Auricular point acupressure studies

Overview:

Management of Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults Using Auricular Point Acupressure (R01)

• PI: Constance Johnson, PhD, MS, RN, FAAN
• Funding: National Institute on Aging
• Overview: This study tests the efficacy of using acupuncture-like stimulation of the ear in relieving chronic lower back pain in older adults, using small seeds taped to the ear instead of needles. Inflammatory cytokines are measured to assess physiological response, and a smart-phone app facilitates real-time reports from patients.

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Auricular Point Acupressure to Manage Chemotherapy Induced Neuropathy (R01)

• PI: Constance Johnson, PhD, MS, RN, FAAN
• Funding: NIH – National Cancer Institute
• Overview: This study integrates self-reported measures, quantitative sensory testing, endogenous biomarkers, and neuroimaging to investigate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of using acupuncture-like stimulation of the ear to reduce pain, numbness, or tingling in the extremities for patients who have been treated with chemotherapy.

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