Auricular Acupressure Therapy Research Articles

The Effects of Auricular Acupressure Therapy on Obesity and Sleep in Korean Middle-Aged Women: A Randomized Single-Blind Sham-Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of auricular acupressure therapy on obesity and sleep quality in middle-aged Korean women. The single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial included participants aged 40-65years with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25-34 kg/m2, divided into an experimental group (n=30) and a control group (n=29). The intervention involved 8weeks of auricular acupressure using ear seeds on five acupoints associated with obesity and sleep. Obesity outcomes were assessed using anthropometric indices (body weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat mass, body fat percentage), while sleep outcomes were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and actigraphy. Measurements were taken thrice: before the intervention, and at 4 and 8weeks post-intervention start. The experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in obesity measures and improvement in sleep quality over time compared to the control group. The findings suggest that auricular acupressure may serve as an alternative nursing intervention for managing obesity and improving sleep quality in middle-aged women.

The Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Pruritus, Skin Dryness, and Depression in Hemodialysis Patients

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of auricular acupressure therapy on pruritus, skin dryness, and depression in hemodialysis patients.Methods: This was a randomized control group pre-post experimental study. Fifty-four patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at a single center voluntarily participated in the study. Twenty-seven participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group, to whom auricular acupressure was applied to five designated acupoints (shenmen, heart, kidney, lung, and occiput) for 5 weeks. The control group (n=27) received no intervention for the first 5 weeks, and the auricular acupressure intervention was administered due to ethical considerations after 5 weeks. Pruritus, pruritus-related sleep disturbance, and depression were scored accordingly. Skin dryness was assessed by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) levels.Results: Auricular acupressure therapy significantly reduced pruritus (z=-3.97, <i>p</i><.001) and pruritus-related sleep disturbance (z=-2.97, <i>p</i>=.003) in the experimental group. TEWL showed a significant reduction in the arm (z=-2.23, <i>p</i>=.026) and body (z=-1.97, <i>p</i>=.049) but not in the leg. There were no differences in SCH levels and depression (z=-0.35, <i>p</i>=.721).Conclusion: Auricular acupressure therapy effectively alleviated pruritus and skin dryness. This study confirmed the safety and effectiveness of auricular acupressure therapy as a viable intervention for pruritus in hemodialysis patients.

Effects of Auricular Acupressure Therapy on Psychological Factors, Sleep Quality, and Salivary Cortisol Levels in South Korean Older Adults in the Community: A Single-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of auricular acupressure (AA) therapy on psychological factors, sleep quality, and salivary cortisol levels in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This was a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled comparative pretest-posttest study that applied AA for three weeks. The experimental group received AA on the shenmen, sympathetic, subcortical, and adrenal areas, while the control group received acupuncture in four areas along the helix. Nineteen participants were assigned to the experimental group and 21 to the control group. All participants were community-dwelling seniors aged 65 years or older who had an Insomnia Severity Index score of 8 or higher and experienced psychological stress. Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Korean version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale for psychological factors, and the Korean version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and morning salivary cortisol levels were measured to evaluate sleep quality. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups for depression (t=5.56, <i>p</i><.001), anxiety (t=3.53, <i>p</i>=.001), and stress (t=3.55, <i>p</i>=.001). The PSQI (t=4.72, <i>p</i><.001) and salivary cortisol levels (z=-4.21, <i>p</i><.001) showed statistically significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: AA demonstrated its effectiveness as an intervention for addressing complex symptoms in community-dwelling older adults. It was found to alleviate depression, anxiety, and stress, enhance sleep quality, and reduce salivary cortisol levels.

The Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Physiological Index, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress for Elders With Hypertension.

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of auricular acupressure (AA) on physiological index, depression, anxiety, and stress in elderly people with hypertension. The verum group received verum AA therapy for 8 weeks. Five different acupressure sites were applied in each group. There was a significant difference in systolic blood pressure between the 2 groups after 8 weeks of AA, whereas a significant difference in pulse pressure was found between the 2 groups after 6 weeks of AA. This study is meaningful in comparing intervention and sham groups, verifying the effects by using physiological and psychological variables, and confirming the effects of repetitive measurement. AA therapy is expected to be a practical and efficient health care intervention for elderly people with hypertension.

