Ear Acupressure for Reducing Anxiety and Pain During Heart Surgery

Acupuncture and acupressure, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, are used to treat a variety of symptoms. One specific and easy-to-apply method is ear acupuncture/acupressure following the NADA protocol (developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association in 1985 in New York). This technique has been used successfully in Germany since 1995. It is known for its balancing and stabilizing effects on both body and mind, helping to reduce symptoms such as anxiety and stress, and promoting relaxation and inner calm. Open-heart surgery can be emotionally overwhelming for patients, often triggering intense existential fears. Preoperative anxiety may worsen physical and psychological symptoms and negatively affect surgery outcomes. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions like acupuncture are gaining importance alongside medication. Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of preoperative acupuncture in reducing pain, anxiety, and nausea across various surgeries. Randomized trials show significant anxiety reduction through both body and ear acupuncture. One study found that ear acupuncture can rapidly improve psychological well-being, with effects noticeable within five minutes. This suggests its potential use not only the day before surgery but also immediately beforehand. In contrast, research on ear acupressure before heart surgery is limited. However, one study reported improvements in sleep quality and reduced anxiety. A recent review highlighted the positive effects of ear stimulation on stress, blood pressure, and heart rate, and even suggested that acupressure may be more effective than acupuncture.