Meta analysis on the effectiveness of auricular therapy combined with modern medicine in the treatment of depression/anxiety disorders in maintenance hemodialysis patients

Objective:We used meta-analysis to explore the clinical efficacy of auricular point therapy combined with modern medicine in improving depression/anxiety in maintenance hemodialysis patients.Methods:We searched CNKI,Wanfang,Weipu,CBM,The Cochrane Library,PubMed,Web of Science,Embase through computer to build a randomized controlled trials of auricular therapy combined with modern medicine in the treatment of depression/anxiety disorders in China and abroad since 2022.Two evaluators independently screened the studies,extracted and cross-checked the key data in the studies independently after determining the included studies,and then evaluated the quality of the studies respectively.Finally,we used RevMan 5.3 platform for statistical processing of data.Results:This meta-analysis included a total of 12 clinical randomized controlled trials,including a total of 899 patients.The results showed that the observation group was more effective in reducing the scores of Hamilton Anxiety Scale,self rating Anxiety Scale,self rating Depression Scale,Pittsburgh sleep quality index score of maintenance hemodialysis patients.In addition,there was no statistical difference between the observation group and the control group in improving the total clinical effective rate.Conclusion:The observation group has a more obvious effect on the improvement of anxiety or depression in maintenance hemodialysis patients.However,due to the limitation of the quantity and quality of the included studies,the real efficacy of auricular therapy combined with modern medicine in improving anxiety or depression disorder after maintenance hemodialysis still needs to be supported by more carefully designed and standardized multi-center,large-sample clinical studies.

Auricular therapy for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in cancer patients:Perspectives from the traditional zang-fu organs and meridians theory

This paper presents the theoretical background of using auricular therapy(AT)for managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting(CINV)from the perspectives of traditional zang-fu organs and meridian theory.The zang-fu organs of stomach,spleen and liver play a crucial role in regulating the gastrointestinal functions.The chemotherapeutic agents can significantly impede the gastrointestinal functions and subsequently contribute to various gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea and vomiting.Dysfunctions of the stomach,spleen and liver can correspond to specific auricular acupoints,while by stimulating those acupoints,the chaotic Qi movement can be reversed to its normal status,and the hyperactivities of the gastrointestinal system can also be alleviated to reduce the CINV symptoms.Clinical studies based on such theory have well supported the effects of AT on CINV.However,relationships between the traditional theory and the modern medicine understanding of the CINV mechanisms remain unknown and should be further explored in future research.

The Application Progress of Auricular Therapy in Diabetes

Diabetes,as a chronic incurable disease,not only causes acute complications such as hyperglycemic hyperosmolar status,ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia,but also affects arteries and nervous system,causing the eyes,kidneys,feet,blood vessels,nerves and other organs or tissues damage,and leading to the occurrence and development of chronic diseases.The World Health Organization believes that diabetes may be the most important non-communicable global disease caused by unhealthy modern lifestyles and regards it as a major global health problem.At present,there is still a lack of specific drugs for the treatment of diabetes,and related treatment drugs are often accompanied by adverse reactions.Auricular therapy as a non-drug,non-invasive treatment method show unique advantages in the treatment of diabetes.This article reviews the mechanism of auricular therapy and its application status in diabetes,in order to broaden the mind for the auricular therapy to treat diabetes.

Acupoint Selection Standards of Auricular Therapy in the Treatment of Maintenance Hemodialysis Insomnia Based on Data Mining

Background:Insomnia is a high-incidence complication in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis(MHD).Auricular therapy can effectively improve sleep with few adverse effects.Acupoint selection affects the impact of auricular therapy.However,there is currently a lack of analysis on the standards of acupoint selection.Our study used data mining technology to investigate the acupoint selection principles and characteristics of auricular therapy for the treatment of MHD-related insomnia.Objective:The objective of the study is to explore the standards of acupoint selection in auricular therapy for the treatment of MHD-related insomnia through data mining technology.Materials and Methods:We searched three English(PubMed,WOS,and Embase)and four Chinese(CNKI,VIP,Wangfang,and CBM)databases for studies on auricular therapy for MHD-related insomnia from self-establishment to November 14,2022.Results:Eighty-one publications were involved,which included 33 acupoints.The most common auricular points in patients with MHD-related insomnia were the Shenmen,heart,and kidney points.More applications involved the visceral,nervous system,and specific acupoints.Five effective clusters and two clusters were obtained through cluster analysis,including specific auricular points for insomnia,such as the multi-dream area,neurasthenia area,deep sleep point,and anterior ear lobe.Complex network analysis showed that the core auricular acupoint combinations for the intervention of MHD-related insomnia were Shenmen with kidney,Shenmen with heart,heart with kidney,heart with Shenmen,and heart and Shenmen with subcortex.Conclusions:The selection of auricular points for the treatment of MHD-related insomnia was guided by the heart theory of traditional Chinese medicine.Clinical treatment attaches importance to the use of the multi-dream area,neurasthenia area,and other acupoints.