Effects of Auricular Point Acupressure with Lifestyle Interventions on Cerebrovascular Function among Adults with High Stroke Risk: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background. To investigate the potential benefits of the auricular point acupressure on cerebrovascular function and stroke prevention among adults with high stroke risk. Methods. A randomized controlled study was performed in 105 adults at high risk for stroke between March and July 2021. Participants were randomly allocated (1 : 1) to receive either auricular point acupressure with basic lifestyle interventions (n = 53) or basic lifestyle interventions alone (n = 52) for 2 weeks. The primary outcome was the kinematic and dynamic indices of cerebrovascular function, as well as CVHP score at week 2, measured by the Doppler ultrasonography and pressure transducer on carotids. Results. Among the 105 randomized subjects, 86 finished the intervention plans. At week 2, the auricular point acupressure therapy with lifestyle intervention group had higher kinematic indices, cerebrovascular hemodynamic parameters score and lower dynamic indices than the lifestyle intervention group. Conclusions. Cerebrovascular function and cerebrovascular hemodynamic parameters score were greater improved among the participants undergoing auricular point acupressure combined with lifestyle interventions than lifestyle interventions alone. Hence, the auricular point acupressure can assist the stroke prevention. Trail Registration. This trial registered with ChiCTR2100041769 on https://www.chictr.org.cn/.

Auricular acupressure for adverse events following immunization after COVID-19 vaccine injection: A multicentre, blinded, randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSome adverse events following immunization (AEFI) were observed in potential corelation with COVID-19 vaccination but without prevention or ongoing trial for it. We aimed to investigate efficacy of auricular acupressure (AuriAc) therapy in preventing AEFI after first dosage of the vaccine. MethodsWe performed a multicentre randomized controlled trial with three arms, including AuriAc, SAuriAc (sham auricular acupressure), and TrAsU (treatment as usual) group, carried out in four medical institutions in Chengdu, China, from March 17th to April 23rd, 2021. We enrolled participants based on eligibility criteria and randomized them into three groups: AuriAc (AEFI-specific auricular points applied, n = 52), SAuriAc (n = 51) or TrAsU (n = 44) group. Primary outcomes were percentages of any AEFI and local pain, and secondary outcomes were percentages who reported other AEFI. They were followed at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days, by phone or online, with severity evaluated. Results147 participants (73.47% females) were included with median age as 31 years (25–45, IQR). One day after the injection, participants in AuriAc group reported significant reduction on percentages of any AEFI [intention-to-treat, difference of percentage (DP) = −20.13, 95%CI: − 0.39, − 0.02, p = 0.01; per-protocol, DP = −22.21, 95%CI: − 0.40, − 0.03, P = 0.02] and local pain (per-protocol, DP = −18.40, 95%CI: −0.36, −0.01, P = 0.04), compared with TrAsU group. The effects were slight at other follow-up days and for other outcomes, and with a low percentage of mild local allergic reactions. ConclusionsWe firstly explored potential of AuriAc for preventing AEFI related to COVID-19 vaccine injection, which is beneficial for the vaccine recipients, but evidence is limited. Trial registrationchictr.org.cn no. ChiCTR2100043210 (http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=121519)

Effect of Auricular Acupressure on Acute Pain in Nursing Home Residents with Mild Dementia: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Study.

Introduction Acute pain is a prevalent problem for dementia residents in nursing homes. A variety of intervention strategies have been applied to address this problem. However, there remains an issue of inadequate pain control. This study aims to explore the analgesic efficacy of auricular acupressure (AA) for dementia residents with acute pain in nursing homes. Methods A multicenter, single-blind, randomized, and sham-controlled clinical trial was performed in three nursing homes in Yinchuan, China. All of the 206 eligible patients with acute pain were randomly divided into two groups for real AA therapy or sham AA (at sham point stimulation) therapy. The primary outcome was measured with a face pain scale revised (FPS-R) score before the procedure, 5 min after the start of the intervention, and 5 min after finishing the procedure. Secondary outcomes covered three physiological parameters, adverse reactions observed, satisfaction level of caregivers, acceptance of patients, and additional use of analgesics. Results There was a significant difference in pain scores based on FPS-R between the two groups (p < 0.01). Pain score in the true AA group was 1.84 ± 0.23, compared with 2.22 ± 0.81 in the sham AA group. No adverse events were found during the whole procedure for all patients. The satisfaction level of caregivers and acceptance of patients in the real AA group were significantly higher than those in the sham AA group. Conclusion This study shows that real AA was an alternative analgesic modality in reducing acute pain in patients with mild dementia.

