Medicines

Editorial

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5 pages, 572 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Ear Acupuncture according to the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association)

by Gerhard Litscher

Medicines 2019, 6(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines6020044 - 31 Mar 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6843

Abstract

This editorial is a brief report on the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) ear acupuncture and is intended to briefly summarize the main scientific work. The complementary addiction-detoxification auricular acupuncture method has not been sufficiently experimentally explored in many areas. There have been [...] Read more.

This editorial is a brief report on the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) ear acupuncture and is intended to briefly summarize the main scientific work. The complementary addiction-detoxification auricular acupuncture method has not been sufficiently experimentally explored in many areas. There have been clinical studies, some of which contradict the success. A total of 27 referenced publications were found that refer to the method that has existed for many decades and should be briefly listed here. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Auricular Medicine: Gateway to the Brain in Healing)

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5 pages, 1111 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Nogier Reflex: Physiological and Experimental Results in Auricular Medicine–A New Hypothesis

by Gerhard Litscher, Theodoros Yannacopoulos and Peter Kreisl

Medicines 2018, 5(4), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5040132 - 12 Dec 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 11430

Abstract

This editorial describes a new hypothesis concerning the nature and possible mechanisms of the Nogier reflex or reflex auriculo-cardiac (RAC; also vascular autonomic signal VAS). A multimodal concept for future RAC research is proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Auricular Medicine: Gateway to the Brain in Healing)

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3 pages, 353 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Laser Acupuncture and Heart Rate Variability—Scientific Considerations

by Gerhard Litscher

Medicines 2018, 5(2), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5020043 - 7 May 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3690

Abstract

n/a Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Auricular Medicine: Gateway to the Brain in Healing)

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Research

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9 pages, 3578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Differences in Laser Acupuncture—Results of a Crossover Study with Green and Yellow Laser at the Ear Point Shenmen

by Daniela Litscher, Junying Wang, Gerhard Litscher, Guangzong Li, Peggy Bosch, Maurits Van den Noort and Lu Wang

Medicines 2018, 5(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5010024 - 15 Mar 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6012

Abstract

Background: One of the most commonly used auricular acupuncture points selected for different pain treatment regimens is Shenmen. This point on the ear has been recognized as having a wide number of applications, as found by scientific investigation. Methods: Within this crossover study, [...] Read more.

Background: One of the most commonly used auricular acupuncture points selected for different pain treatment regimens is Shenmen. This point on the ear has been recognized as having a wide number of applications, as found by scientific investigation. Methods: Within this crossover study, the ear acupoint Shenmen was stimulated with two different kinds of laser (green, 532 nm and yellow, 589 nm) in 22 healthy volunteers (13 female, 9 male; mean age ± SD = 25.3 ± 4.1 years; range 21–36 years). Both green and yellow lasers were used for 15 min in the same volunteers in two different sessions. Results: The most prominent finding was that systolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p = 0.048) after yellow laser stimulation. Heart rate also decreased significantly (p < 0.001), whereas heart rate variability ratio low frequency (LF)/high frequency (HF) (p < 0.001) increased. The effects were significantly more pronounced in females than in males. In addition, the temperature was measured, and temperature increases were demonstrated at different locations on the ear using imaging methods. Conclusions: This study shows evidence of the effect of auricular laser acupuncture. However, a comparison with other publications was impossible because this is the first study using green and yellow laser stimulation on the ear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Auricular Medicine: Gateway to the Brain in Healing)

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Graphical abstract

12 pages, 757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NADA Protocol for Behavioral Health. Putting Tools in the Hands of Behavioral Health Providers: The Case for Auricular Detoxification Specialists

by Elizabeth B Stuyt, Claudia A Voyles and Sara Bursac

Medicines 2018, 5(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5010020 - 7 Feb 2018

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 11216

Abstract

Background: The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol, a simple standardized auricular treatment has the potential to provide vast public health relief on issues currently challenging our world. This includes but is not limited to addiction, such as the opioid epidemic, but also [...] Read more.

