Auricular Point Research Articles

Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Hip Flexibility and Pain in Taekwondo Participants: Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundIn sports, hip flexibility is essential to reduce injuries and improve performance. AimThis study aimed to examine the effects of auricular acupressure on hip flexibility and pain in Taekwondo participants. MethodThis randomized controlled trial was performed in the Republic of Korea from January 2021 to August 2021. The Numeric Rating Scale for Pain and Hip Flexibility was used. Twenty-one participants received auricular pressure once weekly for six weeks, while 17 participants did not receive any intervention. Auricular acupressure was applied to the hip (AH13), Shinmun, and auricular acupressure points associated with the pain areas reported by the participants. ResultsAuricular acupressure improved hip flexibility (t = 2.67, p = .011) and back pain (t = 2.11, p = .043). The mean difference in post-pretest hip flexibility in the experimental group was 16.24 degrees (±13.63), whereas that in the control group was 4.77 degrees (±15.07). The mean difference in the experimental group's pre-post-test scores of back pain was 1.24 (±2.64), whereas that in the control group was 0.18 (±1.41). ConclusionsThe results of this study showed that auricular acupressure could be used to treat pain and improve hip flexibility.

Clinical study of auricular point pressing bean combined with tropisetron in the treatment of chemotherapy-related gastrointestinal reactions.

Clinical study of auricular point pressing bean combined with tropisetron in the treatment of chemotherapy-related gastrointestinal reactions.

Auriculotherapy Modulates Macrophage Polarization to Reduce Inflammatory Response in a Rat Model of Acne.

The inflammatory response is an important part of the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Auriculotherapy has been shown to have a good therapeutic effect on this disease. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effect of auriculotherapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Propionibacterium acnes was injected subcutaneously into the ears of rats to establish an animal model of acne. The auriculotherapy intervention in rats consisted of auricular bloodletting therapy (ABT), auricular point sticking (APS), or a combination of both (ABPS). The anti-inflammatory effects of auriculotherapy were evaluated by measuring changes in ear thickness, local body surface microcirculation in the ear, and serum inflammatory factors in rats. The polarization of macrophages was analyzed by flow cytometry, and the expression of TLR2/NF-κB signaling pathway in the target tissues was analyzed using western blot. ABT, APS, and ABPS all reduced the erythema of ear acne, decreased microcirculation in localized ear acne, and decreased serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in rats. Meanwhile, the three interventions reduced M1-type macrophages and increased M2-type macrophages; only APS could reduce the expression of TLR2/NF-κB signaling pathway. ABT, APS, and ABPS can improve the inflammatory symptoms of acne and reduce inflammatory cytokines. APS may exert anti-inflammatory effects by altering macrophage polarization and decreasing TLR2/NF-κB expression.

Comparative analysis of efficacy of different combination therapies of α-receptor blockers and traditional Chinese medicine external therapy in the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Bayesian network meta-analysis.

Combination therapy of α-receptor blockers (α-RBs) and traditional Chinese medicine external therapy can serve as a treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). α-RBs includes tamsulosin, terazosin and so on and the traditional Chinese medicine external therapy includes needling, moxibustion, acupoint catgut embedding, acupoint application, auricular point sticking and hot medicated compress and so forth. Currently, there is no study in which Bayesian network meta-analysis is applied to making a comparative analysis of efficacy of different combination therapies of α-RBs and traditional Chinese medicine external therapy in the treatment of CP/CPPS. Therefore, based on Bayesian algorithm, a network meta-analysis was conducted by us to make a comparison between different combination therapies of α-RBs and traditional Chinese medicine external therapy. A document retrieval was conducted in the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data Dissertations of China database, VIP China Science and Technology Journal Database, SinoMed. Literatures were searched for published in biomedical journals concerning clinical study on α-RBs combined with various traditional Chinese medicine external therapies in the treatment of CP/CPPS from inception of database to July 2022. Newest version risks of bias assessment tool (RoB2) was used to assess the risks of bias of studies included in this analysis. Stata 16.0 software and R4.1.3 software were used to make a Bayesian network meta-analysis and charts. 19 literatures were included involving 1739 patients concerning 12 interventions which were used in the treatment of CP/CPPS. With respect to the total effective rate, α-RBs+ needling was most likely to be the optimal treatment. Concerning National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) total score, α-RBs+ moxibustion+ auricular point sticking was most likely to be optimal treatment, the therapy ranking second was α-RBs+ needling, and the therapy ranking third was α-RBs+ moxibustion. Pain score, voiding score and quality-of-life score are subdomains of the NIH-CPSI total score. With regard to pain score, α-RBs+ moxibustion was most likely to be optimal treatment. In reference to voiding and quality-of-life score, there was no statistically significant difference between the efficacy of various interventions. α-RBs+ needling, α-RBs+ moxibustion and α-RBs+ moxibustion+ auricular point sticking provided relatively good efficacy in the treatment of CP/CPPS. In these treatments, attention should be paid on α-RBs+ needling and α-RBs+ moxibustion which ranked higher many times in the evaluation of various outcome indicators. However, there still were certain limitations in this study, so large-sample clinical randomized control trials with a rigor design following the evidence-based medicine standards need to be conducted to justify the results of this study. [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier: [CRD42022341824].