A Randomized Controlled Single-Blind Clinical Trial on 84 Outpatients with Psoriasis Vulgaris by Auricular Therapy Combined with Optimized Yinxieling Formula(银屑灵优化方)

Objective：To explore the therapeutic effect of auricular therapy combined with optimized Yinxieling Formula（银屑灵优化方） on psoriasis vulgaris.Methods：A randomized controlled single-blind clinical trial on 84 outpatients with psoriasis vulgaris was conducted.The patients were randomized to a treatment group（43 cases treated by auricular therapy combined with optimized Yinxieling Formula） and a control group （41 cases treated by optimized Yinxieling Formula alone） according to a random number generated by SPSS 17.0 software.The treatment duration for both groups was 8 weeks.The therapeutic effect was comprehensively measured by the primary outcome measure[Psoriasis Area and Severity Index（PASI） reduction rate]and the secondary outcome measure[PASI,Visual Analogue Scale（VAS）,Dermatology Life Quality Index（DLQI）, Self-rating Depression Scale（SDS）,and Self-rating Anxiety Scale（SAS）].The outcomes of both groups were obtained and compared before and after the intervention.Results：The PASI reduction rate in the treatment group was 74.4%（32/43）,which was higher than that in the control group（36.6%,15/41,P0.01）.The PASI scores decreased in both groups after treatment and was lower in the treatment group compared with the control group （P0.01）.With stratified analysis,there were significant differences between the PASI scores in the following subgroups：age 18-30,baseline PASI10 and stable stage（P0.05）.DLQI decreased in both groups on some categories after treatment,but there were no significant differences between the two groups in SDS,SAS and VAS（P0.05）.No obvious adverse reactions were found in either group.Conclusion：The therapeutic effect of auricular therapy combined with Optimized Yinxieling Formula was superior to Optimized Yinxieling Formula alone with no obvious adverse reaction.

Meta-analysis of ear acupoint therapy to treat sleep disorders in hemodialysis patients

Background:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of auricular therapy on sleep disorders in hemodialysis patients using meta-analysis methods,and to provide evidence-based support for clinical practice.Methods:PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,Chinese Biomedical Literature Database,China Journal Full-text Database,Chinese Science and Technology Journal Full-text Database,and Wanfang Resource Database were searched up to February 2023.Randomized controlled trials of auricular therapy for sleep disorders in hemodialysis patients were collected and included in the study.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.Results:587 patients from 7 randomized controlled trial studies were included.The auricular therapy group had better sleep conditions than the conventional care group,as evaluated by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index,in terms of total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score(mean difference(MD)=–5.11,95%confidence interval(CI)(–5.25,–4.96),P<0.00001),subjective sleep quality(MD=–0.64,95%CI(–0.72,–0.56),P<0.00001),falling asleep time(MD=–0.37,95%CI(–0.49,–0.26),P<0.00001),sleep time(MD=–0.38,95%CI(0.44,–0.32),P<0.00001),sleep efficiency(MD=–0.15,95%CI(–0.23,–0.07),P<0.0001),sleep disturbances(MD=–0.18,95%CI(–0.28,–0.09),P=0.0002),daytime dysfunction(MD=–0.89,95%CI(–1.18,–0.6),P<0.00001),and hypnotic medication(MD=–0.22,95%CI(–0.4,–0.03),P=0.02).Conclusion:Auricular therapy is an effective method for improving sleep quality in hemodialysis patients,providing evidence-based support for clinical practice.

Nursing Based on Syndrome Differentiation Combined with Auricular Plaster Therapy in Alleviating Insomnia

Objective:To observe the effect of auricular point pressing combined with nursing based on syndrome differentiation in the treatment of insomnia patients.Methods:Totally 92 patients with insomnia were randomly divided into the observation groupgiven auricular point pressing combined with nursing care based on syndrome differentiation and the control group treated with auricular point pressing alone.The improvement of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),TCM Syndrome Score and nursing satisfaction were compared between the 2 groups.Results:The time effect of PSQI total score and 6 factors in both groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).The time effect,interaction effect and inter-group effect of subjective sleep quality,PSQI total score were statistically significant(P<0.05);the 4 inter-group factors of sleep quality,sleep latency,sleep duration and daytime function were statistically significant(P<0.05).The total score of TCM syndromes in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the satisfaction rate in the observation group higher than that in the control group(80.43%vs.60.86%,P<0.05).Conclusion:Auricular point pressing combined withnursing based on syndrome differentiation can effectively improve the sleep quality of insomnia patients,and has significant advantages in improving TCM syndromes,as well as gained higher nursing satisfaction from patients.

