Bibliometric analysis of auriculotherapy research trends over the past 20 years.

OBJECTIVES: Auriculotherapy has long been used to treat various diseases. We analyzed and visualized auriculotherapy's geographical distribution, key contributors, and thematic trends over the past 20 years to provide current trends in auriculotherapy field and to offer recommendations for future research directions. DESIGN/SETTING: We searched for relevant studies in the Web of Science between January 10, 2003, and December 31, 2022. A bibliometric analysis was performed using VOSviewer for annual publications, journals, countries, institutions, authors, and keywords. RESULTS: A total of 800 studies were included in the analysis, and the number of studies steadily increased over the 20 examined years. In 2018, there was a noteworthy rise in publications, nearly twice as many as the preceding year. Integrative & complementary medicine was the most researched area, with most articles published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. China was the country with the most published research, and the most active organization was Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine in China, followed by Kyung Hee University in South Korea. The most prolific author was Yeh Mei-ling, who reported the effects of auriculotherapy on dysmenorrhea and smoking cessation. Keyword analysis revealed four clusters: pain, mental health, obesity, and smoking cessation. CONCLUSION: Auriculotherapy research primarily focused on clinical studies related to pain, obesity, smoking cessation, and depression. Future research should place greater emphasis on verifying the mechanisms of auriculotherapy for specific ailments and may require efforts to enhance the robustness of clinical trials. Through visual analysis, our study may serve as a foundational resource, offering valuable insights into the trajectory of auriculotherapy research.

The Effect of Ear Acupressure on Behavioral Problems in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: Due to the limits on treatment for people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ear acupressure treatment has been considered. This study examined the effect of ear acupressure on behavioral problems of children with ADHD. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 70 children with ADHD who were randomized into 2 groups. The intervention group received ear acupressure in treatment points and the control group received massage at neutral points. Behavioral problems were measured 3 times: (1) baseline; week 4; and week 8. The last timepoint was a follow-up, using the Child Behavior Checklist. Results: The intervention group had fewer behavioral problems at all 3 timepoints than the control group (Cohen's ∂ = 1.49; 95% confidence interval at week 4: 20.97, 47.43).The ear acupressure group had a large effect size with respect to reduction of attention problems at week 4 (∂ = 1.88) and week 8 (∂ = 1.48) than the control group. Conclusions: Ear acupressure induced significant reduction of the behavioral problems of children with ADHD. Further research can evaluate the use and continuity of the effectiveness of this treatment as a complementary treatment in addition to the usual treatments for these children.

Effects of auriculotherapy on nausea and vomiting in pregnant women: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy induces physiological changes, commonly marked by nausea and vomiting in the first trimester, posing risks for both mother and baby. This study evaluates the effects of auriculotherapy on nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in two primary health care centers with 56 Brazilian pregnant women who reported nausea or vomiting in the first trimester. The participants were divided into an intervention group (auriculotherapy with seeds) and a placebo group (sham auriculotherapy). The intervention was divided into three moments: pre-intervention with assessment of nausea and vomiting and application of questionnaires, and two follow-ups conducted on the fourth and seventh day of the intervention, with reassessment of nausea and vomiting. RESULTS: Both groups experienced a decrease in nausea and vomiting over time, with no statistically significant differences between groups in the within-group analyses at various time points. The intervention group had a greater reduction in symptoms. Within the intervention group, symptoms were more common among ferrous sulfate users and those without reported dietary disturbances. In addition, a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting was associated with the use of analgesics, morning snacks, and low intake of protein, vegetables, and fruits. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention did not affect the between-group differences in the incidence of nausea and vomiting and vomiting effort in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, a greater reduction was observed in the intervention group.

Laser auriculotherapy associated with cupping therapy in chronic spinal pain: Randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal spine disorders are common causes of chronic pain and impair functionality. Laser auriculotherapy and cupping has played a significant role in the treatment of chronic pain. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effect of laser auriculotherapy associated with cupping at systemic acupuncture points on chronic spinal pain. METHODS: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Volunteers underwent three evaluations: an initial evaluation, a final evaluation immediately after the last intervention session, and a 15-day follow-up. The pain was identified using the numeric pain scale. The pain threshold was also evaluated against mechanical stimulation using a Digital Dynamometer at specific points in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions. Fifty individuals with chronic spinal pain, randomized into groups: experimental (n = 25), submitted to 10 sessions of auriculotherapy with laser and cupping therapy and control (n = 25). RESULTS: The experimental group achieved pain intensity reduction between pre and post and follow-up moments (p < 0.0001), of greatest pain in the last seven days among all moments (p < 0.0001), of least pain in the pre with post moment (p = 0.006) and follow-up (p = 0.002), and an increased pain threshold between pre and post (p = 0.023). The control group achieved a reduction in the nociceptive threshold between pre and post (p = 0.001) and follow-up (p < 0.0001). The experimental group showed reduced pain intensity (p = 0.027) and greater pain (p = 0.005) after intervention and in pain intensity (p = 0.018), greater (p < 0.0001) and less pain (p = 0.025) at follow-up, compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Auriculotherapy with laser associated with cupping therapy may effectively reduce pain intensity and increase the nociceptive threshold.

