Auriculotherapy and acupuncture treatments for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a multicenter clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Nausea and vomiting complicating chemotherapy (CINV) remain side effects despite preventive and curative treatments. We hypothesize that acupuncture (ACU), auriculotherapy (AUR), and their combination (ACU-AUR), could decrease, compared to usual treatment (UT), the intensity of acute nausea in patients already treated according to the antiemetic guidelines and presenting nausea with or without vomiting in the earlier cycle. METHODS: In this multicenter study, patients were treated just before chemotherapy according to randomization. ACU consisted of implanting bilaterally on each forearm, one semi-permanent needle at point P6. AUR consisted of implanting bilaterally on each pavilion of the ear, one semi-permanent needle at point O. All patients received systematic preventive drug treatment according to antiemetic guidelines. Main outcome was intensity of nausea at 24 h after chemotherapy using a numeric scale ranging from 0 (no nausea) to 10 (maximum symptoms). RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen patients were included. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups at inclusion. Intensity of nausea at 24 h after chemotherapy, was statistically different between the groups (covariance intergroup analysis, p = 0.005) and was significantly lower for the all-treatment groups vs UT group (p = 0.007 for AUR, p = 0.008 for ACU, and p = 0.0009 for AUR-ACU). AUR-ACU also decreased intensity of delayed nausea when compared to UT (p = 0.023). AUR, ACU and AUR-ACU had no effect on acute and delayed vomiting episodes. No serious adverse event due to the studied treatments was reported in our study. CONCLUSION: AUR or ACU reduce intensity of acute and delayed nausea in patients treated by optimal antiemetic treatment. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier NCT02767791, registered on May 10, 2016.

Ear-Marking Relief: A Meta-Analysis on the Efficacy of Auricular Acupressure in Alleviating Anxiety Disorders.

BACKGROUND: The increasing worldwide mental health crisis, notably anxiety, emphasizes the urgency for available and effective interventions. Traditional therapies, although beneficial, pose limitations due to their considerable costs and possible adverse effects, thereby inviting alternative treatments such as auricular acupressure (AA). This non-pharmacological, integrative method, underpinned by Eastern and Western medical principles, presents a significant prospect for managing anxiety. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the existing evidence on the efficacy of AA in reducing anxiety, as elucidated through a systematic review. METHODS: A comprehensive search of randomized controlled trials was conducted across various databases: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM), Wan Fang, and Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP). Two reviewers retrieved the pertinent studies and assessed their methodological quality. A meta-analysis was then conducted, incorporating data from all relevant time points. RESULTS: Upon examining 25 studies encompassing 1,909 participants, it was discerned that AA significantly diminished anxiety (SMD = -1.1074; 95% confidence interval, -1.348 to -0.801; z = 7.70, p < 0.01). Subgroup analyses indicated that neither an increased number of auricular points nor extended intervention augmented effects. Larger effect sizes were associated with probing and avoidance of sham acupressure. Notably, 23 of the 25 studies exhibited some bias, suggesting further research is necessary. CONCLUSIONS: The extant evidence advocates for AA as an effective supplementary intervention that reduces patient anxiety. The results hint at a potential placebo effect elicited by sham acupressure, necessitating rigorous control group definitions in future inquiries. The study findings suggest that fewer acupressure points and shorter intervention durations could effectively alleviate anxiety symptoms. Nonetheless, the significant heterogeneity across the studies underscores the requirement for more stringent research methodologies to substantiate these conclusions.Die weltweit zunehmende Krise der psychischen Gesundheit, vor allem von Angstzuständen, zeigt, dass dringend verfügbare und wirksame Interventionen erforderlich sind. Herkömmliche Therapien sind zwar hilfreich, werden aber durch ihre hohen Kosten und möglichen unerwünschten Wirkungen eingeschränkt, so dass alternative Behandlungen wie die Ohrakupressur gefragt sind. Diese nicht-pharmakologische, integrative Methode, die sich auf östliche und westliche medizinische Prinzipien stützt, stellt eine bedeutsame Perspektive für die Behandlung von Angstzuständen dar.Ziel dieser Studie ist es, die vorhandenen Evidenzen für die Wirksamkeit der Ohrakupressur (auricular acupressure, AA) zur Verringerung von Angstzuständen, die in einer systematischen Übersichtsarbeit ermittelt wurden, zu bewerten.Es wurde eine umfassende Suche nach randomisierten kontrollierten Studien in verschiedenen Datenbanken durchgeführt: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM), Wan Fang und Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP). Zwei Gutachter suchten die einschlägigen Studien heraus und bewerteten ihre methodische Qualität. Anschliessend erfolgte eine Metaanalyse, bei der Daten aller relevanten Zeitpunkte berücksichtigt wurden.Die Untersuchung von 25 Studien mit 1'909 Teilnehmern ergab, dass die Ohrakupressur (AA) Angstzustände signifikant verringerte (SMD = −1,1074; 95%-KI: −1,348 bis −0,801; z = 7,70, p < 0,01). Subgruppenanalysen zeigten, dass die Effekte weder durch eine höhere Anzahl von Ohrpunkten noch durch eine längere Intervention verstärkt wurden. Grössere Effektstärken waren mit Sondenverwendung und Vermeidung von Scheinakupressur assoziiert. Hervorzuheben ist, dass 23 der 25 Studien eine gewisse Verzerrung aufwiesen, weshalb weitere Untersuchungen erforderlich sind.Die vorhandene Evidenzlage stützt die Ohrakupressur (AA) als wirksame unterstützende Intervention, die die Angst der Patienten verringert. Die Ergebnisse deuten auf einen potenziellen Placeboeffekt durch Scheinakupressur hin, so dass in künftigen Untersuchungen strenge Kontrollgruppendefinitionen erforderlich sind. Die Studienergebnisse sprechen dafür, dass eine geringere Anzahl von Akupressurpunkten und kürzere Interventionszeiten die Angstsymptome wirksam lindern können. Die starke Heterogenität der Studien zeigt allerdings, dass strengere wissenschaftliche Methoden erforderlich sind, um diese Schlussfolgerungen zu untermauern.

