Effects of auriculotherapy on stress, anxiety and depression in adults and older adults: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To identify evidence in scientifc literature about the efects of auriculotherapy for treating stress, anxiety and depression in adults and older adults by analyzing the main protocols for applying the intervention. Method: A systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Detailed individual search strategies were applied in February 2019 in the BDENF, CINAHL, Cochrane, CUMED, Embase, LILACS, PEDro, PubMed, Scopus, Segunda Opiniäo Formativa (SOF) and Web of Science databases. Te methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Jadad Scale. Results: A total of 24 from the 859 articles found comprised the study sample. Of these, 22 (92%) showed a positive efect of auriculotherapy for stress, anxiety or depression. Conclusion: Te available evidence on the efects of auriculotherapy on stress, anxiety and depression proves the efectiveness of the technique in adults and older adults. However, the studies showed methodological weaknesses. Although the identifed protocols are diferent, there are frequent similar points including Shenmen, Kidney, Autonomic Nervous System, Heart, Brain Stem and Liver 1 and 2 which can be used in new studies.