Effects of auriculotherapy on muscle fatigue: A randomized crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed investigate the effect of auriculotherapy on exercise-induced muscle fatigue, isometric torque production, and surface electromyographic activity (EMG). METHODS: Design: Randomized Crossover Trial. The sample consisted of 18 males' volunteers who exercised at least twice a week. THE SAMPLE WAS RANDOMLY ASSIGNED TO TWO GROUPS: Placebo Group (n = 9) and Treated Group (n = 9), and after seven days, the groups were crossed. The data analysis included 18 participants in each group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The muscle fatigue index, force production rate, and EMG of the quadriceps were used for evaluation. The evaluation moments included baseline pre-fatigue, baseline post-fatigue, 48 h post-intervention pre-fatigue, and 48 h post-intervention post-fatigue. Mixed two-way test ANOVA was used to compare times and groups. RESULTS: The fatigue index for peak torque and work showed no significant effect on time, groups, or interaction (p > 0.05). However, for isometric torque, force production rate, and EMG median frequency and average, the results indicate a positive change in values over time (p < 0.05) (with little practical relevance), with no differences observed between the groups or interaction (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, auriculotherapy had no effect on exercise-induced muscle fatigue, isometric torque production, and surface electromyographic activity.

Heart rate variability and cold-induced vascular dilation after stimulation of two different areas of the ear: a prospective, single-blinded, randomized crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Both noninvasive transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and traditional medical practice (TMP), such as auriculotherapy, use the auricle as a starting point for stimulation, but with two different conceptual frameworks: taVNS depends on vagal afferences to account for its effects, whereas TMP requires stimulation of the ear with high topographical accuracy regardless of the afferent nerves. The aim of this study was to measure heart rate variability (HRV) and cold water-induced vasodilation (CIVD) after puncturing two different ear points with the same afference but that should have opposite effects according to TMP. METHODS: Ten healthy subjects were investigated in this single-blinded crossover study over three sessions. In the first session, sympathetic activation was performed via cold water immersion of the right hand, with recordings taken from multiple fingers. HRV was assessed in the time domain (square root of the mean squared differences of NN intervals (RMSSD)) and frequency domain (low (LF) and high frequencies (HF)). In the second and third sessions, the same skin immersion test was performed, and mechanical stimulation was applied to the ear at two different points on the internal surface of the antitragus, one with alleged parasympathetic activity and the other with alleged sympathetic activity. The stimulation was done with semipermanent needles. RESULTS: Stimulation of the point with alleged parasympathetic activity immediately resulted in a significant decrease in RMSSD in 75% of the subjects and in LF in 50% of the subjects, while stimulation of the point with alleged sympathetic activity resulted in an increase in HF and RMSSD in 50% of the subjects. Stimulation of these points did not affect the CIVD reflex. The 20 min cold water immersion induced an immediate decrease in LF and the LF/HF ratio and an increase in HF. The skin temperature of the nonimmersed medius significantly decreased when the contralateral hand was immersed, from 34.4 °C to 31.8 °C. CONCLUSIONS: Stimulation of two different ear points innervated by the same afferent nerves elicited different HRV responses, suggesting somatotopy and a vagal effect beyond vagal afferences. These results are not in accordance with the claims of TMP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04130893 (18/10/2019) clinicaltrials.com.

Effects of Auriculotherapy on Gestational Hypertension: Randomized Controlled Trial Study.

Background: This study aims to observe how auriculotherapy acts as a nonpharmacological treatment for pregnant women's gestational hypertension. Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. Eighty patients were with gestational hypertension recruited and divided into control (n = 40) and intervention (n = 40) groups. The control group just received the usual perinatal care. The intervention group received one month of auriculotherapy in addition to the usual care. Blood pressure was measured before and 15 minutes after rest in both groups twice a week. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests. Results: The mean systolic blood pressure, based on the Mann-Whitney test, was not statistically significant between the two groups before the intervention and in the first two weeks after the intervention (p >0.05); however, after the third week of intervention, the mean systolic blood pressure in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p <0.001). As per the Mann-Whitney test, the mean diastolic blood pressure was not statistically significant between the two groups before the intervention and the first week after the intervention (p <0.05). However, after the second week of intervention, the mean diastolic blood pressure in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and this decrease was highest in the fourth week of the intervention (p <0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that auriculotherapy would reduce blood pressure in pregnant women suffering from hypertension.

