Body of Research

In a case of thoracic trauma (rib fractures with pneumothorax and pulmonary contusions) with severe chest pain leading to ineffective ventilation and oxygenation, doctors in emergency department applied auricular acupuncture to ameliorate pain and hopefully improve his functional ability to cough and breathe deeply. The patients pain scores diminished considerably within minutes. Ventilation and oxygenation indices improved to safe limits. Read the full case report (external link)

Reference:
Papadopoulos G, Tzimas P, Liarmakopoulou A, Petrou A. Auricular Acupuncture Analgesia in Thoracic Trauma: A Case Report. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies. 2017;10(1):49-52