Shenmen Points Research Articles

The Chinese Ear Shenmen Point and the French Cosmonaut Point: Same or Different?

The Shenmen Point is an auricular acupuncture point that is also known in France as the Cosmonaut Point. It is widely utilized therapeutically for its property of reducing stress. In some ways it is a controversial point. Differences of opinion exist regarding the most appropriate name of the point, who discovered it first, its location within the triangular fossa, its best method of detection, its best method of stimulation, its actions, its indications, its contraindications, its therapeutic effects, and even its very existence. Furthermore, given the extent of controversy concerning the Shenmen and Cosmonaut points, one may reasonably question if they represent the same point, or two separate points. The aim of this report will be to review the similarities and differences of opinion regarding the Shenmen and Cosmonaut points, drawing mainly from French, German, Chinese, and American sources. The clinical implications of these comparisons will be summarized.

The effect of ear acupressure on occupational cognitive failure in nurses after the COVID-19 crisis: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundIn the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses reported varying degrees of cognitive failure. To prioritize patient safety in clinical settings, it is important and necessary to address and mitigate the symptoms of cognitive failure among nurses.AimThis study was conducted in Iran to evaluate the impact of ear acupressure on occupational cognitive failure in nurses.MethodsThis randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 54 nurses who experienced cognitive failure in 2022. Sampling was performed by convenience. Fifty-six nurses who scored 40 or higher on the occupational cognitive failure questionnaire were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (28 subjects) or the sham group (28 subjects). In the intervention group, pressure was applied to the shen-men point, zero point, hippocampus, master cerebral, brain, and memory 1 and 2 of the earlobes for six weeks using Vaccaria seeds. In the sham group, a sticker without seeds was applied at the same points as in the intervention group, and no pressure was applied. Cognitive failure was assessed at the beginning of the study (T0), at the end of the intervention (sixth week of study, T1), and four weeks after the end of the intervention (tenth week of study, T2). The data were collected using contextual data questionnaires and the Occupational Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (OCFQ). The data obtained from 54 nurses (28 in the sham group and 26 in the intervention group) were analyzed by SPSS v16 using repeated-measures ANOVA.ResultsThe two groups had no significant differences regarding background variables. The between-group analysis revealed a significant interaction effect of time and intervention on cognitive failure (F = 60.320, p < 0.001, effect size = 0.537). The cognitive failure score in the intervention group was significantly lower at the end of the intervention and one month later than that in the sham group (p < 0.001). Within-group analysis revealed a significant difference in the cognitive failure scores of the intervention group at T0, T1, and T2 (61.231 ± 14.230, 34.000 ± 14.659, and 29.808 ± 14.266, respectively; F = 52.331, p < 0.001, effect size = 0.677). However, in the sham group, the cognitive failure score exhibited a brief but significant increase at T0, T1, and T2 (54.786 ± 11.239, 56.250 ± 10.950, and 56.000 ± 11.337, respectively; F = 6.369, p = 0.006, effect size = 0.191).ConclusionAuriculotherapy has shown promise in improving occupational cognitive failure in nurses. It is recommended that nurses consider incorporating auriculotherapy as a complementary treatment modality, particularly through self-treatment programs, when experiencing symptoms of cognitive impairment.Trial Registration Number (TRN)IRCT20100211003329N10Date of registration04/11/2022

PENGARUH ACUPRESSURE TITIK HT7 SHENMEN TERHADAP LATENSI DAN DURASI TIDUR PASIEN KANKER PASCA TERAPI

Abstract: Disruption of sleep latency and duration of cancer patients occurs due to multifactorial causes, one of which is a side effect of cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of acupressure at the Shenmen HT7 point on sleep latency and duration of post-therapy cancer patients. The design uses a pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design approach. The population is 50 cancer patients at the Pucang Sewu Health Center and the Rangkah Health Center, Surabaya. A sample of 25 respondents was taken by purposive sampling according to the researcher's criteria. The instrument used was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. The results of the pre-test mean latency and sleep duration scores respectively were 1.96 + 0.61 and 1.08 + 0.86, while in the post-test conditions it was 1.12 + 0.72 and 0.56 + 0.71. The results of the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test statistical test found that the p-value on the latency and sleep duration variables was 0.000 and 0.001, respectively, which means that there was a significant effect of giving the HT7 Shenmen point acupressure on the latency and sleep duration of post-therapy cancer patients. HT7 Shenmen stimulates the release of endorphins which cause relaxation, a feeling of calm, comfort, thereby helping to improve sleep latency and duration.