Efficacy of auriculotherapy in the control of pain, edema, and trismus following surgical extraction of the lower third molars: a split-mouth, randomized, placebo-controlled, and triple-blind study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this split-mouth, randomized, placebo-controlled, and triple-blind study was to evaluate whether auriculotherapy had any effect on the post-operative course after the extraction of third molars in terms of the control of pain, edema, and trismus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 42 patients (84 teeth) who had undergone a surgical extraction of the lower third molars. In each patient, the two extractions were randomly assigned to two study groups. In the therapy group, the patients underwent auriculotherapy with vaccaria seeds applied with patches in 6 ear points. In the control group, the patches were applied, without seeds, to the same ear points. After the extraction, the patients were asked to stimulate the ear points three times a day and whenever they felt pain. The patients were asked to keep a diary in which they assessed their pain by means of the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for 8 days. Edema and trismus were assessed 1, 2, 3, and 8 days after surgery. RESULTS: The differences between the two groups were statistically significant at the 12-h control (auriculotherapy group (AG) VAS 5.5 [IQR 4.25-6.75], placebo group (PG) VAS 6 [IQR 5-8], p = 0.040), after 24 h (AG VAS 5 [IQR 4-6], PG VAS 6 [IQR 4.25-7], p = 0.024), after 2 days (AG VAS 4 [IQR 3-5], PG VAS 4.5 [IQR 4-6], p = 0.044), and after 3 days (AG VAS 3 [IQR 0-5], PG VAS 4 [IQR 3-5], p = 0.024). Throughout the observation period, the AG took a significantly lower number of painkillers than the PG (AG 6 [IQR 4.25-7]; PG 8 [IQR 8-9], p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the levels of edema and trismus between the two groups throughout the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the results of the present study, auriculotherapy can be considered as a cost-effective adjuvant pain reliever treatment in patients undergoing an extraction of the lower third molars.

Auriculoterapia para reducir el dolor crónico de la columna vertebral de los trabajadores de la salud: ensayo clínico / Auriculotherapy for reducing chronic spinal pain in health workers: a clinical trial / Auriculoterapia para redução da dor crônica na coluna vertebral em trabalhadores da saúde: ensaio clínico

Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de la auriculoterapia para reducir el dolor musculoesquelético crónico de la columna vertebral de los trabajadores de la salud. Método: ensayo clínico aleatorizado, triple ciego, realizado con trabajadores de la salud diagnosticados con dolor crónico en la columna vertebral. Se aplicaron ocho sesiones de auriculoterapia con semillas, dos por semana. Los resultados fueron medidos con la Escala Numérica del Dolor, el Inventario Breve del Dolor, el Cuestionario de Discapacidad de Roland-Morris y los instrumentos SF-36, en la 1.ª, 4.ª, 8.ª sesión y follow-up a los 15 días. Análisis descriptivo e inferencial. Resultados: participaron 34 trabajadores del grupo intervención y 33 del grupo control, ambos mostraron una reducción en la intensidad del dolor (p>0,05). En el follow-up se registró una mayor reducción en el grupo intervención (3,32 ± 0,42) que en el grupo control (5,00 ± 0,43) (p=0,007). En cuanto a la calidad de vida, mejoró la vitalidad (p=0,012) y la limitación por aspectos emocionales (p=0,025). La relación entre auriculoterapia, discapacidad física e interferencia del dolor no difirió entre los grupos (p>0,05). El uso de medicamentos en el follow-up se mantuvo en el grupo control (77,8%) con respecto al grupo intervención (22,2%) (p=0,013). Conclusión: la auriculoterapia tuvo el mismo efecto en ambos grupos sobre la intensidad del dolor y duró más en el follow-up. Hubo una mejora en la calidad de vida y una reducción en el consumo de medicamentos. REBEC: RBR-3jvmdn.

Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of auriculotherapy in reducing chronic musculoskeletal pain in the spine of health workers. Method: a randomized, triple-blind clinical trial conducted with health workers diagnosed with chronic spinal pain. Eight sessions of auriculotherapy with seeds were applied, two per week. The outcomes were measured with the Numerical Pain Scale, Brief Pain Inventory, Rolland-Morris Disability Questionnaire and SF-36 instruments, in the 1st, 4th and 8th session, and in the 15-day follow-up period. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed. Results: 34 workers took part in the Intervention Group and 33 in the Control Group, and both presented reduced pain intensity (p>0.05). In the follow-up period, there was a greater reduction in the Intervention Group (3.32 ± 0.42), when compared to the Control Group (5.00 ± 0.43) (p=0.007). In quality of life, there was improved vitality (p=0.012) and limitation due to emotional aspects (p=0.025). The relationship between auriculotherapy, physical disability and pain interference did not differ between the groups (p>0.05). Medication use in the follow-up period remained unchanged in the Control Group (77.8%) when compared to the Intervention Group (22.2%) (p=0.013). Conclusion: auriculotherapy exerted the same effect between the groups on pain intensity, lasting longer in the follow-up period. There was an improvement in quality of life and a reduction in medication use. REBEC: RBR-3jvmdn.

Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia da auriculoterapia na redução da dor musculoesquelética crônica na coluna vertebral de trabalhadores da área da saúde. Método: ensaio clínico randomizado, triplo cego, realizado com trabalhadores da saúde com diagnóstico de dor crônica na coluna vertebral. Aplicaram-se oito sessões de auriculoterapia com sementes, duas por semana. Desfechos mensurados com os instrumentos Escala Numérica da Dor, Inventário Breve de Dor, Questionário de Incapacidade de Rolland-Morris e SF-36, na 1ª, 4ª, 8ª sessão, e follow-up de 15 dias. Análise descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: participaram 34 trabalhadores no grupo intervenção e 33 no controle, ambos apresentaram redução da intensidade da dor (p>0,05). No follow-up, maior redução no grupo intervenção (3,32 ± 0,42), comparado ao controle (5,00 ± 0,43) (p=0,007). Na qualidade de vida, melhorou a vitalidade (p=0,012) e limitação por aspectos emocionais (p=0,025). Relação entre auriculoterapia, incapacidade física e interferência da dor não diferiu entre os grupos (p>0,05). O uso de medicamentos, no follow-up, manteve-se no grupo controle (77,8%) se comparado à intervenção (22,2%) (p=0,013). Conclusão: a auriculoterapia apresentou igual efeito entre os grupos na intensidade da dor, com maior durabilidade deste no follow-up. Houve melhora da qualidade de vida e redução do consumo de medicamentos. REBEC: RBR-3jvmdn.

The Effect of Auriculotherapy on Nausea, Vomiting, and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section with Spinal Anesthesia: A Clinical Trial Study.

Background: Nausea, vomiting, and anxiety are common complications during and after spinal anesthesia. Auriculotherapy as a complementary medicine can be useful for reducing nausea, vomiting, or anxiety. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of auriculotherapy on nausea, vomiting, and anxiety in patients undergoing elective Cesarean Section (CS) with spinal anesthesia. Materials and Methods: The present study was a clinical trial study that was performed on 56 pregnant women selected as CS candidates in Ommolbanin Hospital in Mashhad during the years 2016-2017. In the intervention group, 1 h before spinal anesthesia, auricular acupoint stimulation was performed at four points bilaterally, for 20-30 seconds at each point. Evaluations were done by the following questionnaires: State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Vomiting Assessment Form. Results: The mean anxiety (SD) before the intervention in the intervention group and the control group was 47.88 (8.67) and 47.84 (10.49), respectively, and 4 h after the intervention, it was 40.23 (10.19) and 42.88 (12.18) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. These results were significant in the intervention group (p = 0.008). 30-40 min before and 4 h after the surgery, the severity of nausea and vomiting was low in both groups and no significant difference was observed between the two groups during the surgery and in the recovery room (p > 0.05). Conclusions: According to the results, auriculotherapy could reduce anxiety in CS patients with spinal analgesia. The results also showed that auriculotherapy reduced the severity of nausea and vomiting, but these changes were not significant.

Auriculotherapy in prevention of migraine attacks: an open randomized trial.

Use of auriculotherapy to prevent episodic migraine pain has seldom been reported. The aim of this open study was to show that three sessions of auriculotherapy, 1 month apart, using semi-permanent needles decrease frequency and intensity of an attack in patients presenting episodic migraine. A total of 90 patients were randomized to the treatment group (AUR group, n = 58) or the control group (C group, n = 32). Four patients dropped out during the study (three in the AUR group and one in the C group). The number of days with migraine and non-migraine headache was similar when the analysis focused on the 3 months of the study or on the difference in each group of this number between the 3 months preceding the inclusion and the 3 months of the study (p = 0.123). AUR group patients had fewer days with non-migraine headache (p = 0.011) and took less Triptans (p = 0.045) than group C. Number of days with migraine, sum of the pain intensities of all migraines and non-migraine headaches, and total number of analgesics taken, other than triptan, were similar between groups. MIDAS score decreased with time in the AUR group while it increased in the C group whether in absolute values (p = 0.035) or as categories (p = 0.037). These contrasted results should lead to further study of the effectiveness of auriculotherapy for the prevention of migraine. Clinical trail registration: Protocol registered on the Clinicaltrials.gov, website (January 30, 2017, NCT03036761).