Effects of Non-Pharmacological Interventions to Improve the Sleep of Korean Elderly: A Systematic Review

Purpose: This systematic review investigated the effects of non-pharmacological interventions to improve the sleep of the Korean elderly at home and in facilities.Methods: A literature search was performed using electronic databases (RISS, KISS, KMbase, KoreaMed, DBpia) from 2010 to 2021. Participants’ characteristics, intervention characteristics, and measured sleep outcomes were systematically reviewed. A qualitative appraisal of studies was performed using the RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools.Results: Of 954 publications identified, 23 met the inclusion criteria. Two studies were randomized controlled trials and 21 studies were quasi-experimental designs with a non-equivalent control group. The contents of 23 intervention studies that aimed to improve sleep included massage, auricular acupressure therapy, laughter therapy, heat therapy, exercise, and aromatherapy. The Korean Sleep Scale A was the most frequently used sleep instrument, in 18 studies. Most interventions were effective in improving sleep, but some inconsistent results were reported.Conclusion: Non-pharmacological interventions for the improvement of sleep in the elderly are useful as therapeutic interventions as part of nursing care, because they are simple and easy to apply. However, to draw clear conclusions about the effect of interventions, it will be necessary to gather results from intervention studies using rigorous methodologies in the future.

Auricular acupressure for adverse events following immunization related to COVID-19 vaccine injection: study protocol for a multicenter, three-arm, blinded randomized controlled trial

BackgroundSome pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal adverse events were observed in potential association with injection of COVID-19 vaccines, while there was no preventive intervention for it. We aim to investigate the efficacy of auricular acupressure (AA) therapy in preventing and relieving AEFI after injection of COVID-19 vaccine.MethodsThe study design is a randomized, multicentre, three-arm controlled, single-blind trial. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria will be advertised and enrolled and assigned in the medical institutions randomly for post-injection observation. No less than 360 participants will be randomized into one of three groups: auricular acupressure group, sham auricular acupressure group, and wait-list group. Interventions will be performed immediately and will happen 4 to 5 times per day for 5 days. The primary clinical outcomes will be quality and quantity evaluation among participants who reported any AEFI and who reported local pain at injection site. Secondary outcomes will concern headache, muscle and (or) joint pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and other potential events. All the outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after the injection. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be performed, with significance level determined as 5%.DiscussionResults of this trial will help to clarify the value of auricular acupressure therapy in preventing and relieving overall and certain adverse events following immunization after injection of COVID-19 vaccine.Trial registrationChina Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) (ChiCTR2100043210). Registered on 8 February, 2021.

Auricular Acupressure Therapy for Patients with Cancer with Sleep Disturbance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Aim We aim to provide available synthesized evidence of the efficacy and safety of auricular acupressure for cancer patients with sleep disturbance. Methods Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were identified from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Chinese Biomedical Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chongqing VIP, and Wanfang Data, and the search date ranged from the inception of the databases to May 2021. Literature screening and data extraction were independently performed by three researchers. The Cochrane collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias was applied to evaluate the risk of bias of the RCTs included. The extracted data were analyzed using Rev-Man 5.4.1 software. Results Nine trials involving 688 participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative analysis; 6 trials involving 485 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Synthesized results showed that auricular acupressure had a significant effect on reducing the total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score (MD = −3.88, 95% CI (−5.24, −2.53), P < 0.00001), and the scores of five PSQI components, sleep latency (MD = −0.53, 95% CI (−0.73, −0.32), P < 0.00001), subjective sleep quality (MD = −0.79, 95% CI (−1.05, −0.53), P < 0.00001), sleep duration (MD = −0.50, 95% CI (−0.69, −0.31), P < 0.0001), daytime dysfunction (MD = −0.53, 95% CI (−0.77, −0.29), P < 0.0001), and sleep disturbances (MD = −0.54, 95% CI (−0.60, −0.49), P < 0.00001), were also obviously decreased after the intervention of auricular acupressure. Shenmen and heart were the most commonly selected auricular acupoints, the main intervention durations ranged from 10 to 42 days, and the pressing times of auricular acupoints were 1–6 times a day, 1–5 min each time. One trial reported slight and transient pain caused by auricular acupressure, while the remaining 8 trials did not report obvious side effects. Conclusion Auricular acupressure can significantly improve the sleep quality of cancer patients with sleep disturbance, with no obvious side effects. Rigorously designed clinical trials are necessary for the further support of the clinical application.

