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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Clinical therapeutic effects of body acupuncture and ear acupuncture on juvenile simple obesity and effects on metabolism of blood lipids].

OBJECTIVE: To probe the optimal acupuncture treatment program for juvenile simple obesity. METHODS: Ninety cases were randomly divided into 3 groups: ear acupuncture group, body acupuncture group and control group. The patients of the control group were treated by regulating diet structure, increasing motion and mental direct of slimming, in the body acupuncture group, body acupuncture at Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Tianshu (ST 25), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. were added, and in the ear acupuncture group, acupuncture at ear acupoints Jidian (hunger point), Pizhixia (subcortex), earshenmen, etc. were added. Seventy days later, the therapeutic effects and changes of blood lipids were observed. And they were followed up after one month. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 69.23% in the body acupuncture group, 65.52% in the ear acupuncture group and 26.67% in the control group, with significant differences as the two acupuncture groups compared with the control group. And there were significant differences in total cholesterol (TC) and lower density lipid protein-cholesterol (LDL-C) as the two acupuncture groups compared with the control group. There was no significant difference between the two acupuncture groups in all the indexes. CONCLUSION: Both ear acupuncture and body acupuncture have obvious therapeutic effect on juvenile simple obesity, and have some actions on blood lipids.

Acupuncture↗
PubMed1996

Innovations in acumoxa: acupuncture analgesia, scalp and ear acupuncture in the People's Republic of China.

This paper examines three 'innovations in acumoxa' (zhenjiu) that were promulgated by the Chinese government during the Maoist periods of the Great Leap Forward (1958-61) and the Cultural Revolution (1966-76): acupuncture analgesia (zhenjiu mazui), scalp acupuncture (touzhen) and ear acupuncture (erzhen). They all bear features of Chinese and Western medical practice, a characteristic which has been exploited in Chinese politics of health. On the one hand, the innovations have been promoted for the nationalistic reason in virtue of their being inherently Chinese. On the other hand, by equating Western medical practice with science, they signify modernity and progressiveness. In the late eighties, all still enjoyed official backing. Although they were no longer exclusively practised in government hospitals, they still stood for what they had originally been promulgated. Acupuncture analgesia, while no more practised in the clinic, is still the prototype of a Chinese scientific therapy, now subject to biomedical research in laboratories. Scalp acupuncture, which never became widely known as a modern Chinese-Western innovation, is still being practised exclusively by skilled doctors. Ear acupuncture is now practised also outside government institutions, for the same reasons of being easily applied, easily learnt and extremely economical as it had originally been promulgated. Paradoxically, ear acupuncture, the most popular of the three, was 'discovered' outside China, by a French doctor, and is founded on the principles of reflexology, a therapy that the biomedical establishment does not consider scientific.

Acupuncture Analgesia↗
PubMed2004

[Smoking cessation with ear acupuncture. Descriptive study on patients after a smoking cessation treatment with ear acupuncture].

BACKGROUND: In complementary medicine literature studies on long-term observation of one of its methods are rare. OBJECTIVE: The present study is an evaluation of the smoking behavior of patients treated with ear acupuncture for smoking cessation. Additionally we investigated factors that favor or impede smoking cessation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 249 patients who had undergone ear acupuncture for smoking cessation between 1985 and 1998 in a practice in Aarau (Switzerland) were asked before the first treatment to fill in a form regarding their smoking behavior and retrospectively in autumn 1998 a questionnaire regarding the success of therapy. Ear acupuncture treatment consisted of 2 consultations at an interval of 10 days. The responder rate was 53.8% (134 questionnaires were returned). Finally the data of 126 persons could be evaluated. RESULTS: The Kaplan Meier analysis of the abstinence time yielded a one-year success rate of 41.1%. Men gave up smoking more easily than women. Start of smoking as well as start of treatment between the age of 20 and 40 years were favorable conditions for smoking cessation. People who had smoked 20 cigarettes or more per day before treatment profited the best. For people who smoked as a way of passing the time or because of tediousness it was easier to stop smoking than for people smoking because of nervousness. People living in a non-smoker household were able to stop smoking significantly easier than persons living in a smoker household. CONCLUSIONS: With a one-year success rate of 41.1% ear acupuncture is a competitive alternative to orthodox medicine withdrawal methods. Acupuncture treatment can be applied and adapted individually, furthermore it is economical and without side effects.

Acupuncture, Ear↗
PubMed1979

The effects of stimulation of ear acupuncture points on the body's pain threshold.

Six ear acupuncture points, one non-acupuncture ear point, and the body locus Ho-Ku (LI-4) were electrically stimulated in order to compare the effects of stimulation on the body's pain threshold at selected loci on various points on the body by measurement with a radiation heat-type Pain Meter on 5 subjects. The ear points, with the exception of the non-acupuncture ear point, were found to be effective even in peripheral body regions in varying degrees. Ear stimulation did not increase the threshold as rapidly as Ho-Ku. In all cases where the pain threshold was raised, the effect persisted after electrical stimulation had stopped.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed1989

Diagonal ear-lobe crease: possible significance as cardio-vascular risk factor and its relationship to ear-acupuncture.