Bloodletting at auricular dorsal vein combined with auricular point sticking for menstrual migraine of qi stagnation and blood stasis and its effect on serum levels of E2 and 5-HT

To observe the clinical effect of bloodletting at auricular dorsal vein combined with auricular point sticking on menstrual migraine (MM) of qi stagnation and blood stasis, and explore its possible mechanism. A total of 102 cases of MM with qi stagnation and blood stasis were randomly divided into an observation group (51 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (51 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients in the observation group were treated with bloodletting at auricular dorsal vein combined with auricular point sticking. The bloodletting was performed at vein at upper 1/3 of the dorsalis near the ear helix; the auricular point sticking was performed at Pizhixia (AT4), Neifenmi (CO18), Jiaogan (AH6a), Nie (AT2), Zhen (AT3), Shenmen (TF4) and Yidan (CO11). The auricular points of both ears were alternate used. From 7 days before the onset of menstruation, bloodletting at auricular dorsal vein was given once every 7 days, 3 times were taken as a course of treatment, and 1 course of treatment was given; the auricular point sticking was given once every 3 days, and 6 times of treatment were given. The patients in the control group were treated with oral administration of flunarizine hydrochloride capsules. From 7 days before the onset of menstruation, flunarizine hydrochloride was given 2 capsules per time, once a day for 3 weeks. The menstrual headache index and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of the two groups were observed before treatment, one menstrual cycle into treatment and the first and the second menstrual cycle after treatment; the migraine-specific quality of life questionnaire (MSQ) score and the serum levels of estradiol (E2) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were compared before treatment and one menstrual cycle into treatment; the clinical efficacy was evaluated at one menstrual cycle into treatment. Compared before treatment, the menstrual headache index and VAS scores were reduced at one menstrual cycle into treatment and the first and second menstrual cycle after treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the MSQ scores and the serum levels of E2 and 5-HT in the two groups were increased at one menstrual cycle into treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 95.8% (46/48) in the observation group, which was higher than 73.5% (36/49) in the control group (P<0.05). Bloodletting at auricular dorsal vein combined with auricular point sticking could relieve headache intensity, improve the quality of life in patients with MM of qi stagnation and blood stasis, which may be achieved by raising the serum levels of E2 and 5-HT to improve the level of hormone in the body.

Professor ZHUANG Li-xing's experience of mind-regulation acupuncture for psychosomatic disorders

Professor ZHUANG Li-xing's diagnosis and treatment method and manipulation key points of mind-regulation acupuncture for psychosomatic disorders are summarized. Professor ZHUANG proposes that psychosomatic disorders can be subdivided into "mind-body disorder" and "body-mind disorder". The former requires treatment aimed at regulating the mind. The main acupoints are Sishenzhen, Shenting (GV 24), Yintang (GV 24+), Shenmen (HT 7) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The additional acupoints are Suliao (GV 25), Shuigou (GV 26), Shenmai (BL 62), Zhaohai (KI 6), Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3), etc. The latter requires treatment aimed at improving the original diseases, supplemented by regulating the mind (row acupuncture on the governor vessel). Acupoint selection is based on the theories of brain-mind, and the emphasis is placed on the governor vessel; in the meanwhile, regulating zangfu and qi-blood should be valued. After the arrival of qi, the Daoqi Tongjing method (the specific technique for directing qi and preserving essence) is applied, combined with auricular point sticking and fire needling at affected part to enhance the curative effect.

