The Effect of Ear Reflexotherapy on Back Pain of Working Women in Middle Age

The Effect of Auricular Acupressure for Chronic Low Back Pain in Elders

“…The sample size for this study was calculated using G*Power 3.1.9.4. We used the significance level = .05, 80% power, effect size = 0.70, and dropout rate = 20% based on the previous study 27. Thirty-one eligible participants were assigned to each of the groups (Figure 1).…”

“…According to the previous studies, the auricular acupoints for the experimental group were used the 3 points for alleviating pain (shenmen, lumbosacral vertebrae, and hip), and the 2 points for the harmonization of qi (liver and kidney) (Figure 2). 6,15,17,27 The auricular acupoints for the placebo control group were helix 1-4 and helix node, which are unrelated to low back pain (Figure 2). 15 The researcher applied the seeds once a week for 6 weeks, and the seeds stayed on the ear for 5 days and the participants were instructed to remove them on day 6 6.…”

“…The AA conducted in this study was based on that of previous studies. 6,15,17,27 The researcher assessed a participant's ear condition and sterilized one ear by alcohol swab to apply AA. Participants applied AA alternatively on both ears.…”

“…6 The participants were educated on how to press the Auricular acupressure for the experimental (left) and placebo control groups (right). 6,15,17,27 seeds with the thumb and forefinger. 6,15,17 Participants were taught to apply pressure on the seeds at least 3 times a day for 3 minutes each time even if they did not have low back pain at that time.…”

“…FIGURE 2. Auricular acupressure for the experimental (left) and placebo control groups (right) 6,15,17,27. …”