Effects of auricular acupressure on test anxiety in medical students: a randomized parallel-group trial

BackgroundTest anxiety is a prevalent issue among students, including those in the medical field. The present study aims to examine the impact of auricular acupressure on reducing test anxiety specifically among medical students.MethodsIn this single-blind randomized parallel-group trial, a total of 114 medical students from Kermanshah, Iran, were allocated into two groups: intervention and control. Each group consisted of 57 students. The data collection instruments included a demographic information form and the Sarason Anxiety Inventory. In the intervention group, bilateral auricular acupressure was administered on the Shen Men point for a duration of 10 min. On the other hand, the control group received bilateral auricular acupressure on the Sham point, located in the earlobe, as a placebo, also for 10 min.ResultsThe mean test anxiety scores in the Shen Men acupressure group exhibited a significant reduction from 18.4 ± 5.3 before the intervention to 13.3 ± 4.8 after the intervention (P = 0.001). Conversely, in the Sham acupressure group, the mean test anxiety scores showed no significant change, with values of 16.36 ± 6.4 before the intervention and 16.4 ± 6.1 after the intervention (P = 0.963). Prior to the intervention, the majority of participants in both the intervention group (87.7%) and control group (86.0%) exhibited moderate to severe levels of test anxiety. Following acupressure, a significant improvement was observed in the intervention group, with 52.6% of participants experiencing a reduction to mild anxiety levels (P = 0.001); however, no notable change in anxiety levels was observed in the control group. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference in anxiety intensity after the intervention was found between the two groups (P = 0.001).ConclusionShen Men auricular acupressure demonstrates efficacy in reducing test anxiety among medical students. However, to validate its effectiveness, further research using objective measures is warranted.

Auricular Acupressure Effectively Reduces Labor Anxiety in Primigravidae by Increasing β-Endorphin Levels

Highlights: 1. Auricular acupressure at the Shenmen point is effective in reducing anxiety.2. Auricular acupressure is more practical than body acupressure since it does not interfere with expectant mothers' mobilization.3. As a non-pharmacological method, auricular acupressure is cost-effective, efficient, and effective in overcoming maternal anxiety during labor Abstract Anxiety is a common psychological symptom in expectant mothers, particularly among primigravidae during labor. There is a link between excessive anxiety and prolonged labor. One of the options to manage anxiety is the use of non-pharmacological methods. Numerous studies have investigated the effectiveness of auricular acupressure to treat anxiety, but few have examined its effect on anxiety biomarkers. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the effect of auricular acupressure targeting the Shenmen point on the levels of β-endorphins and anxiety among primigravidae during the first stage of labor. This experimental study used a pretest-posttest control group design. The research subjects were primigravidae in the first stage of labor at the independent midwife practice of Yefi Marliandiani in Surabaya, Indonesia. Among 40 primigravidae, 34 individuals met the inclusion criteria and were then equally divided into treatment and control groups using a simple randomization. The treatment group received auricular acupressure at the Shenmen point every 30 minutes for a duration of 5 minutes, while the control group practiced deep breathing relaxation. The anxiety levels were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. The β-endorphin levels were measured by drawing 3 cc of venous blood before (4 cm cervix dilation) and after (9–10 cm cervix dilation) treatment. The obtained data were analyzed using paired- and independent-samples t-tests. A decrease in the mean anxiety level was observed in the treatment group (18.59±7.52) relative to the control group (19.76±7.11), albeit not significant (p=0.64). Simultaneously, the average β-endorphin levels of the treatment group (355.4±224.7) increased compared to the control group (225.1±127.5), with a significant difference observed between the two groups (p=0.04). In conclusion, while both auricular acupressure at the Shenmen point and deep breathing relaxation are effective in reducing anxiety, the former is more prominent in its ability to increase β-endorphin levels.

Mediation of mPFC-LHb pathway in acupuncture inhibition of cocaine psychomotor activity.