Factors Influencing Compliance with Auricular Acupressure Therapy in Patients with Cancer-Related Fatigue.

BackgroundPatient compliance can influence the effect of auricular acupressure used to manage cancer-related fatigue (CRF).ObjectiveTo explore the barriers and facilitators affecting patients’ compliance with treatment.MethodsThe maximum difference sampling method was used to conduct qualitative interviews with 11 CRF patients undergoing auricular acupressure therapy. The interview data were analyzed by Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis.ResultsConvenience and acceptability of the therapy, preliminary effects of its implementation, fully believing in the benefits of auricular acupressure and being habituated to the therapy, help and reminder from family members are the facilitating factors to improve patient compliance with auricular acupressure therapy, while the hindering factors include having doubts about the effect of acupressure resulting in interruption, having limited access to medical resources, deterioration of the condition resulting in self-abandonment, and weak family support.ConclusionIn clinical nursing practice, attention should be paid to the analysis of the facilitating and hindering factors during the implementation of auricular acupressure therapy as well as the development of targeted intervention measures to improve patient compliance so as to enhance the effectiveness of auricular acupressure.

The Effects of Auricular Acupressure Therapy on Sleep Disorder and Fatigue in Menopausal Women

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of auricular acupressure therapy on sleep disorder and fatigue in menopausal women. Methods: The study design was a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The participants were 40~60 years old women, assigned to the experimental group (n=25) or the control group (n=27). Auricular acupressure using vaccaria seeds was administered to the experimental group. The sessions continued for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included Pittsburgh sleep quality index, sleep meter, sleep diary, fatigue assessment instrument, serum cortisol, and serum serotonin. Results: Menopausal women in the experimental group showed significant increases in deep sleep, light sleep, serotonin level and sleep duration compared with the control group. Also, the experimental group reported decreases in PSQI, sleep latency, awakening time, fatigue and cortisol level compared with the control group. Conclusion: Results show that auricular acupressure using vaccaria seeds is considered as an effective treatment for sleep disorder and fatigue in menopausal women. We conclude that it can be used as a nursing intervention method proven to reduce sleep disorder and fatigue in menopausal women.

A systematic review of the effects of auricular acupressure therapy on relieving acute and chronic nonmalignant pain and its operating methods

Objective To evaluate the effect and implementation of auricular acupressure therapy (AAT) in the treatment of acute and chronic non-cancerous pain. Methods Computer search China Knowledge Network, China Biomedical Literature Disc (CBM), Wanfang Database, Weip Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database, PubMed, Web of Science, EMbase, Ebsco, Cochrane databases, a randomized controlled trial of AAT in the treatment of acute and chronic non-cancerous pain was included. The main outcome of AAT treatment for pain was pain intensity and analgesic drug use. Results Of the 29 studies included, 93.1% (27/29) indicated that AAT was effective in relieving pain and/or reducing the amount of analgesic drugs; 15 and 12 of them were for acute and chronic non-cancerous pain, respectively. In the positive study with specific information description, 100% (27/27) selected the acupoints of the nervous system, 70.4% (19/27) chose the acupoints corresponding to the pain site, and 92.6% (25/27) used the seeds of the king to retain the seeds. Bean material, 81.0% (17/21) was self-administered by adult patients after successful mission; 12/13 of acute pain studies in AAT lasted for 7 days, 8/11 of chronic non-cancer Sexual pain treatment ranged from 14-28 days; 12/25 of the study was pressed 3-4 times/d, and 36.0% (9/25) of the study lasted 2-5 minutes per test; 16/17 The study used Deqi as the appropriate standard for pressing. Conclusion The included studies have shown that AAT can effectively alleviate 88.2% (15/17) of acute pain and 100% (12/12) of chronic non-cancerous pain. AAT can be performed with auricular acupoints and pain points corresponding to auricular points. The seed is not kept as a pressed bean material, and the adult patient himself is pressed to take the patient′s getting gas. The duration of AAT is related to the type of pain. Although there is no uniform data on the number of auricular compressions/d and the length of each compression, there is a certain tendency. Key words: Auricular acupressure therapy; Acute pain; Chronic nonmalignant pain; Systematic review

