Auricular Acupuncture and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia: A Randomised Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective. The most effective nonpharmacological treatment for insomnia disorder is cognitive behavioural therapy-insomnia (CBT-i). However CBT-i may not suit everyone. Auricular acupuncture (AA) is a complementary treatment. Studies show that it may alleviate insomnia symptoms. The aim of this randomised controlled study was to compare treatment effects of AA with CBT-i and evaluate symptoms of insomnia severity, anxiety, and depression. Method. Fifty-nine participants, mean age 60.5 years (SD 9.4), with insomnia disorder were randomised to group treatment with AA or CBT-i. Self-report questionnaires, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Dysfunctional Beliefs and Attitudes about Sleep scale (DBAS-16), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD), were collected at baseline, after treatment, and at 6-month follow-up. A series of linear mixed models were performed to examine treatment effect over time between and within the groups. Results. Significant between-group improvements were seen in favour of CBT-i in ISI after treatment and at the 6-month follow-up and in DBAS-16 after treatment. Both groups showed significant within-group postintervention improvements in ISI, and these changes were maintained six months later. The CBT-i group also showed a significant reduction in DBAS-16 after treatment and six months later. Conclusions. Compared to CBT-i, AA, as offered in this study, cannot be considered an effective stand-alone treatment for insomnia disorder. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01765959.

Effects of Electroacupuncture Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Chronic Insomnia: A Randomized Controlled Study

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The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association protocol, auricular acupuncture to support patients with substance abuse and behavioral health disorders: current perspectives

“…In 2016, Bergdahl et al published a RCT of the NADA protocol compared with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) 59. Men and women who had been using a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic (z-drugs) at least three times a week for ≥6 months and still had insomnia were randomized to receive the NADA protocol (n=32) twice a week for 45 min for 4 weeks or CBT-i (n=35) 90-min sessions once a week for 6 weeks.…”

Adverse event associated with auriculotherapy

“…Auriculotherapy is widely performed for pain relief and weight loss in general acupuncture clinics using a needle, tack, seed, and pellet . In recent years, auriculotherapy has also been used for insomnia and depression . Many cases have been reported of adverse events associated with general acupuncture and moxibustion , but to our knowledge only two cases have been reported of adverse events associated with auriculotherapy and the corresponding use of acupressure pellets .…”