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the lateral habenula (LHb) play roles in drug addiction and cognitive functions. Our previous studies have suggested that acupuncture at Shenmen (HT7) points modulates mesolimbic reward system in order to suppress drug-induced addiction behaviours. To explore whether an mPFC-LHb circuit mediates the inhibitory effects of acupuncture on addictive behaviours, we examined the projection from mPFC to LHb, excitation of mPFC neurons during acupuncture stimulation, the effects of optogenetic modulation of mPFC-LHb on HT7 inhibition of cocaine-induced locomotion and the effect of mPFC lesion on HT7 inhibition of nucleus accumbens (NAc) dopamine release. Acupuncture was applied at bilateral HT7 points for 20 s, and locomotor activity was measured in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Although cocaine injection significantly increased locomotor activity, HT7 acupuncture suppressed the cocaine-induced locomotion. The inhibitory effect of HT7 on cocaine-enhanced locomotion was blocked by optogenetic silencing of the mPFC-LHb circuit. In vivo extracellular recordings showed that HT7 acupuncture evoked an increase in the action potentials of mPFC neurons. Optopatch experiment proved glutamatergic projections from mPFC to LHb. HT7 acupuncture suppressed NAc dopamine release following cocaine injection, which was blocked by electrolytic lesion of mPFC. These results suggest the mediation of mPFC-LHb circuit in the inhibitory effects of acupuncture on cocaine psychomotor activity in rats.

Effectiveness of Ear Acupuncture Therapy and Behavioral Therapy in Children with ADHD

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is one of the neurodevelopmental disorder. ADHD characterized by signs and symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive. The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of ear acupuncture therapy and behavioral therapy in children with ADHD. This research used Quasy Experimental Design with pretest and posttest design. This research was conducted in February-April 2023 at SLB Autis Alamanda and SLB Harmony Surakarta. The sample is children with ADHD who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sample was divided into two groups, 15 children each group. Ear acupuncture therapy using earseeds at point zero, shenmen point, and liver point. Behavioral therapy using ABA method (Applied Behavioral Analysis). Data were analyzed using Independent Sample T-test. The result of this test showed that significance value is 0.849 (p &gt; 0.05). The conclusion of this research is ear acupuncture therapy and behavioral therapy were not effective to decrease ADHD behavior in children at SLB Autis Alamanda and SLB Harmony Surakarta.

An investigation of the change in facial pain threshold after auricular acupuncture in healthy volunteers: a pilot study

Auricular Acupuncture (AA) is both a diagnostic method and a treatment used to relieve pain and alleviate addictions. The effects and biological mechanisms of AA on the human body have been increasingly observed in clinical and experimental studies based on the gate control theory and the endogenous opioids theory. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in facial pain thresholds among healthy volunteers after applying AA to acupoints on both auricles. This was a pilot study with a crossover randomized controlled trial design. 66 healthy volunteers with normal hemodynamic indexes were randomly assigned to one of two groups to receive AA treatment at the Shenmen point, Sympathetic point, Adrenal gland point, Jaw point, and Tooth point of either the left or right auricle (phase 1). 7 days later, participants received sham acupuncture at the same points (phase 2). In phase 1, the results showed that AA at these points in either auricle increased the pain threshold of the facial skin statistically significantly (p&lt;0.05). No statistically significant difference was detected in the sham acupuncture phase. This suggests that AA can be used as a non-pharmacological adjunct to facial pain relief.

The effect of low-frequency electroacupuncture on hemodynamic parameters and nausea in cesarean section patients under spinal anesthesia

BackgroundHemodynamic changes and nausea remain common side effects of spinal anesthesia for parturients. It is suggested that electroacupuncture (EA) at master points of pericardial and heart meridians may have inotropic and vasoconstrictive effects. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of low-frequency EA at the Neiguan (PC-6) and Shenmen (HE-7) points on the incidence of hypotension, bradycardia, and nausea in patients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. MethodsIn a double-blind clinical trial, 90 otherwise healthy candidates for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were enrolled. Patients were allocated to receive stimulation with a frequency of 2 Hz for 20 min at PC-6 and HE-7 points (EA group), stimulation at two non-acupoints of the shoulder, and no treatment (control). Serial measurements of blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and the incidence of nausea and vomiting were compared among the three groups. ResultsMore ephedrine was required to maintain arterial blood pressure in the control and non-acupoint groups compared with the acupoint group (53.3, 30.3, and 21%, respectively; p=0.05). The severity of nausea and occurrence of vomiting in the acupuncture group was significantly lower than in the other two groups (p=0.01). ConclusionLow-frequency EA at the PC-6 and HE-7 points reduces the incidence of hypotension and severity of nausea/vomiting in cesarean section patients under spinal anesthesia.