Silver Spike Point Therapy in smoking cessation: What is it and does it work?

Smoking is a global health challenge that causes a myriad of diseases. Smoking cessation services are part of the armamentarium to combat smoking epidemic. In addition to the approved treatments, alternative therapies, including electrical stimulation, have been proposed. The aim of this study is to review and summarize the evidence for the efficacy of electrical stimulation, including Silver Spike Point therapy, in smoking cessation. A historical background and descriptive summary of various acupuncture and related therapies is provided. Systematic reviews and original studies were reviewed, and their results were summarized. In conclusion, the current best available evidence does not support the use of electrical stimulation, including Silver Spike Point therapy, in smoking cessation. Policy makers and healthcare providers should aim to utilize the available resources to provide evidence-based treatment options for patients seeking to quit tobacco use.

Reflexoterapia e auriculoterapia para lombalgia aguda em docentes e discentes universitários: Ensaio clínico duplo-cego / Reflexotherapy and auriculotherapy for acute lumbalgia in university teachers and students: A double-blind clinical trial

Objetivo: comparar os efeitos da auriculoterapia e reflexoterapia podal para lombalgia aguda inespecífica em docentes e discentes universitários da área da saúde. Método: ensaio clínico, randomizado, controlado, duplo-cego, com 189 participantes distribuídos em três grupos: auriculoterapia experimental, reflexoterapia experimental e combinadas. Fora realizados 3 intervenções. Para a coleta foram utilizados: Questionário Sociodemográfico; Escala Visual e Analógica de intensidade na avaliação da dor; e Questionário para Lombalgia. Os dados foram analisados no programa IBM SPSS Statistics versão 18.0 Foram aplicados: teste de normalidade Kolmogorov-Smirnov; testes Qui-quadrado ou Exato de Fisher para comparação entre os grupos, e Análise de variância com post hoc ou Kruskal-Wallis, conforme apropriado. Resultados: evidenciou-se redução significativa da dor nos três protocolos (p=<0,001) para o Questionário de lombalgia, mas na comparaçãoda escala da dor, houve menor eficácia no grupo combinado (p=0,006). Conclusão: Ambas as terapias são eficazes e indicadas para controle da lombalgia aguda(AU)

Objective: to compare the effects of auriculotherapy and foot reflex therapy for nonspecific acute low back pain in university professors and students in the health area. Method: clinical trial, randomized, controlled, double-blind, with 189 participants divided into three groups: experimental auriculotherapy, experimental reflex therapy and combined therapy. Three interventions were performed. For data collection, the following were used: Sociodemographic Questionnaire; Visual and Analog Scale of intensity in pain assessment; and Low Back Pain Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics program, version 18.0. The following were applied: Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test; Chi-square or Fisher's Exact tests for comparison between groups, and Analysis of variance with post hoc or Kruskal-Wallis, as appropriate. Results: there was a significant reduction in pain in the three protocols (p=<0.001) for the Low Back Pain Questionnaire, but when comparing the pain scale, there was less efficacy in the combined group (p=0.006). Conclusion: Both therapies are effective and indicated for the control of acute low back pain(AU)

Objetivo: comparar los efectos de la auriculoterapia y la terapia refleja podal en el dolor lumbar agudo inespecífico en profesores y estudiantes universitarios del área de la salud. Método: ensayo clínico, aleatorizado, controlado, doble ciego, con 189 participantes divididos en tres grupos: auriculoterapia experimental, terapia refleja experimental y terapia combinada. Se realizaron tres intervenciones. Para la recolección de datos, se utilizaron: Cuestionario Sociodemográfico; Escala Visual y Analógica de intensidad en la valoración del dolor; y Cuestionario de dolor lumbar. Los datos fueron analizados mediante el programa IBM SPSS Statistics, versión 18.0, se aplicaron: prueba de normalidad de Kolmogorov-Smirnov; Pruebas Chi-cuadrado o Exacto de Fisher para comparación entre grupos, y Análisis de varianza con post hoc o Kruskal-Wallis, según corresponda. Resultados: hubo reducción significativa del dolor en los tres protocolos (p=<0,001) para el Low Back Pain Questionnaire, pero al comparar la escala de dolor, hubo menor eficacia en el grupo combinado (p=0,006). Conclusión: Ambas terapias son efectivas e indicadas para el control del dolor lumbar agudo(AU)