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

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

Beneficial effects of auricular acupressure on preventing constipation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: evidence from systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective To evaluate the available evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of auricular acupressure (AA) therapy for preventing constipation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods The following databases were searched from their inception until August 2017: Ovid Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Allied and Alternative Medieine (AMED). We also searched four Chinese databases: Chinese BioMedical Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WANFANG Data, and Chinese VIP Database. Only the RCTs related to the effects of AA therapy on preventing constipation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were included in this study. Quantitative syntheses of data from RCTs were conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. Study selection, data extraction, and validation were performed independently by two authors. Cochrane criteria for risk of bias were used to assess the methodological quality of the trials. Results Four RCTs met the inclusion criteria, and most were of low methodological quality. Study participants in the AA plus routine care group showed significantly greater improvements in the response rate (risk ratio [RR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.14,1.42], P &lt; 0.01) with low heterogeneity χ2 = 2.31, P = 0.31, l2 = 14%). In addition, when compared with routine care alone, one RCT suggested favorable statistically significant effects of AA plus routine care on Constipation Assessment Scale (CAS; mean difference [MD] = -5.07,95% CI [-6.86, -3.28], P &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, when compared with routine care alone, one RCT suggested positive statistically significant effects of AA plus routine care on Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life (PAC-QOL; MD = -1.26,95% CI [-1.59, -0.93], P &lt; 0.01). Conclusions Overall, as a potential safety therapy, only weak evidence can support the hypothesis that AA can effectively prevent constipation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Auricular acupressure for insomnia in hemodialysis patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPatients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) frequently complain of insomnia. Poor sleep quality impairs their quality of life and adversely affects long-term outcome. Previously we applied auricular acupressure therapy (AAT) for MHD patients with insomnia and yielded favorable results. AAT probably improves sleep quality by stimulating the vagus nerve and inhibiting sympathetic overactivity. However, the efficacy of AAT for insomnia in this population is still lacking. The proposed randomized controlled trial (RCT) will evaluate the efficacy and safety of AAT for improvement of sleep quality in MHD patients with insomnia.Methods/designThe proposed study is a multi-center, double-blind (participants and assessors), parallel-group RCT. A total of 112 participants with insomnia will be recruited from six hemodialysis centers in Guangzhou, China, and randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive auricular acupressure on either active points (AA group) or control points (points irrelevant to insomnia management, SAA group). The treatment will last for 8 weeks prior to a follow-up period of 12 weeks. Evaluation by blinded assessors at baseline, at 8 weeks (end of treatment) as well as at 4-week, 8-week and 12-week follow-ups (after intervention) will include Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores and average weekly dose of hypnotics. The primary endpoint is clinical response rate (percentage of participants who reach a reduction of PSQI global score ≥ 3 in each group) at 8 weeks from baseline. Secondary endpoints include the changes in PSQI scores over time from baseline, as well as the changes in weekly dose of hypnotics.DiscussionThis paper describes the rationale and design of a double-blind RCT that aims to determine the efficacy and safety of AAT for insomnia of hemodialysis patients. If successful, this project will provide evidence of the efficacy and safety of AAT for insomnia of hemodialysis patients.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT03015766. Registered on 22 December 2016.

Effects of Auricular Acupressure Therapy on Musculoskeletal Pain, Depression and Sleep of the Elderly in Long-term Care Facilities

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine and evaluate the effects of auricular acupressure on musculoskeletal pain, depression and sleep of the elderly who are institutionalized in long-term care facilities. Methods: The research was conducted in a non-equivalent control group and non-synchronized design with data collected from October to December, 2016. The subjects were from long-term care facilities for the elderly in D city and divided into an experimental group (24 subjects) and a control group (25 subjects). Results: After the intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvement in degree of musculoskeletal pain on time (x2=23.89, p<.001) and degree of depression on time and group (x2=37.42, p<.001, U=122.0, p<001) and degree of sleep on time (x2=33.62, p<.001). Thus, the suggested hypothesis is partially supported. Conclusion: Auricular acupressure therapy is expected to be a practical and efficient nursing intervention for the elderly institutionalized in long-term care facilities.