Treatment of chronic urticaria with acupuncture and moxibustion by "mind-body regulation" based on "psychosomatic medicine"

The treatment idea for chronic urticaria with acupuncture and moxibustion by "mind-body regulation" is explored in reference with "psychosomatic medicine". Chronic urticaria refers to "mind and body comorbidity" because qi and blood dysfunction and emotional abnormality are presented simultaneously in the disease and affected each other. In clinical diagnosis and treatment, the mutual regulation of mind and body should be considered to improve the curative effect. In treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion, through regulating the mind of brain, heart and zang organs, as well as qi movement, the mental activity is adjusted; through harmonizing the defensive qi and the nutrient blood, eliminating wind and stopping itching, the unhealthy conditions of body are treated. The comprehensive therapy of acupuncture is adopted in combination with moxibustion, bloodletting and auricular point therapy, in which, "regulating the mind" goes through the whole process of treatment, and the doctors and patients are well cooperated to ensure the qi-blood harmonization and the mind-body wellness.

The Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture on Suicidal Behavior: A Systematic Review.

In situations where death by suicide is a major global issue and effective prevention and management approaches are lacking, acupuncture improves some risk factors for suicide, including depression, and it has been used for a long time in clinical settings. Herein, we aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of suicidal behaviors. Fourteen electronic databases were searched for studies published up to 7 September 2022. Original interventional studies of acupuncture in suicide prevention were included. The primary outcome was the validated measure of suicidal ideation. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using an appropriate assessment tool. Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, only qualitative analyses were conducted. Eight studies on manual acupuncture (50%), electro-acupuncture (37.5%), and acupressure (12.5%) were included. In particular, three studies (37.5%) used the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol to stimulate the bilateral sympathetic, Shenmen, kidney, liver, and lung auricular points. Acupuncture was effective in direct and indirect outcomes related to suicidal behavior, not only for participants with suicidal behavior, but also for those with other conditions, including depression. A decrease in salivary cortisol was the only biological indicator of acupuncture in patients with suicidal ideation. However, the methodological quality of the included studies was not optimal. In conclusion, acupuncture may reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in clinical and non-clinical populations. Owing to clinical heterogeneity, low methodological quality, and the small number of included studies, further high-quality studies should assess the effectiveness of acupuncture.

Exploratory study of acupuncture therapy using liver-soothing and mind-regulating method and well-timed auricular acupressure for patients with subthreshold depression: 疏肝调神针法结合择时耳穴压豆治疗阈下抑郁

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical therapeutic effect on subthreshold depression of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency treated with acupuncture therapy for soothing the liver and regulating the mind combined with the well-timed auricular acupressure. MethodsA total of 34 patients were treated with acupuncture therapy for soothing the liver and regulating the mind combined with well-timed auricular acupressure. In acupuncture therapy for soothing the liver and regulating the mind, main acupoints included Baihui (BL20), Neiguan (PC6) and Taichong (LR3), and supplementary acupoints included Sishencong (EX-HN1), Shenting (GV24), Benshen (GB13), Zusanli (ST36), Ganshu (BL18) and Pishu (BL20). Acupuncture was given three times a week as one course and 4 courses of treatment were required. In well-timed auricular acupressure, auricular points included Xin (CO15), Pizhixia (AT4), Shenmen (TF4), Gan (CO12) and Pi( CO13). Acupressure with herbal seeds at those auricular points was applied at three time divisions, i.e. 9: 00 to 11:00, 11:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:00 successively. The auricular acupressure with herbal seeds was given once every 3 days, the treatment for 1 week was 1 course and 4 courses were required. At the end of treatment and in 3 months of follow-up, the score of Hamilton depression scale-24 (HAMD-24), syndrome score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the score of Center for epidemiologic studies depression scale (CES-D) and the score of Short-form 36 item health survey (SF-36) were adopted to evaluate clinical therapeutic effect. ResultsAfter treatment and in three months of follow-up, HAMD-24 score, TCM syndrome score and CES-D score were all reduced as compared with the scores before treatment (all P < 0.05) and SF-36 score was higher than the score before treatment, respectively (both P < 0.05). In comparison of the scores after treatment with those in 3 months of follow-up, differences were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). Of 34 patients with subthreshold depression, 8 cases were cured, 15 cases effective remarkably, 9 cases improved and 2 cases no effect. The total effective rate was 94.12%. ConclusionThe combined treatment of acupuncture therapy for soothing the liver and regulating the mind with the well-timed auricular acupressure can be benefit for relieving the symptoms and improves the quality of life in the patients with subthreshold depression of liver stagnation and spleen deficiency.

