The effects of auricular acupressure on blood pressure, stress, and sleep in elders with essential hypertension: a randomized single-blind sham-controlled trial

Abstract

Aim Reduction of blood pressure and improvement of stress and sleep disorders in patients with essential hypertension were important factors. Auricular acupressure was an appropriate complementary therapy for the elderly with essential hypertension for whom pharmacological therapy was not available. Methods and results This study was a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. The experimental group (n = 23) received 8 weeks of auricular acupressure intervention on specific acupoints (superior triangular fossa, Shenmen, kidney, heart, occiput) related to blood pressure, pulse rate, stress, and sleep, whereas the control group (n = 23) received auricular acupressure on nonspecific acupoints. The primary outcomes were the systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured weekly. The secondary outcomes were the pulse rate, heart rate variability, actigraphy measured through Fitbit, and the PSQI were measured before and after the experiment. There were statistically significant differences in systolic blood pressure (F = 5.67, p = .022), diastolic blood pressure (17.53, p < .001), and pulse rate (F = 6.78, p = .013) over time. Stress index (χ2 = 2.12, p = .040) and sleep efficiency (χ2 = 3.57, p = .001) were also significantly different before and after the experiment. However, there was no significant difference in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Conclusion The findings showed that auricular acupressure leads to improvements in blood pressure, stress, and sleep in elderly people with essential hypertension. Therefore, auricular acupressure can be used as an alternative nursing intervention for hypertension prevention, stress, and sleep management. Registration WHO ICTRP KCT0007364

Intervention of hypertension by acupuncture‐related therapies: A network meta‐analysis

“…Auricular point pressing is a therapeutic practice that entails applying pressure and massage to specific acupoints on the ear for body regulation and disease treatment. This method works by improving blood circulation, enhancing cardiac blood output, inducing peripheral vasodilation and reducing vascular resistance, ultimately leading to a decrease in blood pressure (Kim & Park, 2023).…”

The effect of educational intervention based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model on self-care behaviors and quality of life of hypertensive patients

“…Some studies have highlighted the effectiveness of interventions in controlling hypertension. For instance, studies by Hou et al ( 26 ), Kim et al ( 27 ), and Jafar et al ( 28 ) indicated that health interventions can effectively control hypertension ( 26–28 ). All in all, the need for a program based on an educational model to guide patients correctly to the point of evaluation is undeniable.…”