College
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Keywords
Auricular acupuncture, shenmen, anxiety
Date of Presentation
5-1-2025 12:00 AM
Poster Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health condition in the United States and are often managed with pharmacological interventions, which can lead to adverse side effects. As a result, alternative therapies such as acupuncture are gaining attention. This study investigates the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture, specifically targeting the Shenmen point, in reducing symptoms of anxiety. We analyzed ten randomized controlled trials that included quantitative outcome measures. The results suggest that auricular acupuncture at the Shenmen point is an effective and well-tolerated adjunctive treatment for anxiety. While further research with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods is warranted, these findings support the growing body of evidence advocating for the integration of acupuncture as an adjunct therapy in anxiety treatment strategies.
Disciplines
Alternative and Complementary Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences | Mental Disorders | Neurology | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychiatry | Therapeutics
Included in
Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Neurology Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons, Psychiatry Commons, Therapeutics Commons
Is Acupuncture at the Auricular Shenmen Point Effective in Treating Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health condition in the United States and are often managed with pharmacological interventions, which can lead to adverse side effects. As a result, alternative therapies such as acupuncture are gaining attention. This study investigates the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture, specifically targeting the Shenmen point, in reducing symptoms of anxiety. We analyzed ten randomized controlled trials that included quantitative outcome measures. The results suggest that auricular acupuncture at the Shenmen point is an effective and well-tolerated adjunctive treatment for anxiety. While further research with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods is warranted, these findings support the growing body of evidence advocating for the integration of acupuncture as an adjunct therapy in anxiety treatment strategies.
