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Evidence
for the Ear

12

11

Six Current Research Studies

Show Auriculotherapy
Isnt Just for Pain

This report is brought to you

courtesy of

Auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture) is fast, easy

to apply, and wonderfully effective. The key is
to treat the right points.

Auriculo 3D makes your life easier by giving

you immediate access to any point or treatment
protocol you need, when you need it. With
hundreds of points and conditions illustrated in
both 2D and 3D, Auriculo 3D is your clinical
companion for better results.

The Worlds Most Powerful Auriculotherapy Software

Our Philosophy is Simple:

We build technology to make
life better: for your patients,
for your practice, for you.

Evidence for the Ear

Six Current Research Studies Show Auriculotherapy Isnt Just for Pain

Auriculotherapy/ear acupuncture is commonly used and quite effective for pain. But dont overlook
this powerful technique for other conditions as well. Proponents of auriculotherapy suggest nearly any
health condition can be addressed by this technique.

The following recently published research studies illustrate just a small sampling of conditions for
which auriculotherapy is likely effective.

Dementia

Study Title:

The effects of Ear Acupressure, massage therapy and no therapy on

symptoms of dementia: A randomized controlled trial.

Date:

October 16, 2014

Summary:

A total of 111 dementia patients participated in this randomized controlled

trial and were evaluated for pain, anxiety and depression. Interventions
included ear acupressure, massage and nothing. The ear acupressure
intervention group showed better improvements than the massage therapy
intervention group in relation to pain and depression during the treatment
period and at one month of follow-up. The best improvement in pain was
achieved in the last (3rd) month of Ear Acupressure treatment. Regarding
anxiety, the best results were also observed in the last month of treatment.

Conclusions: Ear Acupressure and massage therapy showed better results than the control
group in relation to pain, anxiety and depression. However, Ear Acupressure
achieved the most improvements.
Citation:

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Insomnia
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Rodrguez-Mansilla J, Gonzlez Lpez-Arza MV, Varela-Donoso E,

Montanero-Fernndez J, Gonzlez Snchez B, Garrido-Ardila EM. The effects
of Ear Acupressure, massage therapy and no therapy on symptoms of
dementia: A randomized controlled trial.Clin Rehabil. 2014 Oct 16. pii:
0269215514554240.

Study Title:

Auricular acupuncture for primary insomnia: a systematic review based on

GRADE system.

Date:

July, 2014

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Summary:

This study is a meta-analysis of 8 individual studies, involving 894 patients.

Techniques included auricular acupuncture, sham auricular acupuncture,
placebo auricular acupuncture and blank control. Auricular acupuncture
showed the most improvement in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI),
sleep latency and sleep awakening times. In the comparison between
auricular acupuncture and western medication, the PSQI was significantly
higher for auricular acupuncture.

Conclusions: Auricular acupuncture may effectively improve sleep quality in primary

insomnia. Further high-quality studies are needed.
Citation:

Tan HJ, Lan Y, Wu FS, Zhang HD, Wu L, Wu X, Liang FR. [Auricular

acupuncture for primary insomnia: a systematic review based on GRADE
system.] Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 Jul;34(7):726-30. Review. Chinese.

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Smoking Cessation
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Study Title:

A meta-analysis of ear-acupuncture, ear-acupressure and auriculotherapy for

cigarette smoking cessation.

Date:

September 1, 2014

Summary:

This systematic review evaluated the effects of ear acupuncture, ear

acupressure and auriculotherapy for cigarette smoking cessation (SC) at endof-treatment (EoT), three, six and 12 months follow-up. 25 individual
studies were reviewed, with a total of 3735 participants.

Conclusions: SC-specific ear acupuncture interventions were superior to inactive controls

at EoT, three months follow-up, and six months follow-up, but data were
insufficient at 12 months. There was no superiority or inferiority for ear
acupuncture compared with SC-specific behavioral therapy or SC-specific
body acupuncture.
Citation:

Di YM, May BH, Zhang AL, Zhou IW, Worsnop C, Xue CC. A meta-analysis of
ear-acupuncture, ear-acupressure and auriculotherapy for cigarette smoking
cessation. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2014 Sep 1;142:14-23. doi: 10.1016/
j.drugalcdep.2014.07.002. Epub 2014 Jul 11.