The Effect of Auriculotherapy on Anxiety and Physiological Parameters of Male Coronary Angiography Patients: A Single-blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of auriculotherapy on anxiety and physiological parameters of male patients undergoing coronary angiography. DESIGN: A single-blind randomized clinical trial was performed in 2019 with 94 subjects selected by convenience sampling. METHODS: The subjects were divided into 2 groups via random allocation. Two hours before angiography, all patients completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 items (DASS-21) and their physiological parameters (blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate) were measured 60 minutes before angiography. Auriculotherapy was performed on ear acupoints of patients in the experimental group for 4 minutes. In the control group, patients were given auricular acupressure in sham points. The anxiety and physiological parameters were re-measured 10 minutes after the intervention. FINDINGS: Patients' anxiety was clinically lower in the experimental group (2.55 ± 0.27) compared to the control group (3.02 ± 0.33) (effect size = -1.42) after the intervention. There was no significant difference between 2 groups regarding physiological parameters after the intervention. However, the respiratory rates of patients were lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P < .001). After the intervention, physiological parameters significantly decreased in the experimental group compared to before the intervention (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Auriculotherapy reduces patient anxiety; therefore, it can be used as a complementary method before angiography.

Effects of low-power laser auriculotherapy on chronic spinal pain: Randomized clinical trial.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of laser auriculotherapy on chronic spinal pain. It is a randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Volunteers with chronic spinal pain underwent three evaluations: an initial evaluation, a final evaluation immediately after the last intervention session, and a 15-day follow-up. Pain intensity, nociceptive threshold in relation to mechanical stimulus, and degree of pain (the greatest and least pain) in the last seven days were the assessed variables. The experimental group (EG, n = 24) underwent 10 sessions of laser auriculotherapy twice a week, while the control group (CG, n = 23) did not receive any intervention. RESULTS: The EG showed great clinical improvement in relation to the variable pain intensity between pre- and post-interventions (65.2%) and pre-intervention and follow-up (58.62%) compared to the CG. There was a significant increase in the nociceptive threshold for the EG. In contrast, the CG showed a significant reduction in the nociceptive threshold. The intergroup analysis indicated an improvement in pain intensity for the EG (0.006). This result remained at the follow-up (0.012). The nociceptive threshold increased over time for the EG (0.016). In contrast, the CG showed a reduction in this variable with a significant difference over time (<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this clinical trial suggest that the proposed intervention may be effective in reducing pain intensity and increasing the nociceptive threshold. The effect of the intervention remained 15 days after the end of the treatment, when the volunteers were re-evaluated.

[Effect of Auriculotherapy on Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis].

