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Six Current Research Studies show
Auriculotherapy isn’t just for Pain
Page 1
This report is brought to you
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 Evidence for the Ear
Current Research Studies show the Power and Versatility of Auriculotherapy

Auriculotherapy, sometimes called auricular acupuncture or ear acupuncture, is one of the safest, most
versatile treatments for a wide variety of conditions. It has long been used for pain, and recent studies are
demonstrating other traditional uses are just as applicable. Auriculotherapy often succeeds where other treatments
have failed, and it has the added bonus of presenting no side effects.

For these reasons and others, interest in auriculotherapy is increasing, as is research into this unique approach to
health. The following chart shows the number of studies published annually on auriculotherapy each year since
1973:

Studies accessible on Pubmed with Auriculotherapy as a keyword, by year

This report presents summaries of selected studies, covering a broad range of health conditions. The purpose is to
acquaint you with the wide and varied applications of this incredible healing approach.

Page 3
Dementia
Study Title: The effects of Ear Acupressure, massage therapy and no therapy on symptoms of dementia:
A randomized controlled trial.

Date: October 16, 2014

Summary: A total of 111 dementia patients participated in this randomized controlled trial and were
evaluated for pain, anxiety and depression. Interventions included ear acupressure, massage
and nothing. The ear acupressure intervention group showed better improvements than the
massage therapy intervention group in relation to pain and depression during the treatment
period and at one month of follow-up. The best improvement in pain was achieved in the
last (3rd) month of Ear Acupressure treatment. Regarding anxiety, the best results were also
observed in the last month of treatment.

Conclusions: Ear Acupressure and massage therapy showed better results than the control group in
relation to pain, anxiety and depression. However, Ear Acupressure achieved the most
improvements.

Citation: Rodríguez-Mansilla J, González López-Arza MV, Varela-Donoso E, Montanero-Fernández

J, González Sánchez B, Garrido-Ardila EM. The effects of Ear Acupressure, massage
therapy and no therapy on symptoms of dementia: A randomized controlled trial.Clin
Rehabil. 2014 Oct 16. pii: 0269215514554240.

Insomnia
Study Title: Auricular acupuncture for primary insomnia: a systematic review based on GRADE
system.

Date: July, 2014

Summary: This study is a meta-analysis of 8 individual studies, involving 894 patients. Techniques
included auricular acupuncture, sham auricular acupuncture, placebo auricular acupuncture
and blank control. Auricular acupuncture showed the most improvement in Pittsburgh Sleep
Quality Index (PSQI), sleep latency and sleep awakening times. In the comparison between
auricular acupuncture and western medication, the PSQI was significantly higher for
auricular acupuncture.

Conclusions: Auricular acupuncture may effectively improve sleep quality in primary insomnia. Further
high-quality studies are needed.

Citation: Tan HJ, Lan Y, Wu FS, Zhang HD, Wu L, Wu X, Liang FR. [Auricular acupuncture for
primary insomnia: a systematic review based on GRADE system.] Zhongguo Zhen Jiu.
2014 Jul;34(7):726-30. Review. Chinese.

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Smoking Cessation
Study Title: A meta-analysis of ear-acupuncture, ear-acupressure and auriculotherapy for cigarette
smoking cessation.

Date: September 1, 2014

Summary: This systematic review evaluated the effects of ear acupuncture, ear acupressure and
auriculotherapy for cigarette smoking cessation (SC) at end-of-treatment (EoT), three, six
and 12 months follow-up. 25 individual studies were reviewed, with a total of 3735
participants.

Conclusions: SC-specific ear acupuncture interventions were superior to inactive controls at EoT, three
months follow-up, and six months follow-up, but data were insufficient at 12 months. There
was no superiority or inferiority for ear acupuncture compared with SC-specific behavioral
therapy or SC-specific body acupuncture.

Citation: Di YM, May BH, Zhang AL, Zhou IW, Worsnop C, Xue CC. A meta-analysis of ear-
acupuncture, ear-acupressure and auriculotherapy for cigarette smoking cessation. Drug
Alcohol Depend. 2014 Sep 1;142:14-23. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.07.002. Epub
2014 Jul 11.