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Stress

Study Title:

Efficacy of Chinese auriculotherapy for stress in nursing staff: a randomized

clinical trial.

Date:

May, 2014

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Summary:

This randomized, single-blind clinical study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of

auriculotherapy with and without a set protocol for reducing stress levels
among nursing staff. A total of 175 subjects with medium and high stress
scores participated in 3 groups: control, treatment with protocol, and
treatment without protocol. Assessments were at baseline, after 12 sessions,
and after 30 days.

Conclusions: Statistically significant differences between the Control and Intervention

groups were found in the two evaluations, with the treatment without
protocol group showing the greatest effect. Individualized auriculotherapy
without a set protocol may be helpful in reducing the effects of stress.
Citation:

Kurebayashi LF, Silva MJ. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. Efficacy of Chinese

auriculotherapy for stress in nursing staff: a randomized clinical trial. 2014
May-Jun;22(3):371-8.

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Constipation

Study Title:

Efficacy of auriculotherapy for constipation in adults: a systematic review

and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Date:

August, 2014

Summary:

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the clinical evidence of

auriculotherapy for constipation treatment to identify the efficacy of groups
using Semen vaccariae (seeds) or magnetic pellets as taped objects in
managing constipation. Fifteen randomized, controlled trials were included
in this analysis.

Conclusions: The meta-analysis of 15 trials showed a moderate, significant effect of

auriculotherapy in managing constipation compared with controls. The 15
RCTs also showed a moderate, significant effect of auriculotherapy in
relieving constipation. Further rigorous RCTs from around the world are
warranted to confirm the effect and safety of auriculotherapy for
constipation.
Citation:

Yang LH1, Duan PB, Du SZ, Sun JF, Mei SJ, Wang XQ, Zhang YY. Efficacy of
auriculotherapy for constipation in adults: a systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials. J Altern Complement Med. 2014
Aug;20(8):590-605. doi: 10.1089/acm.2013.0324. Epub 2014 Jul 14.

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Weight Loss

Study Title:

The effects of auricular electroacupuncture on obesity in female patients--a

prospective randomized placebo-controlled pilot study.

Date:

February, 2014

Summary:

Several studies show a significantly higher weight loss with acupuncture

treatment. This is the first prospective, randomized, double-blinded study,
testing the effects of auricular electroacupuncture on weight loss in obese
female patients. 56 female obese patients (age>18, Body Mass Index,
BMI>25) were randomized to receive either auricular acupuncture with
electrical stimulation or placebo treatment for four days. The treatment was
performed once a week for a period of six weeks. A follow-up visit was
performed after 4 weeks. At each visit body weight, BMI (Body Mass Index)
and body fat were measured.

Conclusions: Relative reduction of body weight was significantly greater in the verum
group (-3.73%; CI=-4.70 to -2.76) than in the placebo group (-0.70%;
CI=-1.57 to +0.16; p<0.001) There was also a significant reduction of BMI
(p<0.001) in the verum group (-3.62%; CI=-4.39 to -2.84) compared to
placebo (-0.82%; CI=-1.55 to -0.10; p<0.001). No patient reported side
effects related to acupuncture. Electrical auricular acupuncture could be a
safe, additive, non-pharmacological treatment in obese patients.
Citation:

Schukro RP1, Heiserer C2, Michalek-Sauberer A3, Gleiss A4, SatorKatzenschlager S3. The effects of auricular electroacupuncture on obesity in
female patients--a prospective randomized placebo-controlled pilot study.
Complement Ther Med. 2014 Feb;22(1):21-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.
2013.10.002. Epub 2013 Oct 31.

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This overview is provided courtesy of
Auriculo 3D Auriculotherapy Reference Software

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www.Auriculo3D.com
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Evidence for the Ear, Part 2

Six More Research Studies Show Auriculotherapy Isnt Just for Pain
Auriculotherapy/ear acupuncture is commonly used and quite effective for pain. But dont overlook
this powerful technique for other conditions as well. Proponents of auriculotherapy suggest nearly any
health condition can be addressed by this technique.
The following, recently published research studies illustrate just a small sampling of conditions for
which auriculotherapy is likely effective.

Diabetes
Study Title:

Effects of auricular stimulation in the cavum conchae on glucometabolism in

patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.l.