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

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 〈 0.01） with low heterogeneity （x2=2.31, P =0.31, F = 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 〈 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 〈 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.

A study of acupoint selection rules of moxibustion and auricular point therapy in the treatment of urinary retention after anorectal surgery based on data mining

Based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System(V2.5),we explored the compatibility rules of moxibustion and auricular point prescriptions in the treatment of urinary retention after anorectal surgery,and further to obtain new prescriptions.Methods:We searched CNKI,Wanfang,VIP and CBM databases for the literature of moxibustion and auricular point therapy for urinary retention after anorectal surgery,collecting complete prescriptions and entering them into the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System(V2.5).The acupoint frequency,association rules,and combination rules were analyzed by data mining method of software integration.Results:126 moxibustion prescriptions were selected,and the acupoints for urinary retention after anorectal surgery in the literature were analyzed,including 10 acupoints with frequency≥6,9 acupoint combinations with frequency≥26,5 acupoints with association rules,6 core acupoint combinations and 3 new prescription.124 auricular point prescriptions were selected,and the relevant acupoints in the literature were analyzed,including 10 acupoints with frequency of use≥18,15 acupoint combinations with frequency≥40,12 acupoint combinations with association rules,6 core acupoint combinations,and 3 new prescriptions.The core points include Qihai(RN6),Sanyinjiao(SP6),Zhongji(RN3),Guanyuan(RN4).The auricular point therapy is more to select the tenderness points and acupoints that have an impact on the urinary system,mainly including“Pangguang”(CO9),“Shenmen”(TF4),“Shen”(CO10),“Sanjiao”(CO17),“Pizhixia”(AT4),“Niaodao”(HX3),“Fei”(CO14),“Jiaogan”(AH6a).Conclusion:Moxibustion for the treatment of urinary retention is mainly based on invigorating“Primordial Qi”and regulating the functions of“Middle Jiao”(refers to the area of the body just below the diaphragm and above the navel that helps produce delicate nutrients).The entropic clustering of complex systems excavated new prescriptions for the treatment of urinary retention after anorectal surgery,providing new ideas for future research and treatment.

Association of auricular pressing and heart rate variability in pre-exam anxiety students

A total of 30 students scoring between 12 and 20 on the Test Anxiety Scale who had been exhibiting an anxious state 〉 24 hours, and 30 normal control students were recruited. Indices of heart rate variability were recorded using an Actiheart electrocardiogram recorder at 10 minutes before auricular pressing, in the first half of stimulation and in the second half of stimulation. The results revealed that the standard deviation of all normal to normal intervals and the root mean square of standard deviation of normal to normal intervals were significantly increased after stimulation. The heart rate variability triangular index, very-low-frequency power, low-frequency power, and the ratio of low-frequency to high-frequency power were increased to different degrees after stimulation. Compared with normal controls, the root mean square of standard deviation of normal to normal intervals was significantly increased in anxious students following auricular pressing. These results indicated that auricular pressing can elevate heart rate variability, especially the root mean square of standard deviation of normal to normal intervals in students with pre-exam anxiety.

经皮耳迷走神经刺激治疗功能性消化不良:随机对照试验

Objectives:To observe the clinical long-term therapeutic effect on functional dyspepsia(FD) in the comparative study of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation(taVNS) with transcutaneous auricular none-vagus nerve stimulation(tnVNS).Methods:A total of 90 FD patients were randomized into a taVNS group and a tnVNS group,45 cases in each one.The patients in both the taNVS group and the tnVNS group were treated 5 times a week,30 min each time,for 4 weeks totally.Before treatment,after treatment and in follow-up visit,overall symptom points,functional dyspepsia-related quality of life questionnaire(FDQOL),Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA),Hamilton depression scale(HAMD) and self-rating depression scale(SDS) were adopted to evaluate the severity of the symptoms and observe the clinical therapeutic effect of patients.Results:Compared with the scores before treatment,the overall symptom points,FDDQL,HAMA,HAMD and SDS at each time point after treatment were all lower in the patients of the taVNS group.The scores of FDDQL after treatment were almost all higher than that before treatment in the self-comparison of each group.All of the above differences were significant statistically(all P <0.05).Compared with the tnVNS group,the overall symptom points,FDDQL, HAMA,HAMD and SDS at each time point after treatment were all lower in the taVNS group and the score of FDDQL was higher,indicating the statistical differences(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation is applicable for the treatment of functional dyspepsia.Compared with the control group,taVNS obtains a better long-term effect.

