Auricular Acupressure Effect on Autonomic Responses Evoked by a Cold Pressor Test in Healthy Volunteers: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: This pilot study was conducted to investigate changes in the pulse rate and blood pressure in healthy volunteers after applying auricular acupressure at the “heart acupoint.” METHODS: A total of 120 healthy volunteers with hemodynamic indexes within normal limits were randomly allocated into 4 groups to receive auricular acupressure treatment either at the heart acupoint of the left or the right, or in both ears, and one control group without applying auricular acupressure. RESULTS: Before the application of auricular acupressure, there were no statistical differences in pulse rate and blood pressure increments among the four groups during the first cold pressor test. In groups in which auricular pressure was applied, the pulse rate was significantly reduced after the application of auricular acupressure in three groups; however, no statistically significant difference was detected among the groups. Changes in blood pressure were not statistically significant in or among the different groups after applying auricular acupressure. The average recorded pulse rate values during the second cold pressor test (after auricular acupressure) were significantly lower compared to the corresponding values taken during the first cold pressor test (before auricular acupressure) (p < 0.05); however, pulse rate increments during the two cold pressor tests (with and without auricular acupressure) were similar (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that auricular acupressure could be used as an adjunctive nonpharmacological method for reducing the pulse rate.