Reflexoterapia e auriculoterapia para lombalgia aguda em docentes e discentes universitários: Ensaio clínico duplo-cego / Reflexoterapia y auriculoterapia para la lumbalgia aguda en universitarios: Un ensayo clínico doble ciego / Reflexotherapy and auriculotherapy for acute lumbalgia in university teachers and students: A double-blind clinical trial

Objetivo: comparar os efeitos da auriculoterapia e reflexoterapia podal para lombalgia aguda inespecífica em docentes e discentes universitários da área da saúde. Método: ensaio clínico, randomizado, controlado, duplo-cego, com 189 participantes distribuídos em três grupos: auriculoterapia experimental, reflexoterapia experimental e combinadas. Fora realizados 3 intervenções. Para a coleta foram utilizados: Questionário Sociodemográfico; Escala Visual e Analógica de intensidade na avaliação da dor; e Questionário para Lombalgia. Os dados foram analisados no programa IBM SPSS Statistics versão 18.0 Foram aplicados: teste de normalidade Kolmogorov-Smirnov; testes Qui-quadrado ou Exato de Fisher para comparação entre os grupos, e Análise de variância com post hoc ou Kruskal-Wallis, conforme apropriado. Resultados: evidenciou-se redução significativa da dor nos três protocolos (p=<0,001) para o Questionário de lombalgia, mas na comparaçãoda escala da dor, houve menor eficácia no grupo combinado (p=0,006). Conclusão: Ambas as terapias são eficazes e indicadas para controle da lombalgia aguda(AU)

Objective: to compare the effects of auriculotherapy and foot reflex therapy for nonspecific acute low back pain in university professors and students in the health area. Method: clinical trial, randomized, controlled, double-blind, with 189 participants divided into three groups: experimental auriculotherapy, experimental reflex therapy and combined therapy. Three interventions were performed. For data collection, the following were used: Sociodemographic Questionnaire; Visual and Analog Scale of intensity in pain assessment; and Low Back Pain Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics program, version 18.0. The following were applied: Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test; Chi-square or Fisher's Exact tests for comparison between groups, and Analysis of variance with post hoc or Kruskal-Wallis, as appropriate. Results: there was a significant reduction in pain in the three protocols (p=<0.001) for the Low Back Pain Questionnaire, but when comparing the pain scale, there was less efficacy in the combined group (p=0.006). Conclusion: Both therapies are effective and indicated for the control of acute low back pain.(AU)

Objetivo: comparar los efectos de la auriculoterapia y la terapia refleja podal en el dolor lumbar agudo inespecífico en profesores y estudiantes universitarios del área de la salud. Método: ensayo clínico, aleatorizado, controlado, doble ciego, con 189 participantes divididos en tres grupos: auriculoterapia experimental, terapia refleja experimental y terapia combinada. Se realizaron tres intervenciones. Para la recolección de datos, se utilizaron: Cuestionario Sociodemográfico; Escala Visual y Analógica de intensidad en la valoración del dolor; y Cuestionario de dolor lumbar. Los datos fueron analizados mediante el programa IBM SPSS Statistics, versión 18.0, se aplicaron: prueba de normalidad de Kolmogorov-Smirnov; Pruebas Chi-cuadrado o Exacto de Fisher para comparación entre grupos, y Análisis de varianza con post hoc o Kruskal-Wallis, según corresponda. Resultados: hubo reducción significativa del dolor en los tres protocolos (p=<0,001) para el Low Back Pain Questionnaire, pero al comparar la escala de dolor, hubo menor eficacia en el grupo combinado (p=0,006). Conclusión: Ambas terapias son efectivas e indicadas para el control del dolor lumbar agudo.(AU)

Effects of photobiomodulation on auriculotherapy points for sleep disorders, anxiety, and temporomandibular dysfunctions.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluatephotobiomodulation applied at auriculotherapy points forsleep disorder (SD) and anxiety related to temporomandibulardysfunction (TMD). METHODS: The study consisted of two groups of 20 participants: Auriculotherapy group (A) and Control Group(C). The participants responded to the RDC/TMD, Fletcher & Luckett questionnaires, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory to analyze TMD, SD, and anxiety before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The participants presented scores corresponding to mild to moderateanxiety (MDN = 17; CI = [13.16;22.31]) and after treatment, normalor non-existent anxiety (MDN = 9; CI = [8.76; 17.12]) (p = 0.005). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the controland 20 auriculotherapy groups for TMD and SD. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that auriculotherapy was effective in the treatment of anxiety. However, it did not prove effective with the results of the SD and symptoms of TMD.

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.

Auriculotherapy in a patient with Arnold Chiari malformation type II: Case report.