Effect of Electroacupuncture at Wushu Acupoints of the Cardiopulmonary Meridian on the Autophagy in Rats with Acute Myocardial Ischemia.

Wushu acupoints are the five acupoints distributed below the human elbow and knee joint. They are all located on the same meridian and divided into five categories: Jing, Ying, Shu, Jing, and He. It has been shown that electroacupuncture (EA) at Shenmen point of heart meridian can improve acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) early. However, it is still unclear if all the Wushu acupoints of the heart meridian can improve AMI. Hence, this study emphasizes Wushu acupoints of heart meridian, compares them with Wushu acupoints of lung meridian, and studies the therapeutic effect of EA at Wushu acupoints on AMI and its possible mechanism. It also discusses the specificity of the heart meridian to heart disease. The AMI model is established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. The detection methods like the physiological recorder, TTC staining, ELISA, and so forth were used to determine the ECG, myocardial infarct size, serum myocardial enzymes, and myocardial tissue-related protein expression in rats. The heart rate (HR) and ST segment along with creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzymes (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and myocardial infarctions increased after the induction with AMI. Furthermore, the expressions of PINK1 and Parkin protein also showed an increase. However, EA at Wushu acupoints in the heart meridian can reverse the above changes, whereas EA at the lung meridian exhibits limited effect. It is depicted that the heart meridian has a relatively specific relationship with the heart in a diseased state.

The effect of ear acupressure medicine at the “Shen Men” point on the nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

Background: Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders that more than 85% of pregnant women experience. However, controlling and treating this complication is still one of the most important issues in antenatal care. Aim: To investigate the effect of ear acupressure at Shen Men point on relieving nausea, vomiting and retchingduring pregnancy. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 100 pregnant women with a gestational age of less than 16 weeks attending the health clinics ofZabol city during 2019-2020 were studied in two control and intervention groups (n = 50 in each group). The samples in the intervention group weretrained to apply pressure ontheirears’Shen Men point with the thumb for three minutes three times a day (morning, noon, and night), for a duration of one month. At the end of second and fourth weeks, the data were collected using the Rhodes index form and then, were analyzed by SPSS software version 22. Results: According to the results, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gestational age, occupation and education. The difference in the mean scores of nausea, vomiting and retching was not statistically significant between the control and intervention groups before the study. But four weeks after the study, a significant difference was observed in the mean scores of vomiting, nausea and retching between the two groups, so that the mean scores of vomiting, nausea and retching were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group. Conclusion: The ear acupressure medicine at the Shen men point can be used as a non-invasive, safe and inexpensive method to relieve nausea, vomiting and retching during pregnancy. Keywords :Acupressure medicine, Shen Men, Vomiting, Pregnancy, Nausea, Retching, Rhodosis

The effect of ear acupressure medicine at the “Shen Men” point on the nausea and vomiting during pregnancy

Introduction &amp; Objective: Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders that more than 85% of pregnant women experience. However, controlling and treating this complication is still one of the most important issues in antenatal care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ear acupressure at Shen Men point on relieving nausea, vomiting and retching during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 100 pregnant women with a gestational age of less than 16 weeks attending the health clinics of Zabol city during 2019-2020 were studied in two control and intervention groups (n = 50 in each group). The samples in the intervention group were trained to apply pressure on their ears’ Shen Men point with the thumb for three minutes three times a day (morning, noon, and night), for a duration of one month. At the end of second and fourth weeks, the data were collected using the Rhodes index form and then, were analyzed by SPSS software version 22. Results: According to the results, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gestational age, occupation and education. The difference in the mean scores of nausea, vomiting and retching was not statistically significant between the control and intervention groups before the study. But four weeks after the study, a significant difference was observed in the mean scores of vomiting, nausea and retching between the two groups, so that the mean scores of vomiting, nausea and retching were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group. Conclusion: The ear acupressure medicine at the Shen men point can be used as a non-invasive, safe and inexpensive method to relieve nausea, vomiting and retching during pregnancy. Keywords: Acupressure medicine, Shen Men, Vomiting, Pregnancy, Nausea, Retching, Rhodosis

Acupuncture Alleviates Anxiety and 22-kHz Ultrasonic Vocalizations in Rats Subjected to Repeated Alcohol Administration by Modulating the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Signaling Pathway.