Effects of different frequencies of pricking-bloodletting at auricular points plus auricular point sticking therapy on the serum levels of related factors in patients with acne vulgaris

Effects of different frequencies of pricking-bloodletting at auricular points plus auricular point sticking therapy on the serum levels of related factors in patients with acne vulgaris

Non Narcotic Pain Relief in Postcaesarean Women by Percutaneous Stimulation of Auricular Pressure Points: A Randomised Controlled Study

Introduction: Caesarean sections are the most common surgeries performed globally now-a-days. The postoperative period is associated with immense pain which if not mitigated can be detrimental to both mother and baby. An inadequate analgesia can lead to postpartum depression, and can also affect mother-baby bonding, breastfeeding including delay in ambulation. Aim: To assess the efficacy of non narcotic pain relief and to study the additional need of rescue analgesics. Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled study was carried out at the Institute of Social Obstetrics and Government Kasturba Gandhi Hospital after registering with Clinical Trials Registry-India CTRI/2022/04/041633. A total of 60 antenatal women undergoing caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 each. Group P received stimulation of auricular pressure points with a stimulation device at the end of caesarean procedure and Group C was a control group. The cases were monitored for 48 hours, and the following parameters were recorded: spinal regression time, pain score Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), rescue analgesic need including time and total dosage, sedation scores using the modified Ramsay sedation scale and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Data analysis was done using International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23.0. Data was expressed as mean±Standard Deviation (SD). Quantitative analysis was done using Pearson’s Chi-square test and Independent t-test. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: Group P had VAS scores 2.53±0.64 and Group C had VAS scores 4.97±0.47 with highly significant p-value of &lt;0.001. Only 2 (7%) of patients in Group P needed rescue analgesic whereas all patients of Group C required rescue analgesic with highly significant p-value of 0.001. Postoperative nausea vomiting was noted in only 1 (3%) patient of Group P as opposed to 12 patients (40%) in Group C with highly significant p-value &lt;0.001. Group P showed maximum sedation score of two as compared to three in Group C as assessed by Modified Ramsay Sedation scale with statistically significant p-value of 0.01. Conclusion: The percutaneous stimulation of auricular pressure points is efficacious in providing good analgesia with early ambulation, breastfeeding, and no adverse effects.

Quantifying Vagal Upload Time to measure recovery from COVID

At Roseville Wellness Group, a Sydney holistic health care centre, 23 post-Covid patients who presented with persistent post infective symptomatology were identified. They all received primary treatment with auricular management using an Evo Premio Laser and secondary support treatment with body acupuncture dependent on the findings at the auricle at that time point. The vascular autonomic signal which is a physiological phenomenon locating dysfunction and distress for the brain and body was used at the auricle to locate vagal dysfunction and subsequent correction. Baseline Vagal Upload Times were measured in 23 post-COVID patients to assess the functional status of their Liver, Lungs, Kidneys and Spleen. Access was via the auricular branch of the vagus located at the concha. The patients were treated weekly and their Vagal Upload Times recorded. Recovery from COVID was associated with a reduction in upload time which decreased over the occasions of measurement for all participants and significant decreases were recorded from the start of treatment to the final session. Patients described improved ability to function, clearing of their brain fog, reduction in their chronic cough and also resolution of their vertigo or balance issues when the upload time reduced to less than 20 seconds per auricular point.

Can Wearing Earrings Cause Headaches?

Introduction: Normally Western medicine studies the cause of headaches as a local manifestation and usually asks only for radiological exams to see if the cause of headaches is inside the cranial region. The aim of this study is to show that the cause of headaches can be outside the head, and it is one of the differential diagnoses that the doctor should be aware of in order to treat the patient appropriately and not only treat the symptom with anti-inflammatory drugs. Methods: Three case reports revealed headache manifestations primarily in the peri-ocular region on both sides. They all were wearing earrings in the area of the eye at the auricular point according to auricular medicine. I asked everyone to take out their earrings from the ears, and the headache manifestations ceased in 5 min. This study concludes that the cause of headaches can be outside the head of patients and that headaches could be caused by the use of earrings, mainly when they are in the region corresponding to the eye point, and that only taking out the earrings could stop the headache pain in 5 min without needing to use any kind of medication.

