Auricular acupressure therapy for mild or moderate chronic non-cancer pain: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effects of auricular acupressure therapy (AAT) on mild or moderate chronic non-cancer pain and the implementation measures so as to provide a basis for implementing and spreading AAT standardly. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on AAT for mild or moderate chronic non-cancer pain were retrieved in Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) , Wanfang database, VIP database, PubMed, Web of Science and Embase. Two researchers independently screened literatures based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data, evaluated literature quality and carried out descriptive analysis on effects and implementation measures of AAT for pain. Results A total of 12 RCTs were included which showed that AAT could ease pain. Most researches selected nervous system and pain area auricular points in the meantime, took vaccaria segetalis seeds as AAT material, carried out acupressure by adult patients with the appropriate strength when feeling sour, numbness, swelling and hot. There were no unified results in the times of auricular acupressure per day, pressing time each time, bean-pressing in both or single ears, but the three aspects presented a certain trend. Conclusions In most cases, the application of AAT for mild or moderate chronic non-cancer pain can ease pain. Nurses should pay attention to auricular point selection, AAT material, AAT duration, times of auricular acupressure per day, pressing time each time, bean-pressing in both or single ears, pressure strength and patient education so as to achieve the best treatment effects. Key words: Pain; Auricular acupressure therapy; Mild pain; Moderate pain; Chronic non-cancer pain; Systematic review