Effects of Auricular Acupressure Therapy on Stress and Sleep Disturbance of Middle-Aged Women in South Korea.

This study sought to examine the effect of auricular acupressure therapy on the stress and sleep status of middle-aged women in South Korea. A quasi-experimental pretest/posttest control group design was employed. The study sample consisted of 67 middle-aged women (experimental: 35 samples; control: 32 samples) in Seoul, South Korea. Auricular acupressure therapy including the auricular acupressure needle on the skin paper tape was applied on an ear for 2 weeks, 2 times per week. The acupoints were Gyogam, Sinmun, Bushin, Naebunbi, and Pijilha. For the placebo control group, only the skin paper tape without the auricular acupressure needle was applied on the same acupoints. Measures were a stress scale, cortisol level in blood, and a sleep status scale. The findings showed that there were significant differences on stress (physical: t = 2.170, P < .033; psychological: t = 2.117, P < .037), cortisol level in blood (t = 2.277, P < .025), and sleep status (t = -3.127, P < .004). Health care providers should consider providing auricular acupressure therapy as an alternative method for reducing physical and psychological stress, cortisol level in blood, and sleep disturbance of middle-aged women in South Korea.

Auricular Acupressure Helps Alleviate Xerostomia in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Pilot Study.

Xerostomia is one of the most common complaints in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. This problem contributes to excess fluid intake and results in poor survival outcome. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory and literature studies, the authors have been practicing auricular acupressure therapy (AAT) to help patients with xerostomia. This pilot study was conducted to demonstrate the potential of AAT for xerostomia in MHD patients. Eligible subjects who agreed to participate in this study were recruited and provided with AAT for 4 weeks. The Summated Xerostomia Inventory (SXI), as well as measurement of inter-dialytic weight gain (IDWG), daily inter-dialytic weight gain (daily IDWG), percentage of inter-dialytic weight gain (IDWG%), blood pressure, and biochemical parameters, were completed at baseline and after a 4-week intervention. A total of 26 eligible participants were recruited. Of them, 10 men and 16 women (Mage = 52.92 ± 11.80 years; dialysis vintage 81.86 ± 46.05 months) completed the study. After the 4-week AAT intervention, the SXI scores were significantly decreased compared with baseline (from 10.08 ± 2.26 to 9.04 ± 2.14; p < 0.05). However, the IDWG, daily IDWG, IDWG%, blood pressure, and biochemical parameters did not change significantly after the intervention. This study provides preliminary evidence that AAT may be effective in reducing xerostomia intensity for MHD patients.

Effects of Auricular Acupressure Therapy on Primary Dysmenorrhea for Female High School Students in South Korea.

To examine the effect of auricular acupressure therapy on primary dysmenorrhea among female high school students in South Korea. A randomized controlled trial was employed. The study sample consisted of 91 female high school students, with 45 participants in the experimental group and 46 in the control group in two regions of South Korea. The average age of the participants was 16.7 years, and the average age of menarche was 12.2 years. Auricular acupressure therapy including an auricular acupressure needle on skin paper tape was applied on an ear for 3 days during periods of extreme primary dysmenorrhea. The acupoint names were Jagung, Sinmun, Gyogam, and Naebunbi. For the placebo control group, only the skin paper tape without an auricular acupressure needle was applied on the same acupoints. Measures used were the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire to assess primary dysmenorrhea, and the visual analog scale to assess abdominal and back pain of participants. There were significant differences on abdominal pain (t = 24.594, p < .001), back pain (t = 22.661, p < .001), and primary dysmenorrhea (t = 32.187, p < .001) between the two groups. Auricular acupressure therapy decreased abdominal pain, back pain, and primary dysmenorrhea of female high school students in South Korea. Auricular acupressure therapy was an effective intervention for alleviating abdominal pain, back pain, and primary dysmenorrhea of female high school students in South Korea. For feasibility of the auricular acupressure therapy in practice, it is needed to train and learn the exact positions of acupoints in ear. Health providers should consider providing auricular acupressure therapy as an alternative method for reducing abdominal and back pain, and primary dysmenorrhea in female high school students in South Korea.