Can Wearing Earrings Cause Headaches?

Introduction: Normally Western medicine studies the cause of headaches as a local manifestation and usually asks only for radiological exams to see if the cause of headaches is inside the cranial region. The aim of this study is to show that the cause of headaches can be outside the head, and it is one of the differential diagnoses that the doctor should be aware of in order to treat the patient appropriately and not only treat the symptom with anti-inflammatory drugs. Methods: Three case reports revealed headache manifestations primarily in the peri-ocular region on both sides. They all were wearing earrings in the area of the eye at the auricular point according to auricular medicine. I asked everyone to take out their earrings from the ears, and the headache manifestations ceased in 5 min. This study concludes that the cause of headaches can be outside the head of patients and that headaches could be caused by the use of earrings, mainly when they are in the region corresponding to the eye point, and that only taking out the earrings could stop the headache pain in 5 min without needing to use any kind of medication.

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/.

Clinical Observation on the Treatment of Postpartum Abdominal Pain of Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis with Muzu Formula Combined with Auricular Point Seed-Pressing

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Muzu formula combined with auricular point seed-pressing in treating postpartum abdominal pain. Methods: 100 patients with postpartum abdominal pain admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected and divided into a control and observation group, with 50 patients in each group according to a random number table. The control group was treated with auricular point seed-pressing, and the observation group was treated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) foot baths combined with auricular point seed-pressing. The pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) scores and clinical efficacy of the two groups were compared. Results: Compared with the control group, the SF-MPQ score of the observation group was significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the effective clinical rate was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, SF-MPQ scores in both groups were significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.01). Conclusion: The treatment of postpartum abdominal pain caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis with Muzu formula combined with auricular point seed-pressing can significantly improve the patient's clinical symptoms, and the curative effect is satisfactory and worthy of further promotion and application in the clinic.

Nurse-Administered Auricular Point Acupressure for Cancer-Related Pain.

The study aimed to (1) examine the feasibility of providing a training course on auricular point acupressure (APA) for clinical oncology nurses to integrate APA into real-world nursing care settings, and (2) examine the effectiveness of APA on cancer-related pain (CRP) under usual inpatient oncology ward conditions. This was a 2-phase feasibility study. Phase 1, an in-person, 8 hour training program was provided to oncology nurses. Phase 2, a prospective and feasibility study was conducted to evaluate the integration of APA into nursing care activities to manage CRP. Oncology patients were included if their pain was rated at ≥4 on a 0 to 10 numeric rating scale in the past 24 hours. Patients received 1 APA treatment administered by the nurses and were instructed to stimulate the points for 3 days. Study outcomes (pain intensity, fatigue, and sleep disturbance), pain medication use, and APA practice were measured by a phone survey daily. Ten oncology nurses received APA training in phase 1. APA had been added to the hospital's electronic health records (EHRs) as a pain treatment. In phase 2, 33 oncology patients received APA treatment with a 100% adherence rate (pressing the seeds 3 times per day, 3 minutes per time based on the suggestion). The side effects of APA were minimal (~8%-12% felt tenderness on the ear). After 3 days of APA, patients reported 38% pain relief, 39% less fatigue, and 45% improvement in sleep disturbance; 24% reduced any type of pain medication use and 19% reduced opioid use (10 mg opioids using milligram morphine equivalent). The major barrier to integrating APA into routine nursing practice was time management (how to include APA in a daily workflow). It is feasible to provide 8-hour training to oncology nurses for mastering APA skill and then integrating APA into their daily nursing care for patients with CRP. Based on the promising findings (decreased pain, improved fatigue and sleep disturbance, and less opioid use), the next step is to conduct a randomized clinical trial with a larger sample to confirm the efficacy of APA for oncology nurses to treat CRP in real-world practice.ClinicalTrial.gov identifier number: NCT04040140.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ ЭЛЕКТРОПУНКТУРНОГО ТЕСТИРОВАНИЯ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ СО СЛЮННОКАМЕННОЙ БОЛЕЗНЬЮ