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of auriculotherapy on musculoskeletal pain in adults. METHODS: A total of 885 studies were retrieved from nine databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, RISS, KMbase, and KISS). Sixteen studies were selected for meta-analysis, which satisfied the inclusion criteria and the evaluation of risk of bias. Demographic data, auriculotherapy types, intervention characteristics, auricular points, and outcomes related to pain (subjective pain scale, and amount of analgesic) were extracted from all included studies. The effect size of auriculotherapy was analyzed through comprehensive meta analysis 3.0, and the presence of publication bias was analyzed through a funnel plot and Egger's regression. RESULTS: The results of the meta-analysis (n = 16) revealed that the auriculotherapy was significantly superior to the control group on present pain in adults (Hedges' g = -0.35, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = -0.55~-0.15). According to the results of subgroup analysis, the effect size of auricular acupuncture therapy (Hedges' g = 0.45, 95% CI = -0.75~-0.15) was higher than the auricular acupuncture (Hedges' g = 0.27, 95% CI = -0.53~0.00): the longer the intervention period, the greater the effect size. CONCLUSION: In this study, auriculotherapy demonstrates a significant reduction in musculoskeletal pain in adults. Therefore, it is necessary to refine the curriculum to include auriculotherapy as a nursing intervention to relieve musculoskeletal pain in adults and encourage its use in clinical settings.

Reducing Labor Anxiety with Auriculotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of auriculotherapy on reducing labor anxiety. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 166 nulliparous pregnant women admitted to the Labor Ward of Izadi Hospital in Qom, Iran were included and assigned to two groups by randomized block design. In the intervention group (83 cases), auriculotherapy in "Shenmen, Thalamic, Zero, Brain, and Brain stem" was performed in dilatations of 4, 6 and 8 cm, between the contractions for 30 s in both ears at interval 1 h. While the control group received routine care. The Spielberger Inventory were completed pre- and post-interventions. RESULTS: The auriculotherapy was effective to reduce anxiety state in the intervention group compared to the control group (P=0.001). The score of state anxiety in the intervention group reduced for 7.0, 8.0 and 11.0 U in 4, 6, and 8 cm dilatations after the intervention. The score of trait anxiety in the intervention group reduced for 3.8, 4.0 and 8.3 U in 4, 6, and 8 cm dilatations after the intervention. There was no significant difference of delivery mode and newborns' weight and Apgar score between groups (P>0.05). No adverse postpartum outcome such as hemorrhage has been observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: Since most women are anxious during labor, it seems that auriculotherapy can be an easy and safe method to reduce labor anxiety. (Trial registration No. irct20121230011944n4).

Neuroauriculotherapy: Framework and Remarks for a possible use in Voice Medicine / Neuroauriculoterapia: marco y observaciones para un posible uso en medicina de la voz

Aim. Neuroauriculotherapy (NAT) is a branch of medicine, which, thanks to its diagnostic and therapeutic value, is a powerful tool at the service of both physician and patient. In our experience, as it is discussed in this article, neuroauriculotherapy can have successful applications in voice science and in phoniatrics. The aim of this article is to open a discussion about possible applications of neuroauriculotherapy in voice medicine. Introduction. From the diagnostic point of view, it is possible to explore, with a palpeur (i.e., a tool that provides a constant pressure) or a "spot-hunter", the presence of a perturbation into a particular organ or area, and its return to normal during treatment. Indeed, at the level of the ear auricle, representations of an organ, its in-nervation, its muscular components, etc., are fixed. These spots or voxels correspond absolutely to the respective sensory, motor, visceral, among other spots. Therefore, if any abnormal potential comes from the periphery, it will illuminate the spots both at the cortical level and in the pavilion ­a real display with a constantly active touch screen. The spot can be treated with needles in the context of a neurophysiological strategy to send a message to the brain.Reflection. NAT appears to be a good method to improve the treatment of voice problems, enhancing the results of other therapies based on drugs or rehab and in-ducing relaxation. In neuroauriculotherapy, the ear is used to give the brain orders in a process which has a logical basis in neurophysiology.Conclusion. Diseases of the vocal tract can be dysfunctional or organic. According to our clinical experience, we can say that neuroauriculotherapy can be used in both cases. Neuroauriculotherapy is also extremely effective in voice therapy, both alone and in combination with other therapies, as there is no conflict among them