The Shenmen point (acupuncture point heart 7: HT7), located in the heart meridian, is frequently used to treat mental disorders, including drug addiction, anxiety, and depression. This study aimed to determine how HT7 regulates anxiety and negative emotions caused by repeated alcohol administration, focusing on the amygdala and paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Repeated administration of alcohol (ETOH; 2 g/kg, i.p. injection, 16% v/v) for 14 days increased the corticosterone (CORT) levels, and HT7 stimulation reduced the plasma CORT levels. HT7 stimulation mitigated anxiety-like behaviors and reduced 22-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in rats receiving repeated ETOH injections. HT7 stimulation increased the amygdala expression of mature brain-derived neurotropic factor (mBDNF) and phosphorylated tropomyosin receptor kinase B (pTrkB) and decreased the PVN corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) expression. Amygdala microinjections of the TrkB antagonist ANA-12 (0.1 pmol/1 μL) reversed the increase in PVN CRH levels. The reduced PVN CRH levels were regulated by CRH-expressing neurons in the amygdala, and the increased amygdala CRH levels were affected by the HT7-stimulation induced increases in mBDNF. HT7 stimulation alleviates increased stress hormone levels and mitigates anxiety and negative emotions caused by repeated ETOH administration. These results provide scientific support for the clinical use of acupuncture to treat various alcoholism-induced diseases.

The Impact of Gender on the Effectiveness of an Auricular Acupressure Intervention Administered to Community-Dwelling Poor Sleepers: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACTBackgroundWomen report a higher incidence of sleep problems than men. Few studies addressing the effect of gender on the efficacy of administering auricular acupressure (AA) at shenmen points (heart meridian 7 [HT7]) on sleep quality have been published.PurposeThe primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 4-week AA intervention applied at the HT7 points on sleep quality, perceived physical health, and perceived mental health in community-dwelling individuals with poor self-reported sleep quality. Additional analyses were used to evaluate the gender-specific effects of this intervention.MethodsA cluster randomized controlled trial with repeated-measures design was used. One hundred seventy-nine eligible participants were randomly assigned to either the AA group (n = 88; 47 women, 41 men) or the sleep hygiene instruction (SHI) group (n = 91; 52 women, 39 men). The AA group self-administered acupressure at HT7 on both ears for a 4-week period, whereas the SHI group received an SHI information sheet. Outcome measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Short-Form Health Survey-12 Version 2, with data collected at baseline and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks posttest.ResultsLinear mixed-model analysis revealed that the participants in the AA group experienced significantly greater reductions in mean PSQI global score and the three indices of sleep latency, subjective sleep quality, and daytime dysfunction than the SHI group at 2 and 4 weeks posttest. The improvements in subjective sleep quality and daytime dysfunction remained at 4 weeks posttest in the AA group, but not in the SHI group. The PSQI global score decreased significantly more in men than women in the AA group between baseline and 4 weeks posttest.Conclusions/Implications for Practice:Four weeks of self-administered acupressure at HT7 on both ears is an effective intervention for community-dwelling poor sleepers who are over 45 years old. Moreover, the improvements in subjective sleep quality and daytime dysfunction persist for up to 4 weeks after the end of the intervention. This self-administered acupressure intervention is more effective in men than in women in terms of improving sleep quality. Gender bias is known to influence research results and may lead to inappropriate generalizations. Thus, future studies that are performed to build basic scientific evidence should include considerations of the effects of gender in the study design.

Evaluation of anthropometric results after acupuncture and diet applications in obesity patients:an experimental-control study

