Ear Acupuncture Found to be Effective for Relieving Insomnia "Auricular acupuncture treatment for insomnia: a systematic review," Chen HY, Shi Y, et al, J Altern Complement Med, 2007; 13(6): 669-76. (Address: School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, School of Chinese Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong). Summary: In a systematic review of studies examining the effects of auricular (ear) acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia, results found auricular acupuncture to be an effective treatment for insomnia, and further research is encouraged. The reviewers searched various international and Chinese electronic databases to identify randomized, controlled trials which used auricular acupuncture as the sole therapy for treating subjects with insomnia, either comparing it to no treatment, placebo, sham auricular acupuncture, or conventional biomedicine. 878 studies were identified, of which 6 studies (which involved 673 subjects of which 402 were treated with auricular acupuncture) met the inclusion criteria. Results of meta-analysis showed that rates of recovery and improvement from insomnia were greater among subjects receiving auricular acupuncture than subjects receiving diazepam (a benzodiazepine medication commonly marketed as Valium). The most commonly used auricular points were found to be: Shen Men (100%), Heart (83.33%), Occiput (66.6%), Subcortex (50%), Brain (33.33%), and Kidney (33.33%). The authors conclude that, "Auricular acupuncture appears to be effective for treating insomnia." However, they add that, "Because the trails were low quality, further clinical trials with higher design quality, longer duration of treatment, and longer follow-up should be conducted." August 2007 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.