Effectiveness of auriculotherapy for anxiety, stress or burnout in health professionals: a network meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the effectiveness of auriculotherapy, when compared to the control group, placebo or usual treatment for anxiety, stress or burnout in health professionals. Method: a systematic review conducted in nine information sources, being selected experimental or quasi-experimental studies with auriculotherapy intervention in health professionals, compared to control, placebo or usual treatment groups. Descriptive analysis and network meta-analysis by means of direct and indirect comparison. Quality of the outcomes was assessed with the Confidence in Network Meta-analysis. Results: 15 articles were included: 66.6% with Nursing teams and 53.3% with interventions involving semi-permanent needles. The shen men, brainstem, kidney, sympathetic, lung and liver acupoints predominated. There was a reduction in anxiety with semi-permanent needles (CI -8.18, -6.10), magnetic palettes (CI -7.76, -5.54), placebo (CI -5.47, -3.36) and seeds (CI -6.35, -4.05); as well as in stress with semi-permanent needles (CI -37.21, -10.88) and seeds with (CI -28.14, -11.70) and without a closed protocol (CI -36.42, -10.76). Meta-analysis was unfeasible for burnout; however, significant reductions were verified when it was treated with auriculotherapy. Conclusion: Auriculotherapy is effective to reduce anxiety and stress in health professionals; however, this assertion cannot be made in the case of burnout. It was evidenced that workers’ health is favored with the use of auriculotherapy.

The Effectiveness of Ear Acupuncture on Quality of Life and Emotional Disorders in Nursing Professionals During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…These findings are consistent with other studies that have also found positive results in improving quality of life [18,19], and in reducing levels of stress, anxiety, and depression [16,17,35,36] in nursing professionals as well as in other populations. It should also be noted that, to date, no studies evaluating the effect of EA on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in nursing professionals who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic have been found.…”

Auriculotherapy for reducing chronic spinal pain in health workers: a clinical trial

“…The findings of this study show that auriculotherapy is a beneficial device to keep workers with positive vigor and energy levels. In addition to that, it proves to be advantageous practice for relieving depressive and/or anxious emotional symptoms ( 11 ) , avoiding interference in activities of daily living.…”

“…This effect can occur due to psychological mechanisms involved during the process, such as beliefs, previous experiences and personal motivation ( 41 ) . The bond between individual and therapist ( 11 ) should also be considered, in view of the frequency of weekly meetings, which can increase positive expectations in relation to the intervention. In addition to that, through sensory and social stimuli, placebos can induce biochemical and cellular changes in people’s brains, being able to simulate and present beneficial responses ( 41 ) .…”

“…In this context, auriculotherapy stands out, an ancient practice based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. It resorts to the stimulation of reflex points in the ear, using seeds, metallic spheres and/or crystals, semi-permanent and/or filiform needles ( 11 ) . From this starting point, it can generate a symptom-relieving action in organs or body regions, by fostering the release of endorphins into the bloodstream for pain relief ( 3 ) .…”

“…From this starting point, it can generate a symptom-relieving action in organs or body regions, by fostering the release of endorphins into the bloodstream for pain relief ( 3 ) . Thus, it favors body homeostasis ( 3 , 11 ) , promoting psychological-organic regulation in the individual.…”