The Effect of Auricular Acupoint Stimulation in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of auricular acupoint stimulation on overweight and obese adults. Methods We searched databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the PerioPath Index to Taiwan Periodical Literature. The modified Jadad scale was used to assess study quality. We investigated the effect of auricular acupoint stimulation on anthropometric measurements. Results Eighteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in our systematic review. Thirteen RCTs were pooled in a meta-analysis that revealed a significant reduction in body weight (BW) with a mean difference (MD) of −1.21 kg and a 95% confidence interval (CI) from −1.94 to −0.47 with a heterogeneity of I2 = 88%. Significant decreases in body mass index (BMI; MD: −0.57 kg/m2; 95% CI −0.82 to −0.33; I2 = 78%), body fat (BF; MD: −0.83%; 95% CI −1.43 to −0.24; I2 = 0%), and waist circumference (WC; MD: −1.75 cm; 95% CI −2.95 to −0.55; I2 = 87%) were also revealed. Conclusions This meta-analysis shows that auricular acupoint stimulation improves physical anthropometric parameters including BW, BMI, BF, and WC in overweight and obese adults. These methods are less effective on hip circumference and waist-to-hip ratio.

Acupuncture and Related Therapies for Obesity: A Network Meta‐Analysis

“…As mentioned in the meta-analysis, combination of acupuncture and lifestyle modification is more effective compared with lifestyle modification alone [ 12 ]. Results of Yeh's research suggested that ear acupoint stimulation had remarkable improvements in the anthropometric parameters of Body Weight (BW), BMI, and so on [ 13 ]. In addition, another systematic review performed in 2015 has also shown that clinical efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding therapy was better than that of the control group for simple obesity [ 14 ].…”

Electric stimulation of ears accelerates body weight loss mediated by high-fat to low-fat diet switch accompanied by increased white adipose tissue browning in C57BL/6 J mice

“…Ear skin (locating in concha) has the greatest density of branches of the vagus nerves derived from the superior jugular ganglion of the vagus [ 7 ]. Therefore, application of auricular VNS or acupuncture in weight reduction is common, an effect mainly attributable to the suppressed appetite [ 8 – 11 ]. Recently, auricular VNS was reported to increase brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity [ 12 , 13 ].…”

The effect of ear acupressure (auriculotherapy) on sexual function of lactating women: protocol of a randomized sham controlled trial

“…Therefore, the therapist and clients can develop a sense of closeness, trust, and confidence [20]. Several studies have shown promising results about the effect of ear acupressure on insomnia [20,22], menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea [21,23,24], premenstrual pain [25], chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting [26], smoking cessation [27], obesity [18], and shortness of breath [28]. In the study of Oakley et al, acupuncture was affective in premenopausal women with sexual function [43].…”

“…The external ear is one of the several somatotopic microsystems that can be used in acupressure. Ear acupressure, also known as auriculotherapy or auricular acupressure [15,16], was first presented in ancient Chinese medicine (300 to 500 years BC), but Dr. Paul Nogier was the first Western physician who put forward auriculotherapy in a scientific way [13,17,18]. According to this theory, each part of the body is associated with a specific part of the ear that reflects the physiological or pathological state of the body [13].…”

“…In this method, the outer surface of the ear (auricle) can be stimulated to reduce pathological conditions in other parts of the body [13]. Ear stimulation can be performed in various ways such as manual finger pressure, electrical stimulation, lasers, different types of needles, magnetic seeds, and seeds to strengthen neural connections [18]. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized ear acupuncture as a promising therapeutic approach, because of its efficacy in managing health disorders [15].…”