Auricular acupuncture treatments have become increasingly available throughout a variety of healthcare settings, resulting from a push for the expansion of non-pharmacologic treatment options. Specifically in military treatment facilities, this has been the case for offering support to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A study aimed to explore the self-reported benefits of auricular acupuncture treatments for veterans living with PTSD found positive improvement resulting from auricular acupuncture treatment. Additionally, veterans with PTSD were extremely receptive to auricular acupuncture treatments, reporting improved sleep quality, increased relaxation, decreased pain, and high acceptance of the treatment, including numerous additional benefits following their auricular acupuncture treatments. Abstract and link to full text at Europe PMC.
Reference:
(1) King CH, Moore LC, Spence CD. Exploring Self-Reported Benefits of Auricular Acupuncture Among Veterans With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Journal of Holistic Nursing. 2015 Nov;34(3):291-299.
In response to the push for non-pharmacologic options to address critical healthcare concerns such as the opiod epidemic, the persistence of chronic symptoms, and new approaches to therapy-resistant patients, training in Auricular Medicine by recognized continuing education providers continues to grow. The Canadian Institute of Auricular Medicine (CIAM) is one such education provider and offers a highly endorsed core curriculum for medical doctors, nurses, acupuncturists and other healthcare practitioners.
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