Obesity is a disease defined by excessive fat storage in the body. It is an energy balance problem; the increase in body fat is caused by an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. This study aimed to determinate the changes in the anthropometric measurements of patients after acupuncture treatment used in obesity treatment. The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 in xxx University's GETAT Center). Patients aged between 18–65 years with a BMI &gt; 25 were included in the study. The participants were divided into two groups: Group 1 (acupuncture and diet) and Group 2 (diet only). Exclusion criteria: Pregnant women, breastfeeding patients , susceptible demographics (acute coronary insufficiency, immunodeficiency, severe psychotic disorder, liver and kidney failure), and those who could not give consent were not included in the study. Weight, BMI, and metabolic age values were measured with a Tanita device; the same diagnostic device was used for all patients. Both body and ear acupuncture were performed. In patients with all acupuncture, the yuan points of abnormal meridians were used for pulse diagnosis. ST 24, 25, and 36 (ZuSanLi); GV 20, 21, 5, 5, and LR 3 (Taichong); SP 6 and 9, GB 34, UB 62, HT 7, LU 9, and PC 6 (Nei Guan); and SI 3 and EXT-HN 3 (Yin-Tang) points were dewed. For ear acupuncture, hunger, kidney, larynx, stomach, jerome, and shen-men points were taken. A t-test was applied to pre- and post-acupuncture measurement values. After acupuncture, the waist circumference of the participants decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.005). The BMI of the participants also decreased significantly after acupuncture (p &lt; 0.005). In these studies, LU 6, ST 40, ST 21, K 4, ST 36 and 25, and LI 11 body points were used, while hunger, stomach, and shen-men points were commonly used as ear points.

The Efficacy of Combined Electroacupuncture and Auricular Pressure on Sleep Quality in Patients Receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment.

Previous studies have revealed that the electroacupuncture or auricular-point pressure as a single treatment approach is beneficial for relieving insomniac symptoms among patients under methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). This study is designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of combining two treatments. This study was a randomized, controlled, crossover trial. A total of 50 participants were recruited from the Linsen Chinese Medicine and Kunming Branches of Taipei City Hospital and randomly assigned to Groups A (25 participants) and B (25 participants). In Group A (electroacupuncture at the Hegu point (LI4) and Zusanli point (ST36) and auricular-point pressure on the Shenmen point) and Group B (only auricular-point), the interventions were implemented biweekly for 4 weeks. After a 1-week washout period, a crossover of the groups was performed. Sleep quality, according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and daily attendance rate of MMT were evaluated. Combined therapy significantly improved sleep quality, especially in the PSQI subscales of subjective sleep quality (60.91% vs 20.93%, P < 0.05) and sleep latency (42.59% vs 11.28%, P < 0.05). A significantly higher daily attendance rate was noted in combined therapy than single therapy (87% ± 2% vs 82% ± 2%, P < 0.001). The combination of the electroacupuncture with auricular-point pressure demonstrated high efficacy for improving sleep quality and increasing MMT adherence compared with single therapy of auricular-point pressure. Combined therapy of the electroacupuncture and auricular-point pressing should be introduced as a routine, facilitating treatment for patients under methadone maintenance. (Am J Addict 2020;00:00-00).

Postoperative analgesic efficacy of ear acupuncture in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundNumerous studies have revealed that acupuncture can increase the somatic pain threshold. Electro-acupuncture (EA) can help pain-relieving with minimal physiologic disturbance. Various painful disorders, as well as pain following various surgeries, like cesarean section, gastrostomy, and enterectomy were managed properly with acupuncture. Therefore we studied the postoperative analgesic effect of EA in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy.MethodsA randomized, prospective clinical trial study was carried out on 56 women undergoing hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia. Patients were allocated randomly to receive either spinal anesthesia and electric ear acupuncture (EEA group) or spinal anesthesia alone (control group). EEA was done by fine needles to anatomically defined 4 points of the ear: Shen Men Point, thalamus Point 26, Analgesia Point 3, and Uterus Point 58, and connected to EA therapeutic apparatus. After finishing surgery, the fine needles were substituted by permanent press needles to be removed after 24 hours. The primary outcome was the postoperative 24 h morphine consumption by patient-controlled analgesia, while secondary outcomes included Post-operative pain scores and postoperative 1st request of analgesia.ResultsTotal morphine consumption in the first 24 postoperative hours was obviously reduced in the EEA group versus the control group (mean ± SD:6.214± 2.1319 mg vs 15.714 ± 3.3428 mg, d = − 3.3886, 95% Confidence interval = − 4.2061,-2.5712, p-value =0.000). The postoperative pain scores were significantly reduced in the EEA group in comparison to the control group, with delayed 1st request of postoperative analgesia.ConclusionsElectric ear acupuncture provides postoperative analgesia, reducing morphine requirement and consequently its side effects.Trial registrationThe trial was registered before enrolment of the first patient at the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (www.pactr.org) database (PACTR201903770607799, Date of registration: 5th March 2019).