Date:

September, 2014

Summary:

A total of 71 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were treated once daily
for 90 days with electrical stimulation in the cavum conchae. Measurements
were made before and after treatment of fasting plasma glucose (FBG), 2-h
postprandial blood glucose after a 75 g oral glucose load (P2BG), glycated
hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr),
total cholesterol (TC) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Statistically
significant improvements were seen in HbA1c, BUN, SCr, TC and AST after
the treatment. 7 of the patients in this study had to decrease use of diabetes
medication during the study, due to hypoglycemia.

Conclusions: The stimulation in the cavum conchae of patients with types 2 diabetes
mellitus may help decrease HbA1c, BUN, SCr, TC and AST, and may be an
effective treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Citation:

Complement Ther Med. 2014 Oct;22(5):858-63. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.

2014.09.002. Epub 2014 Sep 16.

Hypertension
Study Title:

Primary hypertension treated with acupuncture combined with auricular

point sticking: a randomized controlled trial.

Date:

March, 2014

Summary:

Ninety patients with primary hypertension were randomly divided into a

medication group and a combination acupuncture group. In the combination
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group, acupuncture and auricular point treatment were used. Acupuncture

was applied at ST 9, GB 20 and GV 20, while auricular point treatment was
used at Shenmen (TF4), Xin (CO15), Jiangyagou and Jiaogan (AH6a), once
a day for 4 weeks. After treatment, the changes of 24 h ambulatory blood
pressure, angiotensin II (Ang II) level, creatinine level and syndrome scores
were observed and the clinical efficacy was assessed in the two groups.
Blood pressure improved in both groups, but the reduction of 24 h
ambulatory blood pressure in the combination group was superior to that in
the medication group. Serum Ang II level and plasma creatinine level of the
patients in both groups decreased with a more marked decrease in the
combination group. Similarly, syndrome scores decreased in both groups,
with the combination group showing the most improvement. The total
effective rate of the combination group was 95.6% (43/45), which was
superior to 71.1% (32/45) of the medication group.
Conclusions: Acupuncture combined with auricular treatment for primary hypertension is
better than captopril for the improvement of 24 h ambulatory blood
pressure, AngII level and creatinine level, and can improve clinical
symptoms.
Citation:

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2015 Mar;35(3):227-31 Chinese.

Menstrual Irregularities
Study Title:

Effect of auriculotherapy on menstrual irregularities in single girls with

polycystic ovarian syndrome and aged 18-35 years

Date:

March, 2015

Summary:

This is a clinical trial conducted on 60 females aged 18-35 years with

clinical, laboratory, and sonography signs of polycystic ovary syndrome. The
subjects were randomly assigned to two groups (auriculotherapy or
medication) and underwent treatment for 2 and 3 months, respectively.
Clinical signs were investigated in three steps in both groups. Data were
collected through observation, laboratory tests, and sonography, and were
analyzed by SPSS version 15. In 60 subjects, Chi-square test showed a
significant difference in menstruation disorders in both groups 1 month after
the start of intervention (P = 0.001); but 2 months after the start of
intervention (P = 0.11) and immediately after the end of the intervention (P
= 0.16), the difference was not significant. Three months after the end of
the intervention, this variable showed a significant difference (P = 0.02).

Conclusions: Pharmaceutical treatment and auriculotherapy are both effective for

menstruation disorders, but auriculotherapy is more effective on reduction of
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menstruation disorders, compared to pharmaceutical therapy in women with

polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Citation:

Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2015 Mar-Apr;20(2):190-4.

Depression Associated with Obesity

Study Title:

Effects of ear acupuncture therapy for obesity on the depression of obese

women.

Date:

August, 2014

Summary:

After baseline testing, 30 eligible patients with body mass index (BMI)
>29.9kg/m(2) were included. The Beck Depression Inventory for Primary
Care (BDI-PC) was used to assess changes in depression. BMI was also
measured. Patients had six ear acupuncture sessions, every 15daysand
were followed up for 3months. Twenty four patients completed the study.
The meanSD age of patients was 42.99.0years. Their meanSD BMI was
39.04.7kg/m(2) before acupuncture, decreasing to 37.24.3kg/m(2)
after acupuncture therapy (p<0.001). The mean depression score was
4.42.3 before acupuncture, decreasing to 2.71.4 (p<0.001) after
treatment. There was no significant correlation between BMI and depression
score before acupuncture therapy (p=0.104). After acupuncture therapy, no
significant correlation was found between the percentage reduction of BMI
and percentage reduction of the depression score (p=0.119).

