To evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized protocol of auricular therapy using magnetic pellets on clients with uncontrolled hypertension

Abstract

目的:探讨使用耳穴磁疗及特定穴位治疗高血压病之有效性。方法:研究共邀请了60例高血压病患病者。他们均正接受抗高血压药物但仍未能将血压调整至正常范围,接受4星期之耳穴磁疗。各人均接受相同之穴位:肝、心、肾、交感、耳尖、耳背沟及角窝上。为了评估磁粒对穴位带来之刺激是否存在,故随机将参加者分为实验组(不加压磁珠组)及比较组(磁珠加压组)。结果:两组之血压数值于治疗前后有显著性差异(P<0.001),总有效率为76.7%。此外,两组之治疗效果却没有差异(P>0.05),治疗效果对虚证或实证之高血压患者也相约。结论:耳穴磁疗是有效的高血压病的辅助治疗;而本研究选取之穴位均适合虚证或实证之病患者。 Objective: To examine the effectiveness of adopting a standardized protocol of auricular therapy( AT) using magnetic pellets on clients with uncontrolled hypertension. Methods: Sixty eligible participants were invited to receive a 4-week auricular therapy using magnetic pellets. Seven auricular points( Liver,Heart,Kidney,Sympathetic,Ear apex,Groove of the Dorsal Surface and Superior Triangular Fossa) which are thought to have an effect on regulating blood pressure were selected. The participants in the experimental group received an integrative approach( AT supplementing Western medication). The clients in the comparison group received the same kind of pellets as that in the experimental group,but were additionally asked to press the pellets against the acupoints thrice daily. Results: The participants in both groups succeeded in regaining better control of blood pressure after incorporating AT into Western treatment. No significant differences in the effect were noted between the two groups. Similar therapeutic effects could be observed in clients of either excessive or deficiency syndrome. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated positive effects of AT with magnetic pellets together with western medication in the management of uncontrolled mild hypertension. Therapeutic effect can also be achieved even without magnetic pellet pressing. The selected acupoints could be applicable to clients with hypertension of either excessive or deficiency syndrome.