Introduction: Auricular acupuncture is a therapeutic practice that originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves the stimulation of five specific auricular points through the insertion of sterile disposable needles, electrostimulation, or the application of *Vaccaria* seeds. Each point corresponds to a distinct physiological or psychological function, depending on the targeted therapeutic outcome. Treatment sessions may vary in format but are commonly conducted in group settings, with multiple weekly sessions lasting approximately 30–40 minutes. Over time, both the frequency and intensity of these sessions are progressively reduced. The primary indication for auricular acupuncture is the management of various forms of addiction; however, evidence also supports its effectiveness in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and neonatal abstinence syndrome in infants born to substance-dependent mothers. Objective: The aim of this thesis is to analyze and promote awareness of auricular acupuncture as an adjunctive or alternative approach to conventional pharmacological therapies. The study seeks to illustrate the technique, explore its clinical applications, and assess its efficacy among treated individuals, while also identifying potential benefits and limitations associated with its use. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted through a narrative review of the literature, utilizing major scientific databases including PubMed, Wiley Online Library, MDPI, BMC Medicine, and ISTAT. The selection criteria included articles published between 2014 and 2025. The review process was structured according to the PICO methodology. Results: The reviewed literature highlights the efficacy of auricular acupuncture in the majority of studies, demonstrating positive outcomes in the reduction of addictive behaviors as well as in patients suffering from anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Nevertheless, some studies reported less conclusive findings, primarily due to methodological limitations such as small sample sizes, poor participant adherence resulting in limited long-term follow-up, and the absence of standardized assessment tools or objective measurement instruments to evaluate clinical effectiveness. Conclusion: Auricular acupuncture emerges as a valuable therapeutic resource, particularly in settings where pharmacological intervention may not be necessary or desirable. The treatment has shown positive clinical effects across a range of conditions. Despite the need for further research to standardize the technique, establish clinical protocols, and clarify underlying mechanisms of action, auricular acupuncture represents a promising complementary or alternative therapeutic option to conventional pharmacological treatment.
Introduzione: L’agopuntura auricolare è una terapia che nasce dalla medicina cinese. Attraverso l’inserimento di piccoli aghi monouso sterili, elettrostimolazione o semi di Vaccaria, si stimolano così i 5 punti auricolari, al quale ognuno corrisponde una funzione ben precisa in base a cosa vogliamo mirare. La seduta può avere diverse modalità, solitamente si fa in gruppo e si fanno più sedute a settimana di circa 30-40 minuti che poi andranno a scalare di frequenza ed intensità con il tempo. La sua principale indicazione è per il trattamento delle dipendenze di ogni genere, ma trova efficacia anche in disturbi come ansia, depressione, dolore cronico o neonati affetti da sindrome da astinenza con madri tossicodipendenti. Obiettivo: l’obiettivo di questa tesi è analizzare e far conoscere l’agopuntura auricolare come trattamento coadiuvante o alternativo alla normale terapia farmacologica, evidenziandone la tecnica, le applicazioni cliniche e la sua efficacia a chi viene sottoposta; facendo emergere quali possono essere gli eventuali limiti e benefici. Materiali e metodi: la ricerca è stata fatta attraverso una revisione narrativa della letteratura, utilizzando le principali banche dati, quali: PubMed,Wiley Online Library, MDPI, BMC Medicine, ISTAT. La selezione è stata fatta scegliendo gli articoli dal 2014 al 2025. La ricerca, inoltre, è stata effettuata seguendo la metodologia PICO. Risultati: La letteratura ha evidenziato l’efficacia dell’agopuntura auricolare nella maggior parte dei casi, producendo effetti positivi nella riduzione delle dipendenze, in pazienti con ansia, depressione e dolore cronico. Tuttavia, non tutti gli studi si sono dimostrati positivi per la presenza di alcuni limiti: come il numero basso di persone esaminate negli studi scientifici, la scarsa aderenza e quindi la mancanza di follow-up a lungo termine e studi che non utilizzano scale o materiale obbiettivo per valutarne l’effettiva validità. Conclusione: L’agopuntura auricolare risulta una risorsa importante, soprattutto nei contesti dove non sia necessaria una terapia farmacologica, avendo prodotto effetti positivi. Mal grado siano necessari ulteriori studi per standardizzare la tecnica, protocolli e meccanismi d’azione, rappresenta una valida risorsa per il futuro in alternativa o coadiuvante ad una terapia farmacologica.
“Agopuntura auricolare: Principi, Applicazioni e prospettive cliniche”
DIGNANI, ELENA
2024/2025
Abstract
Introduction: Auricular acupuncture is a therapeutic practice that originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves the stimulation of five specific auricular points through the insertion of sterile disposable needles, electrostimulation, or the application of *Vaccaria* seeds. Each point corresponds to a distinct physiological or psychological function, depending on the targeted therapeutic outcome. Treatment sessions may vary in format but are commonly conducted in group settings, with multiple weekly sessions lasting approximately 30–40 minutes. Over time, both the frequency and intensity of these sessions are progressively reduced. The primary indication for auricular acupuncture is the management of various forms of addiction; however, evidence also supports its effectiveness in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and neonatal abstinence syndrome in infants born to substance-dependent mothers. Objective: The aim of this thesis is to analyze and promote awareness of auricular acupuncture as an adjunctive or alternative approach to conventional pharmacological therapies. The study seeks to illustrate the technique, explore its clinical applications, and assess its efficacy among treated individuals, while also identifying potential benefits and limitations associated with its use. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted through a narrative review of the literature, utilizing major scientific databases including PubMed, Wiley Online Library, MDPI, BMC Medicine, and ISTAT. The selection criteria included articles published between 2014 and 2025. The review process was structured according to the PICO methodology. Results: The reviewed literature highlights the efficacy of auricular acupuncture in the majority of studies, demonstrating positive outcomes in the reduction of addictive behaviors as well as in patients suffering from anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Nevertheless, some studies reported less conclusive findings, primarily due to methodological limitations such as small sample sizes, poor participant adherence resulting in limited long-term follow-up, and the absence of standardized assessment tools or objective measurement instruments to evaluate clinical effectiveness. Conclusion: Auricular acupuncture emerges as a valuable therapeutic resource, particularly in settings where pharmacological intervention may not be necessary or desirable. The treatment has shown positive clinical effects across a range of conditions. Despite the need for further research to standardize the technique, establish clinical protocols, and clarify underlying mechanisms of action, auricular acupuncture represents a promising complementary or alternative therapeutic option to conventional pharmacological treatment.| File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12075/23986