Background: The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol, a simple standardized auricular treatment has the potential to provide vast public health relief on issues currently challenging our world. This includes but is not limited to addiction, such as the opioid epidemic, but also encompasses mental health, trauma, PTSD, chronic stress, and the symptoms associated with these conditions. Simple accessible tools that improve outcomes can make profound differences. We assert that the NADA protocol can have greatest impact when broadly applied by behavioral health professionals, Auricular Detoxification Specialists (ADSes). Methods: The concept of ADS is described and how current laws vary from state to state. Using available national data, a survey of practitioners in three selected states with vastly different laws regarding ADSes, and interviews of publicly funded programs which are successfully incorporating the NADA protocol, we consider possible effects of ADS-friendly conditions. Results: Data presented supports the idea that conditions conducive to ADS practice lead to greater implementation. Program interviews reflect settings in which adding ADSes can in turn lead to improved outcomes. Discussion: The primary purpose of non-acupuncturist ADSes is to expand the access of this simple but effective treatment to all who are suffering from addictions, stress, or trauma and to allow programs to incorporate acupuncture in the form of the NADA protocol at minimal cost, when and where it is needed. States that have changed laws to allow ADS practice for this standardized ear acupuncture protocol have seen increased access to this treatment, benefiting both patients and the programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Auricular Medicine: Gateway to the Brain in Healing)

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958 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Auricular Signals and the Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome

by Lorna Kwai Ping Suen, Chao Hsing Yeh, Simon Kai Wang Yeung, Jojo Yee Mei Kwan, Hon Fat Wong, David Chan, Alice Siu Ping Cheung and Vincent Tok Fai Yeung

Medicines 2017, 4(3), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines4030045 - 25 Jun 2017

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6740

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to determine the association between auricular signals and the risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: A case-control study with an equal number of cases and controls matched by age group and gender was conducted. A total of 204 [...] Read more.

Objective: This study aims to determine the association between auricular signals and the risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: A case-control study with an equal number of cases and controls matched by age group and gender was conducted. A total of 204 participants were recruited. Patients were verified as having MS based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Auricular assessment was conducted in the following sequence: visual inspection, electrical skin resistance test (ESRT), and pressure pain test (PPT). Results: MS+ patients tend to have much more oily auricle complexion than the controls. The ‘endocrine’ (right) of the participants with MS indicated a significantly higher electrical conductivity compared to that of the controls. The MS group participants experienced significant tenderness on the ‘heart’ and ‘endocrine’ acupoints. A number of auricular signals were also associated with the risk factors of MS, including age, gender, smoking status, family history of diabetes, and comorbid illnesses. Both the ‘heart’ and ‘endocrine’ acupoints showed the highest sensitivity to tenderness (60.8%), followed by the ‘endocrine’ (59.8%) and ‘pancreas and gallbladder’ (55.9%). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that electrical conductivity and tenderness of a number of auricular points, including the ‘heart’, ‘pancreas and gall bladder’, and ‘endocrine’, are associated with MS and its risk factors. Further investigations with a larger sample size could be conducted to verify the value of these auricular signals on MS risk prediction so that this method can be used as an early screening method for the population with a high MS risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Auricular Medicine: Gateway to the Brain in Healing)

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Review

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12 pages, 1202 KiB

Open AccessReview

Auricular Neuromodulation: The Emerging Concept beyond the Stimulation of Vagus and Trigeminal Nerves

by Beniamina Mercante, Franca Deriu and Claire-Marie Rangon

Medicines 2018, 5(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5010010 - 21 Jan 2018

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 14525

Abstract

Neuromodulation, thanks to intrinsic and extrinsic brain feedback loops, seems to be the best way to exploit brain plasticity for therapeutic purposes. In the past years, there has been tremendous advances in the field of non-pharmacological modulation of brain activity. This review of [...] Read more.

Neuromodulation, thanks to intrinsic and extrinsic brain feedback loops, seems to be the best way to exploit brain plasticity for therapeutic purposes. In the past years, there has been tremendous advances in the field of non-pharmacological modulation of brain activity. This review of different neurostimulation techniques will focus on sites and mechanisms of both transcutaneous vagus and trigeminal nerve stimulation. These methods are scientifically validated non-invasive bottom-up brain modulation techniques, easily implemented from the outer ear. In the light of this, auricles could transpire to be the most affordable target for non-invasive manipulation of central nervous system functions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Auricular Medicine: Gateway to the Brain in Healing)

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Other

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396 KiB

Open AccessMeeting Report

Report from the 9th International Symposium on Auriculotherapy Held in Singapore, 10–12 August 2017

by Im Quah-Smith, Gerhard Litscher, Peijing Rong, Terry Oleson, Gary Stanton, Arnyce Pock, Richard Niemtzow, Steven Aung and Raphael Nogier

Medicines 2017, 4(3), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines4030046 - 26 Jun 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 9352

Abstract

Auricular interventions also known as auriculotherapy, auricular medicine and ear acupuncture depending on practice locale, has come of age and has gained the attention of the wider medical community in recent years.[...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Auricular Medicine: Gateway to the Brain in Healing)

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