Objetivo. La neuroauriculoterapia (NAT) es una rama de la medicina que, gracias a su valor diagnóstico y terapéutico, constituye una poderosa herramienta al servicio del médico y del paciente. En nuestra experiencia, como se comenta en este artículo, la neuroauriculoterapia puede tener aplicaciones exitosas en la ciencia de la voz y en foniatría. El objetivo de este artículo es abrir una discusión sobre las posibles aplica-ciones de la neuroauriculoterapia en la medicina de la voz.Introducción. Desde el punto de vista del diagnóstico, es posible explorar, con un palpeur (i.e., una herramienta que proporciona una presión constante) o un "spot-hunter", la presencia de una perturbación en un órgano o área en particular, y su retorno a la normalidad durante el tratamiento. En efecto, a nivel del pabellón auricular se fijan representaciones de un órgano, su inervación, sus componentes musculares, etc. Estos puntos o vóxeles corresponden absolutamente a los respectivos puntos sensoriales, motores, viscerales, entre otros. Por lo tanto, si algún potencial anormal proviene de la periferia, iluminará los puntos tanto a nivel cortical como en el pabellón ­una pantalla real con una pantalla táctil constantemente activa. El punto se puede tratar con agujas en el contexto de una estrategia neurofisiológica para enviar un mensaje al cerebro.Reflexión. NAT parece ser un buen método para mejorar el tratamiento de los problemas de voz, potenciando los resultados de otras terapias basadas en fármacos o rehabilitación e induciendo a la relajación. En neuroauriculoterapia se utiliza el oído para dar órdenes al cerebro en un proceso que tiene una base lógica en la neurofisiología.Conclusión. Las enfermedades del tracto vocal pueden ser disfuncionales u orgáni-cas. Según nuestra experiencia clínica, podemos decir que la neuroauriculoterapia se puede utilizar en ambos casos. La neuroauriculoterapia también es extremadamente eficaz en la terapia de la voz, tanto sola como en combinación con otras terapias, ya que no existe conflicto entre ellas

Percepção de médica(o)s e enfermeira(o)s da Saúde da Família sobre o uso da auriculoterapia em problemas de Saúde Mental / Family Health doctors' and nurses' perceptions of the use of auriculotherapy for Mental Health problems / Percepción de médicos y enfermeros de la Salud de la Familia sobre el uso de auriculoterapia en problemas de Salud Mental

Técnicas não farmacológicas são consideradas cada vez mais importantes no cuidado aos Problemas de Saúde Mental (PSM). Exploramos a percepção de médicas(os) e enfermeiras(os) da Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) do Distrito Sanitário Norte de Florianópolis/SC sobre o uso da auriculoterapia em PSM, via questionário on-line autoadministrado, qualiquantitativo. Os dados qualitativos receberam análise temática. Responderam aos questionários 44 profissionais (57% do total convidado). Das(os) respondentes, 57% das(os) enfermeiras(os) e 43% das(os) médicas(os) tinham formação em auriculoterapia e 93% a utilizavam e/ou indicavam para PSM. Foram referidos bons resultados clínicos com auriculoterapia em PSM comuns, sobretudo relacionados aos sintomas depressivos e ansiosos, incluindo insônia e dores associadas; além de contribuições positivas para o acolhimento, a humanização, a ampliação do cuidado e do autocuidado, e a redução de psicofármacos/medicalização. Na percepção das(os) participantes, a auriculoterapia é eficaz e útil no cuidado a PSM comuns na APS.(AU)

Non-pharmacological interventions are considered increasingly important in care for mental health problems (MHP). We explored the perceptions of primary care doctors and nurses working in the Norte de Florianópolis/SC health district regarding the use of auriculotherapy for MHP using a self-administered on-line qualitative and quantitative questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. Forty-four professionals (57 per cent of the total number invited to participate) responded the questionnaire. Fifty-seven per cent of the nurses who responded the questionnaire and 43 per cent of the doctors had training in auriculotherapy and 93 per cent used and/or recommended the technique for MHP. The respondents reported good clinical results from the use of auriculotherapy for common MHP, especially those related to symptoms of depression and anxiety, including insomnia and associate pain; as well as positive contributions with regard to welcoming, humanization, expansion of care and self-care, and a reduction in the use of psychotropics/medicalization. According to the participants, auriculotherapy is an effective and useful technique in care for common MHP in primary health care.(AU)

Las técnicas no farmacológicas se consideran cada vez más importantes en el cuidado de los problemas de salud mental (PSM). Exploramos la percepción de médicas y médicos, así como de enfermeras y enfermeros de la Atención Primaria de la Salud (APS) del Distrito Sanitario Norte de Florianópolis (Estado de Santa Catarina) sobre el uso de la auriculoterapia en PSM, vía cuestionario on-line autoadministrado, cualicuantitativo. Los datos cualitativos pasaron por análisis temático. Respondieron 44 profesionales (el 57% del total invitado). De los respondedores, el 57% de las enfermeras o enfermeros y el 43% de las médicas o médicos tenían formación en auriculoterapia y el 93% la utilizaba o recomendaba para PSM. Se refirieron buenos resultados clínicos con auriculoterapia en PSM comunes, sobre todo relacionados a los síntomas depresivos y ansiosos, incluyendo insomnio y dolores relacionados, además de contribuciones positivas con relación a la acogida, humanización, ampliación del cuidado y autocuidado y reducción de psicofármacos/medicalización. Conforme la percepción de los participantes, la auriculoterapia es eficaz y útil en el cuidado de las PSM comunes en la APS.(AU)

