IntroductionDespite improved research in the treatment, depression remains difficult to treat. Till date, successful treatment of depression using taping therapy has not been known yet. We report cases where patients with severe depressive symptoms were successfully treated by taping therapy, a new approach.MethodsIn case 1, a patient was taking several psychiatric medications for 10 years and admitted often to the psychiatric hospital with a leaning head, flexible legs, and nearly closed eyes; in case 2, a patient after a hysterectomy complained with heart palpitations, depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, insomnia, and gastrointestinal problems; and in case 3, a patient with complaints of adverse effects from antidepressant medications had suicidal thoughts frequently. The medical tapes were placed on acupoints, trigger points, and pain points found by finger pressing examination in the chest, sides, and upper back of the patients.ResultsIn case 1, the patient started weeping immediately after the first treatment. He discontinued psychiatric drugs and returned to baseline functioning after 2 months. In case 2, the patient felt at ease showing decreased palpitation immediately after the first treatment, and after 1 week, she quit medications. In case 3, the patient experienced a sense of calmness following the first treatment and recovered from her symptoms after 2 weeks.ConclusionThese results suggest the following key points: examination of acupoints and trigger points of chest, sides, and upper back is useful in the assessment of depression; regulating bioelectric currents on these points is helpful in the treatment of depression; and depression can be treated successfully with taping therapy.

Introduction Given the role of perceived stress in disability and suicidality in the military, intervening early before service members become at risk for severe injuries, hospitalizations, and chronic disability could improve health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility and acceptability of a standardized stress acupuncture (SSA) approach on perceived stress in U.S. military personnel. This study had the following aims: examine feasibility of recruitment for SSA and implementation of study procedures in preparation for a methodologically rigorous study; examine acceptability of SSA treatment in a sample of military personnel with perceived stress; and examine change in perceived stress and general health before and after SSA. Materials and Methods This was a single-arm, single-site study protocol which assessed the feasibility of SSA in 16 patients with perceived stress. Upon IRB approval and written informed consent, the participants received 4 weekly sessions of SSA which consisted of 6 acupuncture points. Results This study showed that recruitment and implementation of SSA is feasible in service members. Service members found SSA to be acceptable. Statistically significant increases were found on the energy/fatigue, well-being, and social functioning components of the Short Form Health Survey (SF 36) (reliable change: 50%, 56%, and 25% respectively, Cohen's d = 0.72-0.78, all p < 0.05). A statistically significant decrease in perceived stress based was found on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (reliable change 63%, Cohen's d = 1.03, p = 0.001). Conclusion These results suggest that SSA is a feasible and acceptable treatment for perceived stress in military personnel. Preliminary findings suggest that SSA may be useful in improving energy/fatigue, social functioning, and perceived stress of service members.

This RCT and mixed-methods study examined the difference between two groups receiving the following interventions: (1) brief manual standardized stress acupuncture (MSSA) combined with an abbreviated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ACBT) versus (2) ACBT alone. Three study aims: Aim (1): Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were analyzed using descriptive summaries, linear regression, and reliable change index (RCI). Aim (2): Journal entries were analyzed using content analysis. Aim (3): Acupuncture Expectancy Scale (AES) scores were analyzed using paired t-test and RCI. Aim (1): Both groups demonstrated similar improvements in the ISI scores ( p = .480). Aim (2): The ACBT/MSSA group reported greater benefits in sleep and in other life areas including mental, physical, and social functioning. Aim (3): The AES showed that 21.6% had a clinically meaningful increase in expectations in the effect of acupuncture for stress ( p = .965). The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04031365) at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04031365 on July 24, 2019.

who have given me scholarly advice and timely feedback from across oceans as I completed this dissertation in Okinawa, Japan. Without their extensive mentorship, this project would not have been possible. I would like to thank all of my professors at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing's PhD program. With their passion in research, they have taught me how to be a diligent scientist and take this profession with great responsibility and accountability. I am especially thankful to Dr. Susie Adams for being my cheerleader throughout my graduate career. She is a true mentor, leader, and friend. I express my sincerest gratitude to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Jeric Leones, Commander Lucas Johnson, Lieutenant Kobie Smith, Ms. Silvia Olvera, L.Ac, and RN George Harris with whom I had the pleasure of working with during this dissertation. Their genuine kindness has helped me sustain my enthusiasm in launching this dissertation. My appreciation also extends to Captain David Burke who provided me gracious support in integrating my research in the outpatient mental health clinic. I am fully indebted to our U.S. military service members who supported and participated in this study. Their unwavering dedication and service to our country is the reason why this research is a worthwhile undertaking. Special thanks to my friend, Sheena, for checking on my well-being despite being 6, 263 miles away. Most of all, I owe the success of this dissertation to my loving husband, Richard, and my two wonderful children, Charity and Sebastian, who provide unrelenting encouragement, inspiration, and love. v

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