Correlation Between Auricular Angiomas and Breast Cancer Through Auricular Acupuncture Diagnosis: An Observational Case-Control Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e60834. [PMID: 38910685 PMCID: PMC11190853 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Auricular acupuncture (AA) can be used for both diagnosis and therapy. Diagnosis done with AA has become more prominent, with inspection by evaluating skin alterations considered the most important step. Literature on AA diagnosis in cancer patients is scarce. Globally, breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Materials and methods Subjects accessing the outpatient Breast Unit Clinic of Padua for BC were evaluated for auricle angiomas, with collected data including a number of angiomas, Romoli's Sectogram sector of identified angiomas, laterality of the auricle with the angioma, age, and laterality of BC. Results Of the 438 subjects evaluated, 129 had BC, and 64 had an identifiable auricle angioma. The odds of an auricular angioma were higher in subjects with BC diagnosis, mainly localized in tumor area II and predominantly ipsilateral to the side affected by BC. Conclusions AA auricle inspection is a simple, quick, and easy diagnostic tool. Screening for the presence and location of auricular angiomas may help health practitioners refer women for BC screening for early diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonello Lovato
- Integrative Medicine, Pain Therapy Clinic, Vicenza, ITA
- Complementary Medicine, A.I.R.A.S. (Italian Association for the Research and the Scientific Update), Padua, ITA
| | - Mario Biral
- Complementary Medicine, A.I.R.A.S. (Italian Association for the Research and the Scientific Update), Padua, ITA
| | - Marco Postiglione
- Epidemiology and Public Health, A.I.R.A.S. (Italian Association for the Research and the Scientific Update), Padua, ITA
| | - Giuseppe Gagliardi
- Anesthesiology, AULSS 5 Polesana, Rovigo, ITA
- Pain Therapy, A.I.R.A.S. (Italian Association for the Research and the Scientific Update), Padua, ITA
| | | | - Francesco Ceccherelli
- Anesthesiology and Pain Therapy, A.I.R.A.S. (Italian Association for the Research and the Scientific Update), Padua, ITA
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Wang Y, Su Y, Wang J, Zhang K, Zhang W, Cui J, Liu Y, Wang X, Bai W. Networks of Nerve Fibers, and Blood and Lymphatic Vessels in the Mouse Auricle: The Structural Basis of Ear Acupuncture. Med Acupunct 2024; 36:79-86. [PMID: 38659726 PMCID: PMC11036157 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2023.0077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Ear acupuncture, as a system for treating and preventing diseases through stimulation of points on the auricle, has been systematically introduced during the last 60 years. Although the auricular cartography was described somatotopically as an inverted fetus by Paul Nogier, MD, the underlying mechanism of auricular stimulation remains unclear. The aim of this research was to gain an understanding of the structural basis of auricular stimulation, as well as showing the distribution of the nerve fibers, and the blood and lymphatic vessels. Materials and Methods The distribution of nerve fibers, and blood and lymphatic vessels was examined in whole-mount auricular skins of mice by combining the biomarkers protein gene product 9.5, cluster of differentiation 31, and lymphatic-vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 following tissue-clearing treatment with multiple immunofluorescent staining. Results The labeled nerve fibers, and the blood and lymphatic vessels were distributed extensively in the inner and outer parts of the auricular skin. Auricular nerves aligning with blood vessels ran from the basal region to the peripheral region and crossed over lymphatic vessels, thus forming the neural, vascular, and lymphatic networks. Conclusions As these are important tissue components of auricular skin, this result implies that the auricular nerve fibers, and blood and lymphatic vessels may coordinate with each other to respond directly to auricular stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxin Su
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kaiwen Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Cui
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yihan Liu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wanzhu Bai
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Correlations Between Auricular Tenderness and Symptoms in Korean Adults. Holist Nurs Pract 2020; 34:180-186. [PMID: 32282494 DOI: 10.1097/hnp.0000000000000381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between auricular tenderness and subjective symptoms. A descriptive correlational study design was followed, which was also the second analysis of a randomized controlled trial. This study was performed in the Republic of Korea from September 2013 to February 2017. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Constipation Assessment Scale, and the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale were used. One hundred thirty-three participants displayed ear tenderness, whereas 84 participants did not. Adults with auricular tenderness reported more symptoms, such as sputum, rhinitis, constipation, stress, mood swings, and depressive symptoms compared with adults without (with tenderness: 4.14 ± 2.94, without tenderness: 2.92 ± 2.45; t = 3.32, P = .001). Finally, auricular acupressure points were positively correlated with various symptoms such as sputum, constipation, nicotine addiction, stress, cough, and rhinitis. Auricular palpation could be used to detect a disease at an early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- T I Usichenko
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - A Mustea
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - D Pavlovic
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Ernst Moritz Arndt University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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De Marchi CE. A Tribute to the Life of Marco Romoli (1947–2017). Med Acupunct 2018. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2018.1287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Oleson T. The Search for International Consensus on Auricular Acupuncture Nomenclature. Med Acupunct 2016. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2016.1199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Terry Oleson
- Auriculotherapy Certification Institute, Los Angeles, CA
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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.
