AURICULAR ACUPRESSURE IN GLAUCOMA

 

Is auricular pressure, an acupressure technique, useful in glaucoma?

In a study performed by Her et al, at the China Medical University & Hospital, Taiwan, auricular acupoint stimulator tapping and massage were performed on a group of glaucoma patients. The auricular acupoint corresponds to the kidneys, liver, and eyes.

The study involved a total of 33 glaucoma patients. In 16 patients, involving 28 eyes, auricular acupressure was done twice daily for four weeks. In the control group (17 patients, 32 eyes), tapping without massage was done at sham auricular acupoints (for wrist, shoulder, and jaw).

Intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual acuity were checked before the procedure and followed up for eight weeks.

There was significant (p <0.05) improvement in the IOP and visual acuity in the treatment group.

The most significant IOP-lowering effect was noted at about 3-4 weeks after auricular acupressure. The IOP returned to pre-treatment levels after the acupressure was discontinued for four weeks.

The most significant improvement in visual acuity was seen at 2-4 weeks and occurred in both groups.

Although the mechanism of auricular acupressure/ acupuncture remains undetermined, biological responses, such as the stimulation and activation of endocrine or autonomic nerve systems, and psychological aspects, appear to be involved. Acupressure also corrects the balance of Qi at different points in the body.

REFERENCES:

Her JS, Liu PL, Cheng NC, Hung HC, Huang PH, Chen YL, Lin CP, Lee CH, Chiu CC, Yu JS, Wang HS, Lee YJ, Shen JL, Chen WC, Chen YH. Intraocular pressure-lowering effect of auricular acupressure in patients with glaucoma: a prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Nov;16(11):1177-84. doi: 10.1089/acm.2010.0020. PMID: 21058884.

Mehta P, Dhapte V, Kadam S, Dhapte V. Contemporary acupressure therapy: Adroit cure for painless recovery of therapeutic ailments. J Tradit Complement Med. 2016 Jul 22;7(2):251-263. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.06.004. PMID: 28417094; PMCID: PMC5388088.