Methods:
8-session relaxation acupoint stimulation with electrodes followed by acupressure with lavender oil for 35–40 min each time, over a 3-week period (Yip and Tse, 2004).
Protocol:
- On arrival, patients were asked to empty their bladder.
- Patients sit and relax for 5–10 min., with a digital Electronic Muscle Stimulator under a “soothing mode” (7.69 Hz at 0.05 mA).
- Place 5 pairs of medium sized (2.5 cm) electrode pads on 5 bilateral acupoints: Shousanli (LI10), Quchi (LI11), Naoshu (SI10), Tianliao (TW15) and Tianzhu (BL10).
- Acupressure massage using a light to medium finger press with 3% aromatic natural lavender oil with grape seed oil as the base on 8 fixed acupoints (4 bilateral points) for 2 min each: Sanjiaoshu (UB22), Shenshu (UB23), Dachangshu (UB25) and Weizhong (UB40).
- The acupressure effect (Deqi) was confirmed based on the patient’s feeling of sore, numb, heavy, distended, and/or warm.
- The applied pressure is decided based on feedback from the patient: the point before they had unpleasant and unbearable feelings.
Clinical trial records:
Patients with sub-acute or chronic non-specific low back pain (LBP).
Evaluation:
Changes from baseline to the end of treatment were evaluated in pain intensity by
- Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and duration.
- Lateral fingertip-to-ground distance in centimeters.
- Walking time and interference on daily activities.
Control:
Usual care only.
Comparisons:
One week after the end of treatment, compared with the control group, the acupressure group had
- 39% greater reduction in VAS pain intensity.
- Better walking time.
- Improved lateral spine flexion range.
- No adverse effects were reported.
Effects:
- Acupoint stimulation followed by acupressure with aromatic lavender oil was an effective method for short-term LBP relief.
- The combination therapy of acupoint stimulation and acupressure with aromatic lavender oil may complement mainstream medical treatment for sub-acute LBP.
Reference and data source:
Yip, Y. B. and Tse, S. H. (2004) The effectiveness of relaxation acupoint stimulation and acupressure with aromatic lavender essential oil for non-specific low back pain in Hong Kong: a randomised controlled trial. Complement Ther Med 12, 28-37.
Methods:
Acupressure or physical therapy for one month (Hsieh et al., 2006).
Clinical trial records:
129 patients with chronic low back pain.
Evaluation:
Standard outcome measures for low back pain after treatment and at six month follow-up, primary outcomes measured using Roland and Morris disability questionnaire.
Comparisons:
- In the acupressure group, the mean total Roland and Morris disability questionnaire score after treatment was significantly lower than in the physical therapy group.
- Compared with physical therapy, acupressure had an 89% reduction in significant disability.
- The improvement in the acupressure group sustained at six month follow-up.
- Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in all domains after treatment and at six month follow-up: the core outcome, pain visual scale, and modified Oswestry disability questionnaire.
Effects:
Acupressure was effective in relieving low back pain regarding disability, pain scores, and functional status. The benefit was remained for six months.
Reference and data source:
Hsieh, L. L., Kuo, C. H., et al. (2006) Treatment of low back pain by acupressure and physical therapy: randomised controlled trial. Bmj 332, 696-700.
Methods:
Auricular acupressure therapy using Semen Vaccariae or magnetic pellets (Suen et al., 2007).
Semen Vaccariae: a small round seed, with the diameter of each seed about 0.13 cm. Magnetic pellet: an average of –6.58 mT (about 66 Gauss/bead) magnetic flux densities, with a diameter of 0.13 cm.
Protocol:
- Sterilize the auricle of the participant with 75% alcohol before the therapy.
- Apply Semen Vaccariae or magnetic pellets to the most sensitive area of each selected auricular point.
- Detect the sensitive point with an electrical potentiometer to measure auricular electrical resistance.
- Treat both ears alternately.
- Replace Semen Vaccariae/magnetic pellets every 3 days to avoid the possibility of local irritation.
- The full course of the treatment lasted 3 weeks.
7 auricular acupoints:
Shenmen (or Gate of Spirit): The major point for relieving the pain.
Kidney: The kidneys are connected to the low back.
Urinary bladder: To clear and activate the meridians and collaterals at the low back.
Lumbosacral vertebrae, buttock: The most tender points for patients with LBP.
Liver, spleen: To strengthen the tendons and muscles.
Clinical trial records:
60 patients, 60-years old or above, with low back pain (LBP).
Evaluation:
Treatment effects were evaluated with the Chinese Pain Intensity Verbal Rating scale (VRS).
Effects:
Auricular acupressure therapy using magnetic pellets significantly decreased the pain intensity level among the elderly patients with non-specific LBP. The therapeutic effects were sustained during the 2 and 4-week follow-up periods after the therapy.
Reference and data source:
Suen, L. K., Wong, T. K., et al. (2007) Auriculotherapy on low back pain in the elderly. Complement Ther Clin Pract 13, 63-69.