Stress
Study Title: Efficacy of Chinese auriculotherapy for stress in nursing staff: a randomized clinical trial.

Date: May, 2014

Summary: This randomized, single-blind clinical study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of
auriculotherapy with and without a set protocol for reducing stress levels among nursing
staff. A total of 175 subjects with medium and high stress scores participated in 3 groups:
control, treatment with protocol, and treatment without protocol. Assessments were at
baseline, after 12 sessions, and after 30 days.

Conclusions: Statistically significant differences between the Control and Intervention groups were found
in the two evaluations, with the treatment without protocol group showing the greatest
effect. Individualized auriculotherapy without a set protocol may be helpful in reducing the
effects of stress.

Citation: Kurebayashi LF, Silva MJ. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. Efficacy of Chinese auriculotherapy
for stress in nursing staff: a randomized clinical trial. 2014 May-Jun;22(3):371-8.

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Constipation
Study Title: Efficacy of auriculotherapy for constipation in adults: a systematic review and meta-
analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Date: August, 2014

Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the clinical evidence of auriculotherapy
for constipation treatment to identify the efficacy of groups using Semen vaccariae (seeds)
or magnetic pellets as taped objects in managing constipation. Fifteen randomized,
controlled trials were included in this analysis.

Conclusions: The meta-analysis of 15 trials showed a moderate, significant effect of auriculotherapy in

managing constipation compared with controls. The 15 RCTs also showed a moderate,
significant effect of auriculotherapy in relieving constipation. Further rigorous RCTs from
around the world are warranted to confirm the effect and safety of auriculotherapy for
constipation.

Citation: Yang LH1, Duan PB, Du SZ, Sun JF, Mei SJ, Wang XQ, Zhang YY. Efficacy of
auriculotherapy for constipation in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of
randomized controlled trials. J Altern Complement Med. 2014 Aug;20(8):590-605. doi:
10.1089/acm.2013.0324. Epub 2014 Jul 14.

Weight Loss
Study Title: The effects of auricular electroacupuncture on obesity in female patients--a prospective
randomized placebo-controlled pilot study.

Date: February, 2014

Summary: Several studies show a significantly higher weight loss with acupuncture treatment. This is
the first prospective, randomized, double-blinded study, testing the effects of auricular
electroacupuncture on weight loss in obese female patients. 56 female obese patients
(age>18, Body Mass Index, BMI>25) were randomized to receive either auricular
acupuncture with electrical stimulation or placebo treatment for four days. The treatment
was performed once a week for a period of six weeks. A follow-up visit was performed
after 4 weeks. At each visit body weight, BMI (Body Mass Index) and body fat were
measured.

Conclusions: Relative reduction of body weight was significantly greater in the verum group (-3.73%;
CI=-4.70 to -2.76) than in the placebo group (-0.70%; CI=-1.57 to +0.16; p<0.001) There
was also a significant reduction of BMI (p<0.001) in the verum group (-3.62%; CI=-4.39 to
-2.84) compared to placebo (-0.82%; CI=-1.55 to -0.10; p<0.001). No patient reported side

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 effects related to acupuncture. Electrical auricular acupuncture could be a safe, additive,
non-pharmacological treatment in obese patients.

Citation: Schukro RP1, Heiserer C2, Michalek-Sauberer A3, Gleiss A4, Sator-Katzenschlager S3.
The effects of auricular electroacupuncture on obesity in female patients--a prospective
randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Complement Ther Med. 2014 Feb;22(1):21-5.
doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2013.10.002. Epub 2013 Oct 31.

This overview is provided courtesy of

Auriculo 3D Auriculotherapy Reference Software

Schukro RP1, Heiserer

C2, Michalek-Sauberer
A3, Gleiss A4, Sator-
Katzenschlager S3.
The effects of auricular
electroacupuncture on
obesity in female
www.Auriculo3D.com
patients--a prospective
randomized placebo-
controlled pilot study.
Complement TherDSF

Diabetes
Study Title: Effects of auricular stimulation in the cavum conchae on glucometabolism in patients with
type 2 diabetes mellitus.l.