Reducing Labor Anxiety with Auriculotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the effect of auriculotherapy on reducing labor anxiety.@*METHODS@#In this randomized clinical trial, 166 nulliparous pregnant women admitted to the Labor Ward of Izadi Hospital in Qom, Iran were included and assigned to two groups by randomized block design. In the intervention group (83 cases), auriculotherapy in "Shenmen, Thalamic, Zero, Brain, and Brain stem" was performed in dilatations of 4, 6 and 8 cm, between the contractions for 30 s in both ears at interval 1 h. While the control group received routine care. The Spielberger Inventory were completed pre- and post-interventions.@*RESULTS@#The auriculotherapy was effective to reduce anxiety state in the intervention group compared to the control group (P=0.001). The score of state anxiety in the intervention group reduced for 7.0, 8.0 and 11.0 U in 4, 6, and 8 cm dilatations after the intervention. The score of trait anxiety in the intervention group reduced for 3.8, 4.0 and 8.3 U in 4, 6, and 8 cm dilatations after the intervention. There was no significant difference of delivery mode and newborns' weight and Apgar score between groups (P>0.05). No adverse postpartum outcome such as hemorrhage has been observed in both groups.@*CONCLUSION@#Since most women are anxious during labor, it seems that auriculotherapy can be an easy and safe method to reduce labor anxiety. (Trial registration No. irct20121230011944n4).

La auriculoterapia en el control de la ansiedad y el estrés / Auriculotherapy in the control of anxiety and stress / A auriculoterapia no controle da ansiedade e do estresse

INTRODUCCIÓN: La posmodernidad requiere del individuo una conciencia crítica y, en consecuencia, cambios en el sector educacional, favoreciendo el desencadenamiento de problemas de salud mental en los docentes, principal contribuyente en la formación de esa conciencia. La auriculoterapia es una práctica fácil de aplicar que puede aliviar estos problemas. OBJETIVO: Analizar el efecto de la auriculoterapia en los puntajes de ansiedad y estrés de los maestros de primaria I y II y del programa de Educación de Jóvenes y Adultos en una escuela primaria municipal de João Pessoa, capital del estado de Paraíba. MÉTODO: Estudio de intervención del tipo antes y después, aprobado por el Comité de Ética e Investigación de la Universidad Federal de Paraíba bajo CAAE: 16803119.3.0000.5188. Se aplicaron cinco instrumentos de recolección de datos, tres cuestionarios semiestructurados y dos escalas (escala de ansiedad de Hamilton y escala de estrés percibido). Al aplicar los criterios de exclusión, se analizaron los datos de 11 docentes, los cuales fueron organizados en hojas de cálculo estadístico y analizados mediante análisis descriptivo, prueba de Tukey, ANOVA y Wald. RESULTADOS: La auriculoterapia tuvo un efecto estadísticamente significativo sobre la ansiedad entre la primera y cuarta sesiones de auriculoterapia, y para el estrés, entre la primera y la novena sesiones, y para la ansiedad, este efecto se intensificó en los docentes que impartían clases en dos instituciones educativas. CONCLUSIONES: La auriculoterapia ha actuado con éxito en la reducción de las puntuaciones de estrés y ansiedad, ha contribuido a la mejora de los principales síntomas de estos trastornos y ha actuado en la promoción de la autopercepción

INTRODUCTION: Post-modernity requires from individual critical awareness and, consequently, changes in the educational sector, favoring the triggering of mental disorders in professors, main contributor in the creation of this awareness. Auriculotherapy is an easy-to-apply practice that can be useful in these problems. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of auriculotherapy in the anxiety and stress scores of professors working in Elementary School I and II and in the Youth and Adult Education program of a municipal Elementary School in João Pessoa, capital of the state of Paraíba. METHOD: An intervention study of the before-and-after type, approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the Federal University of Paraíba under CAAE: 16803119.3.0000.5188. Five data collection instruments were applied: three semi-structured questionnaires and two scales (Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Perceived Stress Scale). By applying the exclusion criteria, data of 11 professors were analyzed, which were organized in statistical spreadsheets and analyzed through descriptive analysis, Tukey's test, ANOVA, and Wald. RESULTS: Auriculotherapy attained a statistically significant effect on anxiety between the first and fourth sessions and, for stress, between the first and ninth sessions, given that, for anxiety, this effect was intensified in the professors who worked in two educational institutions. CONCLUSIONS: Auriculotherapy was successful in the reduction of the stress and anxiety scores, contributed to the improvement in the main symptoms of these disorders, and promoted self-perception

