Comparison of Magnetic Auriculotherapy, Laser Auriculotherapy and Their Combination for Treatment of Insomnia in the Elderly: A Double-Blinded Randomised Trial

Abstract

Background. Insomnia is common amongst the elderly. With the adverse effects of prolonged use of hypnotics, the exploration of noninvasive and nonpharmacological complementary methods for insomnia is warranted. Auriculotherapy (AT) is a therapeutic approach where specific points on the auricle are stimulated to manage various physiological disorders. The purpose of this study is to determine the desirable treatment modality using AT to improve the sleep conditions of the elderly. Methods. A three-arm double-blinded randomised trial was conducted on 145 eligible subjects. This study investigated three minimally invasive procedures, namely, laser auriculotherapy (LAT), magneto-auriculotherapy (MAT), and their combination. Seven auricular points were used. Treatment was performed three times a week, for six weeks. Subjects were assessed at baseline, six weeks, and follow-up after six weeks, three months, and six months. Generalised estimating equations were used to evaluate interactions amongst the groups over time based on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), sleep parameters using actigraphic monitoring, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using SF-12, and PHQ-9 for depression status. Results. The treatment effects of the three procedures were comparable. Significant improvements were found in all of the subjective measures (PSQI, HRQOL, and PHQ-9) for individual groups over time. Improvements in the objective sleep parameters using actigraphic monitoring were detected in subjects who received MAT procedures but not in those who received LAT. The combined MAT and LAT approach did not show any advantage over MAT. Conclusions. The treatment effects of the three procedures were comparable in subjective parameters but not by objective measures using actigraphic monitoring. Longer therapeutic course and more frequent administration of LAT may be considered in future trials to achieve the optimal treatment effect. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02970695, registered May 2016.

Efficacy of Auricular Acupressure in Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Firstly, based on TCM, the stimulation of AA regulates Qi and blood in the body, activates meridians and collaterals, and finally achieves the balance of yin-yang and maintains the function of internal organs [ 41 ]. Secondly, according to neuroembryonic theory, Dr. Nogier viewed the ear as a simulation of an inverted fetus within the womb, which provides acupressure points corresponding to different parts of the human body [ 42 ]. The levels of cortisol, 5-hydroxytryptamine, and norepinephrine could be modulated by AA in neural pathways [ 43 ].…”

Vitamin B6 Effects on Breast Pain in Women of Reproductive Age: A Systematic Review

“…Auriculotherapy is a common Chinese medicine approach in which specific points on the auricle are stimulated to treat various disorders. Different tools such as acupuncture and press tack needles can be applied on the auricular points located on the external ear (34). In one study, the effects of auriculotherapy were superior versus placebo on back pain (35).…”

Uso Isolado E Combinado Da Reflexoterapia Podal E Auriculoterapia Para Lombalgia Aguda: Ensaio Clínico Randomizado

“…A amostragem foi do tipo probabilística e o tamanho da amostra foi calculado no programa Open Source Epidemiologic Statistics for Public Health (OpenEpi) 3.03a da Emory University, Escola Rollins de Saúde Pública, Atlanta, EUA. O cálculo foi realizado com base em dois estudos (5,14) , visto que não foram encontradas publicações relacionadas ao tema no formato que este estudo propõe. O primeiro (5), descreveu os efeitos da reflexoterapia podal no alívio da dor lombar aguda, ao qual observou a média de intensidade de dor de 4,26±1,44, no grupo controle, e 0,24±0,43, no grupo experimental.…”

“…Já o segundo estudo (14) , empregado para análise do cálculo amostral, discutiu as evidências da eficácia da magnetoterapia no alívio da dor lombar. No final do estudo, foi observado escores médios de intensidade de dor de 2,27±0,5, no grupo controle, e 1,87±0,68, no experimental (14) . Considerando um intervalo de confiança de 95%, poder de 80%, seriam necessários 40 participantes em cada grupo.…”