AIMS: Auriculotherapy is a therapeutic method of traditional Chinese Medicine in which a stimulus is exerted on the ear and activates energy channels throughout the body, helping to control anxiety, stress, pain, inflammation, illnesses chronic, and possibly can be used in patient with Arnold Chiari Malformation type II who have painful symptoms that are difficult to resolve. Thus, the aim of this article is to present a case in a patient with Chiari Malformation II where auriculotherapy and effect of laser therapy were performed, to relieve symptoms of agitation, anxiety and healing of self-mutilation injuries. CASE REPORT: Data from medical records were used to collect medical and dental history, complaints and treatments performed. Eight sessions of auriculotherapy and one of laser therapy were carried out in order to heal the lesions. The patient presented lower levels of anxiety, agitation and ceased the habit of self-mutilation and, consequently, the pain. CONCLUSIONS: The use of auriculotherapy led to a considerable improvement in the patient's painful condition and reduced anxiety, also benefiting the interaction with her family members and laser therapy promoted wound healing.

Comparison of two methods of complementary medicine on postoperative pain and anxiety: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain and anxiety are unpleasant situations that are often experienced by women undergoing cesarean section. Since the routine methods of pain relief after surgery is still inadequate, the need for complementary treatments is felt. Foot Reflexology (FR) and Auricular Acupressure (AA) are two of the most popular and safe procedures of complementary and alternative medicine therapies. So, this study aimed to determine and compare the effectiveness of reflexology and AA on postoperative pain and anxiety. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This three-group randomized clinical trial study was performed on 101 pregnant women, admitted to Mashhad Omolbanin hospital, for a cesarean section, in 2015. In the intervention groups, 2-3 h after the operation, AA or FR was performed for 20 min. Routine care was provided for the control group. Pain and anxiety were evaluated by VAS and Spielberger anxiety questionnaire before and 1 and 2 h after the intervention. RESULTS: The results showed that immediately after the intervention, pain intensity was significantly lower in both AA and FR groups (P < 0.001) compared with the control group. In addition, 2 h after the interventions, pain intensity was significantly lower in the AA group compared with the control group (P = 0.006). However, no significant differences were observed between the FR and the control groups (P = 0.095). In addition, 1 and 2 h after the intervention, anxiety was significantly different between the three groups (P = 0.033 and P = 0.018), respectively. The results of the Tukey test showed that this difference was only between FR and control groups (P = 0.025 and P = 0.017), respectively. CONCLUSION: AA is more effective in reducing post-cesarean pain while FR effectively reduces post-cesarean anxiety. Therefore, these complementary medicine treatments as easy and noninvasive methods are recommended to be used during labor for improving maternal outcomes.

Comparing the Effect of Premature Infant Care Training and Performing Auriculotherapy Techniques on Anxiety, General Self-Efficacy and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy of Mothers with Premature Infants.

Background: A preterm birth exposes the mother to many challenges in caring for and supporting the baby. This study aims to use training and auriculotherapy techniques as two simple methods to reduce anxiety and increase the mother's self-efficacy. Materials and Methods: This single-blind three-group clinical trial study was conducted in the Bahar Hospital in Shahroud, Iran, in 2019. The target group of primiparous mothers was premature infants. For the first group, premature infant care training was provided, and for the second group, auriculotherapy techniques were performed, and the third group (the control group) received routine care. Anxiety, general self-efficacy, and maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy were measured at the beginning of the study and before neonatal discharge. Results: Before the intervention, three groups were not significantly different in demographic characteristics, obvious and hidden anxiety scores, and general self-efficacy and lactation (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference between the control group and the two intervention groups with ANOVA test for self-efficacy (F2,87 = 6.60, p = 0.002), breastfeeding self-efficacy (F2,87 = 15.20, p < 0.001), obvious anxiety (F2,87 = 56.20, p < 0.001), hidden anxiety (F2.87 = 62.90, p < 0.001), after the intervention. In addition, there was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (p = 0.732). Still, the neonate's infant's mean weight before discharge in the two intervention groups was significantly different from the control group (p = 0.034). Conclusions: Teaching mothers how to care for premature infants and implement auriculotherapy techniques reduces anxiety and increases mothers' general self-efficacy and breastfeeding.