INTRODUÇÃO: A pós-modernidade requer do indivíduo uma consciência crítica e consequentemente mudanças no setor educacional, favorecendo o desencadeamento de agravos de saúde mental nos professores, principal contribuinte na formação dessa consciência. A auriculoterapia é uma prática de fácil aplicação que pode atuar nesses agravos. OBJETIVO: Analisar o efeito da auriculoterapia nos escores de ansiedade e estresse dos professores do ensino fundamental I e II e do programa Educação de jovens e adultos de uma escola municipal de Ensino Fundamental em João Pessoa, capital do estado da Paraíba. MÉTODO: Estudo de intervenção do tipo antes e depois, aprovado pelo Comitê de ética e pesquisa da Universidade Federal da Paraíba sob CAAE: 16803119.3.0000.5188. Foram aplicados cinco instrumentos de coleta de dados, três questionários semiestruturados e duas escalas (escala de ansiedade de Hamilton e escala de estresse percebido). Ao aplicar os critérios de exclusão foram analisados os dados de 11 professores, os quais foram organizados em planilhas estatísticas e analisados através da análise descritiva, teste de Tukey, ANOVA e Wald. RESULTADOS: A auriculoterapia obteve efeito estatisticamente significativo na ansiedade entre a primeira e quarta sessão de auriculoterapia, e para o estresse, entre a primeira e nona sessão, sendo que para a ansiedade esse efeito foi intensificado nos professores que lecionavam em duas instituições de ensino. CONCLUSÕES: A auriculoterapia atuou com êxito na redução dos escores de estresse e ansiedade, contribuiu na melhora dos principais sintomas desses agravos e atuou na promoção da auto percepção

Auricular acupressure for cancer-related fatigue during lung cancer chemotherapy: a randomised trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of auricular acupressure (AA) on cancer-related fatigue (CRF), sleep disturbance and anxiety in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients 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. RESULTS: 100 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. CONCLUSION: AA 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 NUMBER: ISRCTNregistry (ISRCTN16408424).

Webpalestra COVID-19 (Coronavírus): Do-in, Acupuntura e Aurículoterapia. Seu equilíbrio diante da COVID-19

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The Effects of Auriculotherapy on Shoulder Pain After a Cesarean Section.

BACKGROUND: Postcesarean section shoulder pain caused by constrained upper extremity movement limits the maternal activities of breastfeeding and neonatal care. OBJECTIVES: This study aims at investigating the effects of auriculotherapy on shoulder pain after a cesarean section. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 90 candidates for a cesarean section were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly allocated into control and intervention groups by the minimization method. In the intervention group, ear seeds were placed on shoulder and muscle relaxation points from two hours prior to surgery until 24 hours after it. In the control group, ear seeds were placed on placebo points. Shoulder pain was assessed on a numerical pain scale in 1, 6, and 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups 1 and 6 hours after surgery. However, there was a significant difference between the two groups 24 hours after surgery and the mean pain score was lower in the intervention group (independent t-test, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of auriculotherapy is recommended for the prevention and alleviation of shoulder pain after a cesarean section.

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

INTRODUCTION: This study was aimed to assess the effectiveness of auriculotherapy on managing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial, 128 pregnant women suffering from nausea and vomiting were selected and assigned to study groups. The data were collected using demographic information and Rhodes' questionnaires and analyzed in SPSS v.22. RESULTS: After intervention, the average nausea score of the Rhodes index declined significantly in patients in the intervention group (p < 0.001).However, there was no significant (p = 0.305) difference between the two groups regarding vomiting. The results of the repeated measures showed that interventions had a significant effect on the total score of the questionnaire and also the scores regarding nausea (p < 0.04). CONCLUSION: The appropriate use of effective points on ears to control nausea and vomiting as a non-medicine and complementary treatment can alleviate nausea among pregnant women.

Acupuntura, auriculoterapia e acupressão no controle do tabagismo em adultos e idosos: qual é a eficácia e a segurança da acupuntura, da auriculoterapia e da acupressão na cessação do tabagismo em adultos e/ou idosos? / Acupuncture, auriculotherapy and acupressure in the control of smoking in adults and the elderly: what is the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture, auriculotherapy and acupressure in smoking cessation in adults and/or the elderly?