International Scientific Acupuncture and Meridian Symposium (ISAMS) 2019 Poster Abstracts

Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention has been widely used for treatment of many pathophysiological disorders. For achieving improved therapeutic effects, relatively thick acupuncture needles have been frequently used in clinical practice with, in turn, enhanced stimulation intensity. However, due to the discomforting nature of the larger-diameter acupuncture needles, there is considerable interest in developing advanced acupuncture therapeutical techniques that provide more comfort with improved efficacy. So motivated, we have developed a new class of acupuncture needles, porous acupuncture needles (PANs) with hierarchical micro/nano-scale conical pores upon the surface, fabricated via a simple and well known electrochemical process, with surface area approximately 20 times greater than conventional acupuncture needles. The performance of these high-surface-area.PANs is evaluated by monitoring the electrophysiological and behavioral responses from the in vivo stimulation of Shenmen (HT7) points in Wistar rats, showing PANs to be more effective in controlling electrophysiological and behavioral responses than conventional acupuncture needles. Comparative analysis of cocaine induced locomotor activity using PANs and thick acupuncture needles shows enhanced performance of PANs with significantly less pain sensation. Our work offers a unique pathway for achieving a comfortable and improved acupuncture therapeutic effect.

Effectiveness of Self-administered Acupressure for Family Caregivers of Advanced Cancer Patients With Insomnia

Sleep disturbances are common among family caregivers (FCs) of patients with advanced cancer. Self-administered acupressure can combat insomnia, but no study has been conducted to evaluate its efficacy in caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate whether self-administered acupressure improves sleep quality for FCs of patients with advanced cancer. Family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer who reported sleep disturbance (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores >5 in recent months) were recruited. The experimental group self-administered acupressure at the Baihui (GV20), Fengchi (GB20), Neiguan (PC6), and Shenmen (HT7) points over a 12-week period, whereas the comparison group received sleep hygiene education. Sleep quality was assessed subjectively at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the intervention using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and objectively using actigraphy measurements. Improvements in sleep quality were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation. Compared with the control group, the experimental group demonstrated significantly lower sleep latency (Wald χ2 = 11.49, P = .001) and significantly better sleep efficiency (Wald χ2 = 5.24, P = .02) according to actigraphy measurements, but Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores did not differ significantly between the groups. Self-administered acupressure did not demonstrate favorable effects on subjective sleep quality, but did reduce sleep latency and improve sleep efficiency, according to actigraphy measurements. Self-administered acupressure may help relaxation and sedation and promote sleep in FCs. Healthcare providers may consider advising FCs to apply this self-administered acupressure to improve their sleep latency and sleep efficiency.

ACUPUNCTURE AND SELF ACUPRESSURE TREATMENT OF HEMIFACIAL SPASM: A CASE REPORT

Background: Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a condition of unilateral, involuntary, irregular, spasmodic movements of the face. The condition is most commonly a result of vascular loop compression at the root entry zone of the facial nerve. Patient whose hemifacial spasm with left-sided facial complaints often twitching since 6 months ago. This 69-year-old man with hyperlipidemia and hypertension had diagnosed with hemifacial spasm by neurologist. Purpose: To prove the effect of acupuncture on Fengchi (GB 20), Neiguan (PC 6) and Taichong (LR 3) accompanied with acupressure on Taichong (LR 3) and auricular acupressure on the Ear Shenmen point in patient with hemifacial spasm. Methods: Handling Hemifacial spasm with acupuncture on Fengchi (GB 20), Neiguan (PC 6) and Taichong (LR 3) with the reducing method and strong stimulation three times a week, acupressure on the Taichong (LR 3) twice a day for 30 times pressure and auricular acupressure on ear Shenmen, twice a day for 5 minutes. Results: Biochemical mechanism of acupuncture and acupressure involve the stimulation of acupoint that lead to complex neuro-hormonal response. In handling hemifacial spasm, acupunture given for 15 times, taken three times a week combined with acupressure and auricular acupressure. This therapy overcome the symptoms of facial twitching in hemifacial spasm. Conclusion: Acupuncture combined with acupressure and auricular acupressure can be used to overcome facial twitching in hemifacial spasm.