The aim of the study was to determine the informative value of electropuncture testing in patients with salivary stone disease. Objects and methods. The study was performed at the clinical bases of the Department of Surgical Dentistry of the educational institution "Belarusian State Medical University". Using electropuncture testing, 74 patients aged 2558 years (the main group) with diagnosis of salivary stone disease of the submandibular salivary gland were examined. The control group was represented by 30 practically healthy persons. The data obtained during the survey were subjected to statistical processing using the application software package "Statistica 10.0". At the end of the study, the diagnostic effectiveness of electropuncture testing was determined. Results. Functional deviations of auricular points corresponding to the function of the endocrine glands, kidneys – 46%, and the excretory system – 30% were determined in 41% of patients. In 3% of patients, there were no changes in these systems and organs that can affect the metabolic processes of the body. In addition, 3% of the patient had significant functional abnormalities in organ systems that did not affect metabolic processes. Conclusion. Electropuncture testing has a diagnostic efficiency of 98% in the analysis of organs and systems responsible for and involved in metabolic processes in patients suffering from salivary stone disease and allows at least 49% of observations to reliably (for two or more interested organ systems) identify metabolic disorders in individuals of this category which is an indirect confirmation of one of the links in the pathogenesis of the disease under study.

The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Adults: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) has an enormous adverse impact on quality of life and subsequent therapy of cancer patients. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is reported to improve CRF in many systematic reviews (SRs), but the effects are controversial because of variations in the quality and outcomes. Thirteen databases were searched from inception to September 2022. Only SRs of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. We assessed the quality of included SRs with the AMSTAR-2 tool, the strength of evidence with the GRADE system, the risk of bias with the ROBIS tool, and the integrity of SRs with the PRISMA checklist. We included 30 eligible SRs (27 meta-analyses). Based on the AMSTAR-2 tool, 29 SRs were rated as "critically low" quality, and only one was rated as "low" quality. With the ROBIS tool, 19 SRs demonstrated a low risk of bias. According to the PRISMA checklist, no SRs reported all the items, and 10 SRs sufficiently reported over 70%. Based on the GRADE system, 7 outcomes were assessed as high-quality evidence. This overview demonstrates promising evidence for the effectiveness of CAM interventions in the treatment of CRF in adults. The roles of qigong, music, auricular point therapy, and dietary supplements in CRF need further evaluation. Although findings are mixed, it is recommend to select appropriate CAM to manage cancer-related fatigue under the guidance of physicians. More studies with rigorous methodological designs and sufficient sample sizes are needed.

Biological Correlates of the Effects of Auricular Point Acupressure on Pain

BackgroundTo identify candidate inflammatory biomarkers for the underlying mechanism of auricular point acupressure (APA) on pain relief and examine the correlations among pain intensity, interference, and inflammatory biomarkers. DesignThis is a secondary data analysis. MethodsData on inflammatory biomarkers collected via blood samples and patient self-reported pain intensity and interference from three pilot studies (chronic low back pain, n = 61; arthralgia related to aromatase inhibitors, n = 20; and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, n = 15) were integrated and analyzed. This paper reports the results based on within-subject treatment effects (change in scores from pre- to post-APA intervention) for each study group (chronic low back pain, cancer pain), between-group differences (changes in scores from pre- to post-intervention between targeted-point APA [T-APA] and non-targeted-point APA [NT-APA]), and correlations among pain intensity, interference, and biomarkers. ResultsWithin-group analysis (the change score from pre- to post-APA) revealed statistically significant changes in three biomarkers: TNF-α (cancer pain in the APA group, p = .03), β-endorphin (back pain in the APA group, p = .04), and IL-2 (back pain in the NT-APA group, p = .002). Based on between-group analysis in patients with chronic low back pain (T-APA vs NT-APA), IL-4 had the largest effect size (0.35), followed by TNF-α (0.29). A strong positive monotonic relationship between IL-1β and IL-2 was detected. ConclusionsThe current findings further support the potential role of inflammatory biomarkers in the analgesic effects of APA. More work is needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of APA on chronic pain. Because it is simple, inexpensive, and has no negative side effects, APA can be widely disseminated as an alternative to opioids.