A acupuntura se caracteriza pela estimulação de pontos cutâneos específicos por meio do uso de agulhas. A auriculoterapia consiste na estimulação mecânica de pontos específicos do pavilhão auricular com esferas de aço, ouro, prata, plástico, agulhas ou sementes de mostarda. Acupressão é o estímulo dos pontos de acupuntura por meio de pressão física. A acupuntura é recomendada para promoção, manutenção e recuperação da saúde, bem como prevenção de agravos e doenças. Além disso, parece propiciar a liberação de neurotransmissores e outras substâncias responsáveis pela promoção da analgesia. A auriculoterapia e acupressão promovem a regulação psíquico-orgânica do indivíduo. Estas práticas foram incorporadas no SUS mediante Portaria nº 971, de 03 de maio de 2006. Qual é a eficácia e a segurança da acupuntura, auriculoterapia e acupressão na cessação do tabagismo em adultos e/ou idosos? As buscas foram realizadas em sete bases de dados sem restrição de ano de publicação. Os critérios de inclusão foram: revisões sistemáticas em inglês, português e espanhol que avaliaram os efeitos da acupuntura, auriculoterapia e acupressão no controle do tabagismo na população adulta e idosa. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica foi realizada por meio da ferramenta AMSTAR 2, feita por uma pesquisadora e revisada por outra. Nesta revisão rápida, produzida em cinco dias, foram utilizados atalhos metodológicos, de maneira que apenas o processo de seleção foi realizado em duplicidade e de forma independente. De 127 relatos encontrados nas bases de dados, foram incluídas seis revisões sistemáticas que atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade. Na avaliação da qualidade metodológica uma revisão apresentou alta qualidade, e cinco, qualidade criticamente baixa. As revisões analisaram o efeito de acupuntura, auriculoterapia e acupressão, combinadas ou não entre si e a outras tecnologias. A maioria dos resultados de metanálises e ensaios clínicos individuais mostraram similaridade da acupuntura em comparação a diversas intervenções. Em geral, a acupuntura e a acupressão mostraram-se superiores em relação a acupuntura simulada, medicamento placebo ou nenhum tratamento. A acupuntura foi inferior à terapia de reposição de nicotina. Duas revisões avaliaram a segurança das intervenções, com relatos sobre ocorrência de eventos adversos leves com o uso da acupuntura, eletroacupuntura, auriculoterapia e acupressão auricular. Esta revisão identificou que, de maneira geral, não houve diferença nos resultados entre acupuntura e auriculoterapia e seus diversos comparadores Acupuntura e acupressão mostraram resultados melhores na comparação com suas modalidades simuladas, medicamento placebo ou nenhum tratamento. No entanto, é necessário atenção ao interpretar estes resultados, uma vez que houve diversidade de terapias utilizadas nos estudos primários e a qualidade metodológica da maioria das revisões sistemáticas foi avaliada como criticamente baixa.

Effects of ear and body acupressure on labor pain and duration of labor active phase: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to compare the effects of multi-point ear and body acupressure on labor pain and the duration of labor active phase. DESIGN: Three-armed randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Kowsar Hospital, Qazvin, Iran. INTERVENTION: Participants in the body acupressure group received acupressure on GB21, GB30, BL32, LI4, and SP6 points, each for two minutes, at cervical dilation of four, six, and eight centimeters. For participants in the ear acupressure group, adhesive auriculotherapy-specific Vaccaria seeds were attached to their auricles on the zero, genitalia, Shen Men, thalamic, and uterine 1 and 2 acupoints. The seeds were compressed every thirty minutes, each time for thirty seconds. Participants in the control group received routine care services. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Labor pain intensity was assessed using a visual analogue scale at cervical dilation of four and ten centimeters. RESULTS: While there was no significant difference between mean scores of pain among three groups, mean score of labor pain in both acupressure groups was significantly less than that in the control group (P < 0.001). However, the difference between the acupressure groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.12). Moreover, the duration of labor active phase in the ear acupressure group was significantly less than those in the body acupressure and the control groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ear acupressure was significantly effective in reducing labor pain and shortening labor active phase. However, body acupressure solely reduces labor pain. Therefore, ear acupressure can be used to reduce labor pain and shorten labor active phase.

