Auricular Acupuncture for Anxiety in Health Care Volunteers: Randomized Crossover Study Comparing Real and Sham Needles

TL;DRAbstract

Introduction: Several reports in the literature indicate that auricular acupuncture/acupressure is effective for reducing anxiety in the perioperative period, during ambulance transport, and before dental treatment. Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the anxiolytic-sedative effect of ear acupuncture on health care volunteers, comparing the effect of real and sham needles in a randomized, single-blinded, crossover study. Methods: Twenty health care volunteers (11 males, 9 females, ages 24– 44, average 33.5 years) were enrolled and treated in a random order, twice 2 weeks apart, with real and sham needles. The needles were applied for 20 minutes and then removed. The anxiolytic effect was measured, before and after treatment, with a numeric rating scale (NRS) anxiety score and a State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y) State anxiety score. The sedative effect of acupuncture was scored with the Bispectral Index System (BIS) at baseline and during the treatment at 5, 10, 15, and

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