Date: September, 2014

Summary: A total of 71 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were treated once daily for 90 days with
electrical stimulation in the cavum conchae. Measurements were made before and after
treatment of fasting plasma glucose (FBG), 2-h postprandial blood glucose after a 75 g oral
glucose load (P2BG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum
creatinine (SCr), total cholesterol (TC) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Statistically

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 significant improvements were seen in HbA1c, BUN, SCr, TC and AST after the treatment.
7 of the patients in this study had to decrease use of diabetes medication during the study,
due to hypoglycemia.

Conclusions: The stimulation in the cavum conchae of patients with types 2 diabetes mellitus may help
decrease HbA1c, BUN, SCr, TC and AST, and may be an effective treatment for type 2
diabetes mellitus.

Citation: Complement Ther Med. 2014 Oct;22(5):858-63. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2014.09.002. Epub

2014 Sep 16.

Hypertension
Study Title: Primary hypertension treated with acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking: a
randomized controlled trial.

Date: March, 2014

Summary: Ninety patients with primary hypertension were randomly divided into a medication group
and a combination acupuncture group. In the combination group, acupuncture and auricular
point treatment were used. Acupuncture was applied at ST 9, GB 20 and GV 20, while
auricular point treatment was used at Shenmen (TF4), Xin (CO15), Jiangyagou and Jiaogan
(AH6a), once a day for 4 weeks. After treatment, the changes of 24 h ambulatory blood
pressure, angiotensin II (Ang II) level, creatinine level and syndrome scores were observed
and the clinical efficacy was assessed in the two groups. Blood pressure improved in both
groups, but the reduction of 24 h ambulatory blood pressure in the combination group was
superior to that in the medication group. Serum Ang II level and plasma creatinine level of
the patients in both groups decreased with a more marked decrease in the combination
group. Similarly, syndrome scores decreased in both groups, with the combination group
showing the most improvement. The total effective rate of the combination group was
95.6% (43/45), which was superior to 71.1% (32/45) of the medication group.

Conclusions: Acupuncture combined with auricular treatment for primary hypertension is better than
captopril for the improvement of 24 h ambulatory blood pressure, AngII level and
creatinine level, and can improve clinical symptoms.

Citation: Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2015 Mar;35(3):227-31 Chinese.

Menstrual Irregularities
Study Title: Effect of auriculotherapy on menstrual irregularities in single girls with polycystic ovarian
syndrome and aged 18-35 years

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 Date: March, 2015

Summary: This is a clinical trial conducted on 60 females aged 18-35 years with clinical, laboratory,
and sonography signs of polycystic ovary syndrome. The subjects were randomly assigned
to two groups (auriculotherapy or medication) and underwent treatment for 2 and 3 months,
respectively. Clinical signs were investigated in three steps in both groups. Data were
collected through observation, laboratory tests, and sonography, and were analyzed by
SPSS version 15. In 60 subjects, Chi-square test showed a significant difference in
menstruation disorders in both groups 1 month after the start of intervention (P = 0.001);
but 2 months after the start of intervention (P = 0.11) and immediately after the end of the
intervention (P = 0.16), the difference was not significant. Three months after the end of the
intervention, this variable showed a significant difference (P = 0.02).

Conclusions: Pharmaceutical treatment and auriculotherapy are both effective for menstruation disorders,
but auriculotherapy is more effective on reduction of menstruation disorders, compared to
pharmaceutical therapy in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Citation: Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2015 Mar-Apr;20(2):190-4.

Depression Associated with Obesity

Study Title: Effects of ear acupuncture therapy for obesity on the depression of obese women.