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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
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Volf N, Ferdman L. Auricular Causative Diagnosis—Finding the Roots of Diseases: A Study of Clinical Cases. Med Acupunct 2016. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2016.1189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Volf
- Scientific Acupuncture Diploma of the Medical Faculty of Paris XI University, Paris, France
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Leonid Ferdman
- Scientific Acupuncture Diploma of the Medical Faculty of Paris XI University, Paris, France
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Oleson T. Standardized Ear Acupuncture Nomenclature Utilizing Auricular Landmarks and 3-D Graphic Imaging for Delineating Different Auricular Zones. Med Acupunct 2014. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2014.1040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Terry Oleson
- Auriculotherapy Certification Institute, Los Angeles, CA
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Yeo S, Kim KS, Lim S. Randomised clinical trial of five ear acupuncture points for the treatment of overweight people. Acupunct Med 2013; 32:132-8. [PMID: 24342715 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2013-010435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of the five ear acupuncture points (Shen-men, Spleen, Stomach, Hunger, Endocrine), generally used in Korean clinics for treating obesity, and compare them with the Hunger acupuncture point. METHODS A randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted in 91 Koreans (16 male and 75 female, body mass index (BMI)≥23), who had not received any other weight control treatment within the past 6 months. Subjects were divided randomly into treatment I, treatment II or sham control groups and received unilateral auricular acupuncture with indwelling needles replaced weekly for 8 weeks. Treatment I group received acupuncture at the five ear acupuncture points, treatment II group at the Hunger acupuncture point only and the sham control group received acupuncture at the five ear acupuncture points used in treatment I, but the needles were removed immediately after insertion. BMI, waist circumference, weight, body fat mass (BFM), percentage body fat and blood pressure were measured at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. RESULTS For the 58 participants who provided data at 8 weeks, significant differences in BMI, weight and BFM were found between the treatment and control groups. Treatment groups I and II showed 6.1% and 5.7% reduction in BMI, respectively (p<0.004). There were no significant differences between the two treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS This finding suggests that the five ear acupuncture points, generally used in Korean clinics, and the Hunger point alone treatment are both effective for treating overweight people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujung Yeo
- Department of Meridian and Acupuncture, Graduate College of Basic Korean Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, , Seoul, South Korea
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Liu HP, Liang B, Zhang HM, Liu XY, Liu SH. Specificity of auricular acupoints in reflecting changes of qi and blood measured by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. ZHONG XI YI JIE HE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF CHINESE INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 10:186-192. [PMID: 22313886 DOI: 10.3736/jcim20120209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the specificity of auricular acupoints in responding to changes of qi and blood which, in traditional Chinese medicine, are considered as the fundamental substances in the human body for sustaining normal vital activity. METHODS A miniature fiber optic system was used to invasively measure the diffuse reflectance spectra of three auricular acupoints, namely, Uterus (TF2), Gan (CO12) and Neifenmi (CO18), at different stages of menstruation, when the female body exhibits regular changes of qi and blood. The spectra of different acupoints were compared to find their difference in responding changes of qi and blood, especially the reflectivity of absorption peaks of hemoglobin. RESULTS The reflectivity of the same auricular acupoint during menstruation is higher than that before and after menstruation, and this trend is more obvious for the Uterus point compared with the points Gan and Neifenmi. The average reflectivity of the Uterus point during menstruation was significantly higher than that before or after menstruation (P<0.01). The D-values during and after menstruation of the Uterus point were greater than those of the points Gan and Neifenmi at 544.06 and 577.47 nm, respectively (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The diffuse reflectance light of auricular acupoints changes as qi and blood fluctuates, and there is relative specificity among different auricular acupoints in reflecting changes of qi and blood. The Uterus point may be the most sensitive auricular acupoint in reflecting uterus function and subsequent changes of qi and blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-ping Liu
- Laboratory of Photonics Chinese Medicine, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, Guangdong Province, China.
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Breivogel B, Vuthaj B, Krumm B, Hummel J, Cornell D, Diehl A. Photoelectric stimulation of defined ear points (Smokex-Pro method) as an aid for smoking cessation: a prospective observational 2-year study with 156 smokers in a primary care setting. Eur Addict Res 2011; 17:292-301. [PMID: 21912133 DOI: 10.1159/000329717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smokex-Pro is a smoking cessation method using a protocol of a standardized consultation and computer-assisted photoelectric stimulation of defined regions in the ear and face. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 156 consecutive adult smokers (81 males, 75 females; mean age 43.8 years; body mass index 25.5; daily cigarettes 24.7; Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence 5; 30 smoking years). The primary end point was the self-reported continuous abstinence rate. RESULTS Participants completed on average only 32% of recommended visits. A total of 76.7% stopped smoking for more than 7 days. Moreover, 53.4% remained free of smoking for more than 90 days. Long-term abstinence rates were 49.3% (1 year) and 47.95% (2 years). Treatment-related side effects were observed in 24.5% of participants. Side effects were mild and resolved within hours. CONCLUSION The Smokex-Pro method appears to be an effective aid for smoking cessation. The treatment was well tolerated and showed only mild and temporary side effects. The average cost of treatment is typically less than EUR 90; the total treatment time is typically 60-90 min. These factors make it an attractive alternative compared to traditional smoking cessation methods. Controlled clinical trials will be needed to confirm the results of this study and refine the treatment for maximum efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Breivogel
- Complementary Medicine, University Medicine Mannheim, Germany.
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