The diagonal ear-lobe crease, detectable especially after the age of 40, is still accepted as a sign of coronary heart disease risk. In the literature some authors report an association between anxiety and coronary heart disease. In our work a group of 143 patients with ear-lobe crease showed - in both sexes and in all examined decades (5th, 6th, 7th) - higher levels of anxiety than in the control group. The possible significance of the crease has been considered on the grounds of present knowledge of ear-acupuncture and the somatotopic mapping of CNS on the ear-lobe.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed2006

Electrical ear acupuncture reduces histamine-induced itch (alloknesis).

In order to assess an objective measure for the outcome of ear acupuncture, we evaluated the effect of electrical ear acupuncture on areas of histamine-induced alloknesis in 32 healthy volunteers. In a first assessment 5 min after histamine application on both volar forearms, 16 subjects received right ear and 16 left ear acupuncture. Immediately before and 5 min after acupuncture, alloknesis areas on both forearms were planimetrically evaluated. A second assessment was carried out 4 weeks later with the same patients. They underwent histamine application once more, but received no acupuncture. Alloknesis areas were then compared with reference to time, assessment and therapy side. Forearms relating to ipsilateral acupuncture showed significantly reduced or even no alloknesis areas after therapy. On the contralateral sides and during the "non-acupuncture" assessment 4 weeks later, alloknesis areas were significantly enlarged compared with sides ipsilateral to right and left ear acupuncture. Hence, results verify the effects of electrical ear acupuncture by objective measures.

Acupuncture, Ear↗
PubMed1981

[Effect of ear-acupuncture on the LH-concentration in serum in patients with secondary amenorrhea (author's transl)].

In 13 patients at an age of 17 to 26 years with intermittent or secondary amenorrhea an attempt was made to stimulate the pituitary gland by ear-acupuncture. The objective parameter for the comparison was the concentration of the luteinizing hormone (LH) in the serum during acupuncture and the LH-RH-releasing test. 6 of these patients were subjected to a so-called "placebo-acupuncture" to perform a blind-test. The results showed, that ear-acupuncture caused a significant decrease of the LH-concentration in the serum. The clinical results showing a positive effect of ear-acupuncture in the mentioned types of amenorrhea could therefore be explained as a rebound phenomenon.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed1996

[Effects of ear acupuncture on beta-adrenoreceptor in lung tissues of guinea-pigs with experimental asthma].

The maximal binding volume (Bmax) of beta-adrenoreceptor in the lung tissues of guinea-pigs in health group, experimental asthma group and ear acupuncture treatment group was determined with radiological ligand binding analysis. The results were as follows: (1) the Bmax of beta-adrenoreceptor in lung tissues of guinea-pigs in asthma group (52.4 +/- 20.1 fmol/mg protein) was significantly lower than that of healthy group (106.8 +/- 14.0 fmol/mg protein) (P < 0.01); (2) the Bmax in the lung tissues of guinea-pigs in ear acupuncture treatment group (84.5 +/- 35.1 fmol/mg protein) was significantly higher than that of asthma group (P < 0.02), and was similar to that of healthy group(P > 0.05). These suggested it was one of the mechanisms of ear acupuncture treatment on asthma to increase the number of beta-adrenorecepor in the lung tissues.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ear acupuncture in psychosomatic medicine: the importance of the Sanjiao (triple heater) area.

A group of 50 patients with possible psychosomatic disorders of the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems were treated with Ear acupuncture. Together with a control group of 20 symptomless volunteers they received 4 weekly treatments and a final check of the therapy after 6 weeks. All subjects were examined with the MMPI test, Paykel's scale for stressful life events, and with the SRT scale (Symptom Rating Test) for measuring at each treatment the variations of anxiety, depression and somatisation levels. The results show a similar trend of response to Acupuncture in both groups, which was significantly more pronounced in the stress group for the reduction of the SRT score and the number of Ear acupuncture points. The outer ear was sensitized by stress response in certain recurrent areas, especially of the cavum conchae. The area with the highest relative density of Ear acupoints was the Sanjiao or Triple Heater area.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed2003

Detection of ear acupuncture points by measuring the electrical skin resistance in patients before, during and after orthopedic surgery performed under general anesthesia.

The aim was to study the detection of ear acupuncture points (EAP) by measuring the electrical skin resistance under general anesthesia. EAP with lower skin resistance were examined in 25 patients scheduled for elective orthopedic surgery on the day before, during the operative procedure and a few hours after it. EAP, detected in more than 25% of patients were further analyzed using a logistic regression model and compared to those in 15 healthy volunteers. The following EAP were identified in more than 50% of patients: Clavicle, Lung, Shenmen and points corresponding to the site of surgery. Point Clavicle was found in 16 patients (64%) throughout the study period. Shenmen was detected in 15 patients (60%) before surgery, whereas during and after surgery it was represented in 5 (20%) of them. EAP corresponding to the site of surgery were detected in 20 patients (80%) during the operative procedure. These EAP were detected more frequently in patients in comparison with healthy volunteers. The side of examination showed no significant differences throughout the study. The frequently found patterns of EAP with lower skin resistance in patients during orthopedic surgery can be useful for treatment of preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain relief.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed2005

Ear acupuncture in the control of migraine pain: selecting the right acupoints by the "needle-contact test".