Date: August, 2014

Summary: After baseline testing, 30 eligible patients with body mass index (BMI) >29.9 kg/m(2) were
included. The Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care (BDI-PC) was used to assess
changes in depression. BMI was also measured. Patients had six ear acupuncture sessions,
every 15 days and were followed up for 3 months. Twenty four patients completed the
study. The mean±SD age of patients was 42.9±9.0 years. Their mean±SD BMI was
39.0±4.7 kg/m(2) before acupuncture, decreasing to 37.2±4.3 kg/m(2) after acupuncture
therapy (p<0.001). The mean depression score was 4.4±2.3 before acupuncture, decreasing
to 2.7±1.4 (p<0.001) after treatment. There was no significant correlation between BMI and
depression score before acupuncture therapy (p=0.104). After acupuncture therapy, no
significant correlation was found between the percentage reduction of BMI and percentage
reduction of the depression score (p=0.119).

Conclusions: Ear acupuncture therapy for obesity appears to also reduce depression of obese women.
Further research into the effects of ear acupuncture in the management of obesity and
depression is justified.

Citation: Acupunct Med. 2014 Oct;32(5):427-9. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2014-010626. Epub 2014

Aug 6.

Page 9
Methamphetamine Withdrawal
Study Title: Comparative study on effects between electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture for
methamphetamine withdrawal syndrome.

Date: March, 2014

Summary: Ninety male patients of methamphetamine addiction were randomized into an

electroacupuncture group, an auricular acupuncture group and a control group, 30 cases in
each one. In the electroacupuncture group, Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT 7), Zusanli (ST
36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Jiaji (EX-B 2) at T5 and L2 were selected bilaterally. In the
auricular acupuncture group, jiaogan (AH(6a)), shenmen (TF4), fei (CO14) and gan
(CO12) were selected unilaterally. The treatment was given 3 times a week, with 12
treatments total. In the control group, no treatment was applied. Before treatment and after
1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks treatment, the scores of methamphetamine withdrawal syndrome,
Hamilton anxiety scale and Hamilton depression scale were measured in each group. Both
treatment groups showed declines in withdrawal syndrome, anxiety and depression scores
in weeks 2, 3 and 4, and in every assessment, treatment groups were significantly lower
than control.

Conclusions: Electroacupuncture at the body points and auricular acupuncture play a significant
therapeutic role in the treatment of methamphetamine withdrawal syndrome, anxiety and
depression. The longer time the treatment is with electroacupuncture at the body points, the
more obvious the efficacy will be on the above symptoms.

Citation: Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 Mar;34(3):219-24.

Migraine Therapy
Study Title: Somatic acupuncture versus ear acupuncture in migraine therapy: a randomized, controlled,
blind study.

Date: 2012

Summary: This study compares the clinical effectiveness of somatic and ear acupuncture for treatment
of migraine without aura. 35 patients were divided into 2 groups, one receiving somatic and
the other ear acupuncture. Both groups were treated once a week for 8 weeks and needles
were stimulated manually. The severity of pain was evaluated with the Migraine Index and
the visual analogue of Scott-Huskisson; other 2 tests were used to monitor the pain
threshold and Zung's Self-rating Depression Scale was applied to assess variations in
patients' mood. These tests were performed before the beginning and at the end of treatment
and, for the follow up, after 1, 3 and 6 months from the end of therapy. On the basis of the
migraine index, pain at the end of therapy was significantly lower than before the

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 treatment, being residual pain 54.83% and 63.43%, respectively for somatic and ear
acupuncture. Apparently, the 2 treatments were equally effective, as no significant
difference could be assessed. On the contrary, a significant difference between the 2 groups
was clear during the follow up: in fact, after 6 months residual pain was 16.80% and
48.83% for somatic and ear acupuncture, respectively (p=0.038). These results were
confirmed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) test and by the evaluation of pain threshold.
It is noteworthy that also Zung's depression test showed a significant decrease of score was
present in both groups, at all the times investigated with no difference between the two
treatments.

Conclusions: These results, though preliminary, are quite promising in supporting the effectiveness of ear
acupuncture for treatment of migraine without aura.

Citation: Acupunct Electrother Res. 2012;37(4):277-93.

Myopia (Nearsightedness) in Children

Study Title: Effect of auricular pressing treatment on myopia in children.

