Additional value of auricular intradermal acupuncture alongside selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: a single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled preliminary clinical study

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the antidepressant effects of auricular intradermal acupuncture (AIA) of areas innervated by both the auricular branch of the vagus nerve and the trigeminal nerve. Methods: Forty-nine patients with depression were randomly allocated into an AIA group ( n = 25) and a sham AIA group ( n = 24). Both groups received selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as conventional treatment. The AIA group received AIA stimulation, and the sham AIA group received sham AIA, which constituted being subjected to an attached needle that did not penetrate the skin. The needles were retained for 4 h each session, with five sessions a week for a total duration of 2 weeks. The outcomes were assessed by the 17-item Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD-17), five factors (sleep disorder, retardation, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety/somatization, and weight) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) at weeks 0, 1, and 2. Results: Fifty-four patients were randomly assigned to the AIA ( n = 27) and sham AIA group ( n = 27), of whom 25 patients in the AIA and 24 patients in the sham AIA group were analyzed. AIA-treated patients displayed a significantly greater reduction from baseline in HAMD-17 scores ( p = 0.03) and SDS scores ( p = 0.02) at week 2 compared to patients receiving sham AIA. The AIA intervention also produced a higher rate of clinically significant responses in sleep disorders ( p = 0.07) compared to sham AIA. No adverse events occurred in either group. Conclusion: According to the findings of this preliminary study, AIA appears to have additional value compared to SSRIs alone in treating patients with depressive disorder.

A Literature Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Tobacco Cessation Using Auricular Acupuncture and Auricular Acupressure

“…In the case of relaxation, the auricular branch of the vagus nerve is stimulated during treatment, leading to an increase in parasympathetic nerve activity and modification of both autonomic and central nervous system activity [36]. The representative acupoints for relaxation are MA-TF1 and Sympathetic (MA-AH6), and auricular acupressure applied to auricular acupoints has various positive effects including improvement in quality of sleep, and reduced blood pressure [37][38][39]; auricular acupuncture also reduces symptoms of depression [40].…”

Optimizing Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder in Adolescents: The Impact of Intradermal Acupuncture - A Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

“…When compared to treatment with SSRIs alone, AIA demonstrates added therapeutic benefits in the management of patients suffering from MDD. 52 The acupoints that have been determined to be commonly utilized in the treatment of MDD have been identified by our research team through the process of data mining. 53 The most frequently used acupoints are Baihui (GV20), Taichong (LR3), Neiguan (PC6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Yintang (GV29), and Shenmen (HT7).…”

Deciphering Post-Stroke Sleep Disorders: Unveiling Neurological Mechanisms in the Realm of Brain Science

“…Another investigation into patients with sleep disorders had significantly higher OxA levels than normal (63.42 ± 37.56 vs. 54.84 ± 23.95 pg/mL) [157]. Studies suggested that transcranial repetitive needle stimulation may alleviate post-stroke sleep disorders by reducing serum OxA levels [157,158].…”