Comparison of Auricular Therapy with Sham in Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: Several studies have shown the clinical effects of auricular therapy for some neuropsychological disorders. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of auricular therapy with the sham procedure in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Design: Randomized sham-controlled trial. Settings/Location: Welfare Centers of Tehran (Iran). Subjects: Fifty children with ADHD (6-14 years old). Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either auricular therapy (Group A) or a sham procedure (Group B) once a week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures: The Children Symptom Inventory (CSI-4) and the parent's version of the Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale were used to assess the severity of symptoms of attention deficit (AD) and hyperactivity (HA). Outcome evaluation data was obtained at the first and seventh weeks after the interventions. Data were analyzed by SPSS software using Friedman and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: There were 23 patients in group A and 21 patients in group B who completed the study. Based on the CSI-4 assessment, AD scores decreased from the mean (±standard deviation) of 18.39 (±5.44) to 15.39 (±5.89), p = 0.006 in group A, whereas the mean AD scores for group B only changed from 15.0 (±6.4) to 14.9 (±5.94), p = 0.55 in group B. In addition, the mean of the HA scores decreased from 18.0 (±6.73) to 13.3 (±6.75), p = 0.001 in group A, whereas the change in HA scores in group B only diminished and from 11.85 (±6.44) to 11.45 (±5.44), p = 0.74. The CSI-4 assessments and the scores on the Conners questionnaire significantly decreased after the first week of intervention (p = 0.04) in group A, but not in group B. No side effects were observed. Conclusion: Subjects who received auricular therapy in acupuncture points achieved a statistically significant greater reduction in AD and HA symptoms when compared with subjects who received sham acupuncture points.

Effect of auriculotherapy on chronic low back pain: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a clinically common and recurrent disease. However, many trials have shown that auriculotherapy (AT) can effectively treat CLBP. There are currently no systematic reviews of this therapy. The plan aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this treatment in patients with CLBP. METHODS: This systematic evaluation will entail an electronic and manual search of all AT for CLBP from inception to January 31, 2020, regardless of the publication status or language. Databases include PubMed, Excerpt Medica Database, Springer, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trial Registration Platform, the Chinese Medicine Database, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the China Science Journal Database, and the Wanfang Database. Other sources of information, including bibliographies and meeting minutes for identified publications, will also be searched. A manual search for grey literature, including unpublished conference articles will be performed. Additionally, any clinical randomized controlled trials related to AT for CLBP, regardless of the publication status and language limitations, will be included in the study. Study selection, data extraction, and research quality assessments will be conducted independently by 2 researchers. The main result was the use of a visual analog scale, a short pain scale, or other effective scale. Secondary outcomes included effectiveness, Oswestry dysfunction index, self-rating anxiety scale, self-depression rating scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, follow-up relapse rate, and adverse events. The system searches for randomized controlled trials of this therapy for CLBP. Implement the Cochrane RevMan V5.3 bias assessment tool to assess bias risk, data integration risk, meta-analysis risk, and subgroup analysis risk (if conditions are met). Mean difference, standard mean deviation, and binary data will be used to represent continuous results. RESULTS: This study will provide a comprehensive review and evaluation of the available evidence for the treatment of CLBP using this therapy. CONCLUSION: This study will provide new evidence to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of AT on CLBP. Because the data is not personalized, no formal ethical approval is required. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020151584.

A prospective randomized controlled study of auricular point acupressure to manage chronic low back pain in older adults: study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a major health problem and the most common pain condition among those aged 60 years or older in the US. Despite the development of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions, cLBP outcomes have not improved and disability rates continue to rise. This study aims to test auricular point acupressure (APA) as a non-invasive, nonpharmacological self-management strategy to manage cLBP and to address current shortcomings of cLBP treatment. METHODS/DESIGN: For this prospective randomized controlled study, participants will be randomly assigned to three groups: (1) APA group (active points related to cLBP), (2) Comparison group-1 (non-active points, unrelated to cLBP), and (3) Comparison group-2 (enhanced educational control, an educational booklet on cLBP will be given and the treatment used by participants for their cLBP will be recorded). The ecological momentary assessment smartphone app will be used to collect real-time cLBP outcomes and adherence to APA practice. Treatment and nonspecific psychological placebo effects will be measured via questionnaires for all participants. This proposed trial will evaluate the APA sustained effects for cLBP at 12-month follow-up. Monthly telephone follow-up will be used to collect study outcomes. Blood will be collected during study visits at baseline, post APA treatment, and follow-up study visits at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post completion of treatment for a total of seven assessments. Appointments will start between 9 and 11 am to control for circadian variation in cytokine levels. DISCUSSION: This study is expected to provide vital information on the efficacy, sustainability, and underlying mechanism of APA on cLBP necessary for APA to gain acceptance from both healthcare providers and patients, which would provide a strong impetus for including APA as part of cLBP management in clinical and home settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03589703. Registered on 22 May 2018.