Date: June 15, 2015

Summary: A total of 72 myopic children aged 8-9 years participated in the study giving a total number
of 144 eyes. The children were divided into 2 groups. The experimental group, which
contained 39 children, used Vaccaria seeds to stimulate the selected auricular points for
three treatment courses. For the control group, which had 33 children, the therapy was not
applied. There was no difference in the binocular naked vision between the experimental
group and the control group before the intervention. In contrast, there was significant
improvement in binocular naked vision in the experimental group after the intervention
compared with the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Non-invasive auricular therapy, if combined with external medical application, may
improve the function of myopia in the children. Children were receptive to auricular
pressing technique.

Citation: Li Y., Zhang O., Liang W., &, Li C., (2015). Effect of auricular pressing treatment on
myopia in children. Journal of Traditional Medicine, 35(3). 281-284.

Page 11
 This overview is provided courtesy of
Auriculo 3D Auriculotherapy Reference Software

Schukro RP1, Heiserer

C2, Michalek-Sauberer
A3, Gleiss A4, Sator-
Katzenschlager S3.
The effects of auricular
electroacupuncture on www.Auriculo3D.com
obesity in female
patients--a prospective
randomized placebo-
controlled pilot study.
Complement TherDSF

Temporomandibular (Jaw) Disorders with Stress

Study Title: Role of Auriculotherapy in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders with Anxiety in
University Students.

Date: October 1, 2015

Summary: 44 college students with high levels of anxiety and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs)
were divided into 2 groups for treatment: an auriculotherapy (AA) group and an AA sham
group. Seeds were applied to the shenmen, rim, sympathetic, brain stem, and
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) points in the AA group. While for the AA sham group,
seeds were applied to sham points in the external ear and wrist. Anxiety was significantly
reduced in the AA group. This group also showed a decrease in tender points in the
mandibular posterior region and in the right side of the submandibular region. Complaints
of bilateral pain were reduced in the temporal tendon and in the left side of the ATM. In
addition, electromyographic (EMG) activity was reduced during temporal muscle
contraction.

Conclusions: Auriculotherapy was effective in the treatment of students with anxiety and TMDs.
Auriculotherapy was found to be effective in the treating anxiety and TMDs of university
students.

Citation: Denise H. L., Erika D. L. C., Caroline D. M, Bruna, C., Leonardo C. C., Andrea, M. S. &,
Emilia C. C., (2015). Role of Auriculotherapy in the Treatment of Temporomandibular

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 Disorders with Anxiety in University Students. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med.
281-284. Doi: 10.1155/2015/430143

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Study Title: Exploring Self-Reported Benefits of Auricular Acupuncture Among Veterans With
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Date: November 3, 2015

Summary: In the study, 17 active-duty veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) provided
written comments to describe their experience after receiving a standardized auricular
acupuncture treatment for a 3-week period. After the intervention, a variety of symptoms
experienced by veterans with PTSD were improved. Four themes were observed from the
data including: improved sleep quality, increased relaxation, decreased pain, and veterans
were very receptive to the auricular acupuncture treatments.

Conclusions: Numerous benefits were observed following the auricular acupuncture treatments given to
the veterans with PTSD. These treatments may facilitate healing and recovery for veterans
experiencing PTSD. Further investigations are warranted into the mechanisms of action for
auricular acupuncture in this population.

Citation: King C. H., Moore L. C., &, Spence C. D., (2015). Exploring Self-Reported Benefits of
Auricular Acupuncture Among Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Journal of
Holistic Nursing 34(3) 291-9. Doi: 10.1177/0898010115610050

Acute Sore Throat

Study Title: Ear Acupuncture for Acute Sore Throat: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Date: June 8, 2015

Summary: The study aimed to determine whether auricular acupuncture reduces pain, medication
usage, and missed work hours when added to standard therapy in adult patients with acute
sore throat. A total of 54 patients participated in the study and observed for 48 hours after
treatment. Patients receiving auricular acupuncture reported lower pain scores than those
who did not at 15 minutes, 6 hours, and 24 hours. They also reported taking fewer
cumulative doses of pain medication at 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours. There was no
difference in time missed from work between the auricular acupuncture and standard
therapy groups.