“四明穴”推拿联合耳穴贴压治疗儿童屈光参差性弱视17例

The article introduced the application of Tuina at"Simingxue"(four points named after"ming")and pressing therapy at auricular points in treatment of 17 cases of anisometropic amblyopia in children.The methods:pressing and kneading with the thumb at Jingming(睛明BL1),Shangming(上明Extra),Yiming(翳明EX-HN14)and Guangming(光明GB37).Pressing with the finger digital at Yintang(印堂EX-HN3),Cuanzhu(攒竹BL2),Yuyao(鱼腰EX-HN4),Taiyang(太阳EX-HN5),Yingbai(阳白GB14),Sizhukong(丝竹空TE23),Tongziliao(瞳子髎GB1),Qiuhou(球后EX-HN7)and Chengqi(承泣ST1).Scraping the upper and lower orbits,nipping the eyebrows,pushing the orbits,pushing baoping and warming the eyes.Pressing Quchi(曲池LI11),Hegu(合谷LI4),GB37,Zusanli(足三里ST36),Xuehai(血海SP10)and Sanyinjiao(三阴交SP6).Rolling on the bilateral distributions of bladder meridian on the back.Pressing and kneading at Touwei(头维ST8),Qucha(曲差BL4),Baihui(百会GV20),Sishencong(四神聪EX-HN1),Fengchi(风池GB20)and Dazhui(大椎GV14).Grasping five meridians,scattering bilateral temporal regions,grasping and kneading the neck and nape region and holding Jianjing(肩井GB21).Auricular pressing therapy was exerted at Yan(眼eye,LO5),Gan(肝liver,CO12),Shen(肾kidney,CO10),Pi(脾spleen,CO13),Wei(胃stomach,CO4),Pizhixia(皮质下subcortex,AT4),Pingjianqian(屏间前anterior intertragic notch,TG21)and Pingjianhou屏间后(posterior intertragic notch,AT11).The treatment was given 3 times a week,6 treatments made one course and 4 courses of treatment were required.Of 17 patients,2 cases were cured,13 cases cured basically,1 case improved and 1 case failed.The total effective rate was 88.2%.

穴位埋线联合耳穴贴压治疗儿童发声性抽动障碍30例

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of acupoint catgut embedding combined with auricular plaster therapy in the treatment of children with vocal tic disorders.Methods:Catgut embedding was performed at the acupoints Bǎihuì(百会GV20),Shéntíng(神庭GV24),Dàzhuī(大椎GV14),Shēnzhù(身柱GV12),Fèishū(肺俞BL13),and Wèishū(胃俞BL21),and then auricular plaster sticking was applied to the acupoints Yānhòu(咽喉TG3),Fèi(肺CO14),Wèi(胃CO4),Jiāogǎn(交感AH6 a),Pízhìxià(皮质下AT4).Results:After treatment,the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale(YGTSS)scores of the patients were significantly reduced(P<0.05),5 cases were clinically cured,8 cases remarkably effective,12 cases effective,5 cases ineffective,and the total effective rate was 83.33%.Conclusion:Acupoint catgut embedding combined with auricular plaster therapy for vocal tic disorders was effective,being worthy of clinical popularization.

穴位埋线联合耳穴贴压治疗神经性贪食症18例

Prof.Min LI adopted acupoint catgut embedding at Zhōngwǎn(中脘CV12),Tiānshū(天枢ST25),Wèishū(胃俞BL21),Dàchángshū(大肠俞BL25),Zúsānlǐ(足三里ST36),Sānyīnjiāo(三阴交SP6),and Tàichōng(太冲LR3),and combined with auricular plaster therapy at Wèi(胃CO4),Dacháng(大肠CO7),Gān(肝CO12),Jiāogǎn(交感AH6 a),Nèifēnmì(内分泌CO18)for the treatment of 18 cases of bulimia nervosa(BN).The result was that 9 cases were clinically cured,6 cases improved,3 case ineffective,and the total effec-tive rate was 83.33%,no obvious adverse reactions.The therapeutic effect of acupoint catgut embedding combined with auricular plaster therapy for BN is good,without side effects.