There is increasing evidence that somatic acupuncture can be helpful in migraine treatment, but substantial data on ear acupuncture (EAP) are still lacking. EAP can be useful both in the diagnosis and in the treatment of many medical conditions. As regards the control of migrainous pain, we present a case report in which a procedure called the "needle-contact test" is described in detail. During a migraine attack, the patient undergoes an accurate search for tender points of the outer ear by means of a specific pressure algometer. Once the most sensitive point has been identified, an acupuncture needle is placed in contact with it for about 10 s, without skin penetration. The expected effect is a quick and evident reduction of acute pain. If no appreciable variation in pain intensity occurs within the following 60 s, a second or third attempt is made on other previously identified tender points, until the point at which the patient notices a clear remission of pain is found. In this positive case, the same testing needle can be immediately used for therapy, completely penetrating the skin, and then extracted after about 30 min. Alternatively, a temporary needle can be implanted and left in situ for a variable period of time (1-15 days). This innovative technique allows the identification, with maximum accuracy, of the most effective ear acupoints on migraine pain during acute attacks.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed1988

Ear acupuncture using semi-permanent needles: acceptability, prospects and problems in Nigeria.

Ear acupuncture performed with indwelling auricular semi-permanent (ASP) needles, was used for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and stiffness in 55 Nigerians. The male patients were initially reluctant to have an ASP needle stuck in their auricle, because they feared that the needle would attract embarrassing comments. No female objected to the use of these needles. The longest time an ASP needle remained in situ was 28 days (in a male), while the shortest time was 2 days. There was no associated ear lobe infection or scarification. All seventeen patients with acute torticollis had significant relief of pain and stiffness within 24 hours, scoring less than 25% (residual pain) on the visual analogue scale (VAS). Contrary to speculation auriculo acutherapy using the indwelling needles is acceptable to the Nigerian (male and female). The tropical weather does not necessarily predispose to infection at the site of needle, insertion, provided the area is kept dry. The technique is useful for the relief of musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, and permits the patient to continue self acutherapy at home without the need to return to the clinic. However, these needles are disposable and have to be imported. There is therefore the problem of availability.

Acupuncture Therapy↗
PubMed1994

Combined traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. Relieving effects of Chinese herbs, ear-acupuncture and epidural morphine on postoperative pain in liver cancer.

In the evaluation of Chinese herbs (A), ear-acupuncture (B) and epidural morphine (C) to relieve postoperative pain and abdominal distension, sixteen male patients with primary liver cancer were observed. This study was conducted by means of orthogonal experiment and double blind, randomized design. The patients received various treatments according to the display of the orthogonal table L16(2)15 which corresponds to 2(3) factorial experiment design. C+ (morphine 2 mg) was given before the peritoneum was sutured. A+ (orally administered) and B+ were given 24 hours after operation. 50-100 mg of pethidine was given when the pain intensity VAS (0-100) exceeded 50-70. The observation parameters included plasma leucine enkephalin (LEK), postoperative total dosage of narcotics administered for 5 days, VAS for pain and pain reliever, abdominal distension, urinary retention, constipation, etc. The results were as follows: a. Patients who had received A (A+B+C+, A+B+C-, A+B-C-, A+B-C+); C (C+A+B+, C+A+B-, C+A-B+, C+A-B-), or B (B+A+C+, B+A+C-, B+A-C+, B+A-C-) produced better analgesic effects than those who had received placebo. The A, B, and C reduced narcotics 650, 450 and 550 mg respectively when compared with placebo. The effects of A and C were of statistical significance (P < 0.05), while AB, BC, and AC interactions were not found; b. A and B minimized abdominal distension and urinary retention, while C prolonged them. As compared with the placebo, A and B accelerated restoration of bowel peristalsis (P < 0.05, ANOVA). Both A and B decreased it for 165 hours, while epidural morphine prolonged it for 49 hours; and c.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed1979

Ear-acupuncture relaxation therapy in alcoholics. Report on a follow-up survey.

Ninety-five out of 190 alcoholics treated in 1977 by ear-acupuncture relaxation therapy were selected for a follow-up survey. Sixty-two replied to our letters and were interviewed (by C.F.). Sixteen (25.8%) said that they had maintained total sobriety for over 12 months, while 54 (87%) said that their life-style, drinking pattern and physical and mental health had improved. thus, a significant percentage had been helped to improved health and to a changed way of life.

Acupuncture Therapy↗