Page 13
 Conclusions: Battlefield auricular acupuncture is effective in reducing sore throat pain for 24 hours and
decreased use of pain medication for up to 48 hours. Also, there was no visible effect on
hours missed from work.

Citation: David, M., & Paul, C., (2015). Ear Acupuncture for Acute Sore Throat: A Randomized
Controlled Trial. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine 28(6). 607-705. Doi:
10.3122/jabfm.2015.06.150014

Chronic Low Back Pain

Study Title: Effect of a single session of ear acupuncture on pain intensity and postural control in
individuals with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

Date: June 16, 2016

Summary: 80 adults with low back pain (LBP) and pain intensity equal or greater than 4, in a 0-10
scale, were divided into 2 groups: one to Ear Acupuncture group (EAG), the other to
placebo group (PG). Pain level and posture were assessed before intervention. The EAG
received ear acupuncture for 20 min and the PG was treated with detuned ultrasound. After
the treatment, pain intensity was assessed again and the postural test was repeated. Pain
intensity was the primary outcome and center of pressure sway area and speed were the
secondary outcomes measured. Results revealed that pain intensity decreased in both
groups after treatment, but decreased more in the EAG. For postural control, no effect of
treatment and no interaction between treatment and postural condition on body sway were
found.

Conclusions: Findings show that Ear Acupuncture is better than placebo in treating pain, but neither of
the two has effect on postural condition on body sway.

Citation: Andrea, U., Bianca, C., Leonardo C., Ana, B., & Paulo, F., (2016). Effect of a single session
of ear acupuncture on pain intensity and postural control in individuals with chronic low
back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy 20(4).
328-335. Doi: 10.1590/bjpt-rbf.2014.0158

Labor Pain
Study Title: Effects of auriculotherapy on labour pain: a randomized clinical trial.

Date: August 02, 2016

Summary: This is a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial with preliminary data where 30
pregnant women with gestational age ≥ 37 weeks, cervical dilatation ≥ 4 cm and two or

Page 14
 more contractions in 10 minutes were randomly selected and allocated into 3 groups:
auriculotherapy, placebo and control. Auriculotherapy was applied using crystal beads on
four strategic points. No statistical significance was found between the groups with regard
to pain; however, the women from the auriculotherapy group had lower intensity and less
perception of pain at 30, 60 and 120 minutes of treatment. The average duration of labour
was shorter in the auriculotherapy group; caesarean section rates were higher in the placebo
group (50%) and the same in the other groups (10%).

Conclusions: Women treated with auriculotherapy had higher pain control and shorter labour duration.
Placebo treatment showed a higher rate of cesarean section while auriculotherapy and
control group have similar result.

Citation: Mafetoni, R. R., & Shimo, A. K., (2016). Effects of auriculotherapy on labour pain: a
randomized clinical trial. Rev Esc Enferm USP. 50(5). 726-732. Doi: 10.1590/
S0080-623420160000600003

Immediate Pain Relief

Study Title: Ear Acupuncture for Immediate Pain Relief: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of
Randomized Controlled Trials.

Date: March 1, 2017

Summary: This study aims to review selected English publications, randomized controlled trials on
human subjects involving Ear Acupuncture as a treatment for pain, with results recorded
within 48 hours. Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Based on their primary outcome
measures, six studies showed EA being superior to its comparator, three showed no
difference to comparators (which in all cases were analgesics), and one study showed
significant pain decrease at the first time point and no significant decrease at the second.
Six studies reported side effects; all were minor and transient.

Conclusions: Ear acupuncture may be a promising modality to be used for pain reduction within 48 hours
with a low side-effect profile. However, intensive research is needed to establish definitive
evidence of a clinically significant difference from controls or from other pain treatments.

Citation: Mukarami, M., Fox, L., & Dijkers, M. P., (2017). Ear Acupuncture for Immediate Pain
Relief-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Pain
Med. 18(3). 551-564. Doi: 10.1093/pm/pnw215

Page 15
Pain and Anxiety
Study Title: Auriculotherapy to reduce anxiety and pain in nursing professionals: a randomized clinical
trial.