Auriculoterapia: tratamento complementar em atletas com lesão de esforço repetitivo ­ estudo piloto / Auriculotherapy: complementary treatment in athletes with repetitive stress injury ­ pilot study / Auriculoterapia: tratamiento complementario en deportistas con lesión por esfuerzo repetitivo - estudio piloto

Introdução: a auriculoterapia objetiva a estimulação de pontos na orelha visando o reequilíbrio das energias, acarretando melhora de patologias. As lesões por esforço repetitivo (LER) são frequentemente encontradas na realidade de um atleta de alto rendimento, deste modo, a busca por tratamentos diferenciados e eficazes para auxiliar na recuperação das lesões possibilita a inserção de técnicas diferenciadas, a exemplo das técnicas complementares. Objetivo: o estudo objetiva avaliar a eficácia da auriculoterapia como tratamento complementar em LER. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo piloto, experimental, não randomizado e não cego. A pesquisa foi realizada com 10 atletas de alto rendimento, da Fundação Municipal de Desportos da cidade de Blumenau-SC, divididos em dois grupos, um grupo recebeu tratamento de fisioterapia convencional e auriculoterapia e o outro apenas fisioterapia convencional. Participaram atletas de ambos os sexos e de diferentes modalidades. As avaliações foram realizadas semanalmente após os atendimentos, utilizando questionário para avaliação de dor, sintomas e utilização de medicações. Para auxiliar a avaliação, foram realizadas imagens por termografia para avaliação do processo inflamatório, as fotos foram realizadas antes e após o tratamento. Resultados: os resultados encontrados sugerem melhora em ambos os grupos, todavia, o grupo onde houve associação da fisioterapia convencional e auriculoterapia apresentou melhoras significantes em relação ao outro grupo, além disso, apresentaram redução no uso de medicações e diminuição no processo inflamatório avaliado pela termografia. Conclusão: a auriculoterapia se mostrou um importante aliado ao tratamento convencional e pode ser uma opção para tratamento complementar em LER. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Auriculoterapia; Termografia; Fisioterapia.

Introduction: Auriculotherapy treatment aims to stimulate points in the ear aiming at the rebalance of energies, resulting in improvement of pathologies. When talking about repetitive strain injuries (RSI) they are often found in the reality of a high performance athlete; the search for differentiated and effective treatments to assist in the recovery of injuries allows the insertion of differentiated techniques, such as techniques complementary. Objective: the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of auriculotherapy as a complementary treatment in RSI. Methods: this is a pilot, experimental, non-randomized and non-blind study. The research was carried out with 10 high performance athletes, from the Municipal Sports Foundation of the city of Blumenau-SC, divided into two groups, one group received conventional physiotherapy and auriculotherapy treatment and the other only conventional physiotherapy. The evaluations were performed weekly after the consultations, using a questionnaire to assess pain, symptoms and medication use. To assist the evaluation, thermographic images were taken to evaluate the inflammatory process, the photos were taken before and after treatment. Results: the results found suggest improvement in both groups, however, the group where there was an association of conventional physical therapy and auriculotherapy showed significant improvements in relation to the other group. In addition, they showed a reduction in the use of medications and a decrease in the inflammatory process evaluated by thermography. Conclusion: auriculotherapy proved to be an important ally to conventional treatment and may be an option for complementary treatment in RSI.

Introducción: El tratamiento de auriculoterapia tiene como objetivo estimular puntos en la oreja buscando el reequilibrio de energías, resultando en mejoría de patologías. Cuando se habla de lesiones por esfuerzo repetitivo (LER) a menudo se encuentran en la realidad de un atleta de alto rendimiento; la búsqueda de tratamientos diferenciados y eficaces para ayudar en la recuperación de las lesiones permite la inserción de técnicas diferenciadas, tales como técnicas complementarias. Objetivo: el estudio pretende evaluar la eficacia de la auriculoterapia como tratamiento complementario en RSI. Método: se trata de un estudio piloto, experimental, no aleatorizado y no ciego. La investigación fue realizada con 10 atletas de alto rendimiento, de la Fundación Municipal de Deportes de la ciudad de Blumenau-SC, divididos en dos grupos, un grupo recibió fisioterapia convencional y tratamiento de auriculoterapia y el otro sólo fisioterapia convencional. Las evaluaciones se realizaron semanalmente después de las consultas, utilizando un cuestionario para evaluar el dolor, los síntomas y el uso de medicamentos. Para ayudar a la evaluación, se tomaron imágenes termográficas para evaluar el proceso inflamatorio, las fotos fueron tomadas antes y después del tratamiento. Resultados: los resultados encontrados sugieren mejoría en ambos grupos, sin embargo, el grupo donde hubo asociación de fisioterapia convencional y auriculoterapia mostró mejorías significativas en relación al otro grupo. Además, mostraron reducción en el uso de medicamentos y disminución del proceso inflamatorio evaluado por termografía. Conclusión: la auriculoterapia demostró ser un importante aliado del tratamiento convencional y puede ser una opción de tratamiento complementario en la RSI. PALABRAS CLAVE: Auriculoterapia; Termografía; Fisioterapia.