Conclusions: Ear acupuncture therapy for obesity appears to also reduce depression of
obese women. Further research into the effects of ear acupuncture in the
management of obesity and depression is justified.
Citation:

Acupunct Med. 2014 Oct;32(5):427-9. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2014-010626.

Epub 2014 Aug 6.

Methamphetamine Withdrawal
Study Title:

Comparative study on effects between electroacupuncture and auricular

acupuncture for methamphetamine withdrawal syndrome.

Date:

March, 2014

Summary:

Ninety male patients of methamphetamine addiction were randomized into

an electroacupuncture group, an auricular acupuncture group and a control
group, 30 cases in each one. In the electroacupuncture group, Neiguan (PC
6), Shenmen (HT 7), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Jiaji (EX-B 2) at T5
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and L2 were selected bilaterally. In the auricular acupuncture group, jiaogan

(AH(6a)), shenmen (TF4), fei (CO14) and gan (CO12) were selected
unilaterally. The treatment was given 3 times a week, with 12 treatments
total. In the control group, no treatment was applied. Before treatment and
after 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks treatment, the scores of methamphetamine
withdrawal syndrome, Hamilton anxiety scale and Hamilton depression scale
were measured in each group. Both treatment groups showed declines in
withdrawal syndrome, anxiety and depression scores in weeks 2, 3 and 4,
and in every assessment, treatment groups were significantly lower than
control.
Conclusions: Electroacupuncture at the body points and auricular acupuncture play a
significant therapeutic role in the treatment of methamphetamine
withdrawal syndrome, anxiety and depression. The longer time the
treatment is with electroacupuncture at the body points, the more obvious
the efficacy will be on the above symptoms.
Citation:

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 Mar;34(3):219-24.

Migraine Therapy
Study Title:

Somatic acupuncture versus ear acupuncture in migraine therapy: a

randomized, controlled, blind study.

Date:

2012

Summary:

This study compares the clinical effectiveness of somatic and ear

acupuncture for treatment of migraine without aura. 35 patients were
divided into 2 groups, one receiving somatic and the other ear acupuncture.
Both groups were treated once a week for 8 weeks and needles were
stimulated manually. The severity of pain was evaluated with the Migraine
Index and the visual analogue of Scott-Huskisson; other 2 tests were used to
monitor the pain threshold and Zung's Self-rating Depression Scale was
applied to assess variations in patients' mood. These tests were performed
before the beginning and at the end of treatment and, for the follow up, after
1, 3 and 6 months from the end of therapy. On the basis of the migraine
index, pain at the end of therapy was significantly lower than before the
treatment, being residual pain 54.83% and 63.43%, respectively for somatic
and ear acupuncture. Apparently, the 2 treatments were equally effective, as
no significant difference could be assessed. On the contrary, a significant
difference between the 2 groups was clear during the follow up: in fact, after
6 months residual pain was 16.80% and 48.83% for somatic and ear
acupuncture, respectively (p=0.038). These results were confirmed by the

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Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) test and by the evaluation of pain threshold. It
is noteworthy that also Zung's depression test showed a significant decrease
of score was present in both groups, at all the times investigated with no
difference between the two treatments.
Conclusions: These results, though preliminary, are quite promising in supporting the
effectiveness of ear acupuncture for treatment of migraine without aura.
Citation:

Acupunct Electrother Res. 2012;37(4):277-93..

This overview is provided courtesy of

Auriculo 3D Auriculotherapy Reference Software

www.Auriculo3D.com

Page 5
! of 5
!

This report is brought to you

courtesy of

Auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture) is fast, easy

to apply, and wonderfully effective. The key is
to treat the right points.

Auriculo 3D makes your life easier by giving

you immediate access to any point or treatment
protocol you need, when you need it. With
hundreds of points and conditions illustrated in
both 2D and 3D, Auriculo 3D is your clinical
companion for better results.

The Worlds Most Powerful Auriculotherapy Software

Our Philosophy is Simple:

We build technology to make
life better: for your patients,
for your practice, for you.