Date: April 6, 2017

Summary: An initial sample of 180 professionals were divided into 4 groups Control (G1), Seed (G2),
Needle (G3) and Tape (G4). The instruments used were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory,
Pain Visual Analog Scale and Quality of Life instrument, applied at the start and after five
and 10 sessions (five weeks). There was a statistical difference for anxiety according to the
repeated measures ANOVA, with better results for the G3 in the final assessment. There
was a reduction of pain of 36% in G3 and 24% in G2 and a 13% increase in the mental
aspect of quality of life for the G3, although without statistical significance.

Conclusions: After 10 sessions, auricular protocol protocol (APPA) reduced the anxiety levels of nursing
staff. However, further studies are suggested with new populations and in different contexts
so that the results can be confirmed.

Citation: Kurebayashi, L. F., Turrini, R. N., Souza, T.P., Marques C.F., Rodrigues, R.T., &
Charlesworth, K., (2017). Auriculotherapy to reduce anxiety and pain in nursing
professionals: a randomized clinical trial. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 25. Doi:
10.1590/1518-8345.1761.2843

Emergency Pain Relief

Study Title: Does Ear Acupuncture Have a Role for Pain Relief in the Emergency Setting? A Systematic
Review and Meta-Analysis.

Date: October 1, 2017

Summary: Seven databases and Google Scholar were searched up to April 27, 2017, using MeSH
descriptors for three overarching themes (ear acupuncture, pain management, and
emergency medicine). Six randomized controlled trials and two observational studies with a
total of 458 patients, were retrieved after exclusions. The meta-analysis were conducted in
3 comparator groups: (1) ear acupuncture versus sham; (2) ear acupuncture-as-adjunct to
standard care; and (3) ear acupuncture (both as sole therapy and adjuvant) versus control.
There were no significant adverse effects and patient satisfaction improved. Results
regarding if acupuncture reduced medication use were equivocal.

Conclusions: Ear acupuncture, either as stand-alone or as-an-adjunct technique, significantly reduced

pain scores and has potential benefits for use in the Emergency Department. However,
further studies will help define acupuncture's role and if it reduces use of analgesic
medications.

Page 16
 Citation: Jan, A. L., Aldridge, E. S., Rogers, I. R., Visser E. J., Bulsara, M.K., & Niemtzow, R. C.,
(2017). Does Ear Acupuncture Have a Role for Pain Relief in the Emergency Setting? A
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Med Acupuncture 29(5). Doi: 10.1089/acu.
2017.1237

Post Stroke Depression (Combined with Acupuncture)

Study Title: Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking therapy for post stroke depression:a
randomized controlled trial.

Date: June 12, 2017

Summary: 60 patients with post stroke depression (PSD) were randomly divided into 2 groups: an
acupuncture plus auricular application group (a combination group) and a medication
group, 30 cases in each one. The total score and each factor scores of Hamilton's depression
scale (HAMD) were observed in the two groups before and after treatment, and Asberg's
antidepressant side-effect rating scale (SERS) and clinical effect were evaluated. After
treatment, the total HAMD scores of the two groups decreased compared with those before
treatment, with better effect in the combination group. The scores of the combination group
after treatment were lower than those in the medication group, including the anxiety/
somatization factor, sleep disturbance factor, hopelessness factor. The total effective rate of
the combination group was 86.7% (26/30), which was better than 66.7% (20/30) of the
medication group. The SERS score of the combination group was lower than that of the
medication group.

Conclusions: Acupuncture combined with auricular point treatment can help improve the clinical
symptoms of post stroke depression (PSD) and are found to be effective and safe.

Citation: Zhang, L., Zhong, Y., Quan, S., Liu, Y., Shi, X., Li, Z., & Wang, J. (2017). Acupuncture
combined with auricular point sticking therapy for post stroke depression:a randomized
controlled trial. Med Acupuncture 37(6). Doi: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.2017.06.003


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The world’s most powerful auriculotherapy software

Auriculo 3D makes your life easier by giving you immediate access to any
point or treatment protocol you need, when you need it. With hundreds of
points and conditions illustrated in both 2D and 3D, Auriculo 3D is your
clinical companion for18
Page better results.