Application of auricular acupoints therapy in relieving the gastrointestinal side effects induced by chemotherapy: an integrative review

Background

It is an urgent matter to relieve the side effects induced by chemotherapy. In recent years, auricular acupoints therapy, which is a nursing technique used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been used on many patients who are undergoing chemotherapy without causing any side effects. Furthermore, it has a good efficacy and is inexpensive.

Aim

The aim of this study was to provide evidence for the need of further research in the treatment and nursing of patients during chemotherapy.

Methods

We conducted an integrated review of the reports in CNKI, WanFang Data, SinoMed, and PubMed databases for journal articles published after 1990. The search terms included auricular acupoints taping and pressing, auricular acupoints therapy, auricular point sticking, ear points, chemotherapy, and side effects and relevant Medical Subject Heading terms. We then analyzed the mechanism, acupoints, and operation method and summarized the application of auricular acupoints therapy in patients suffering from chemotherapy side effects.

Results

This review included 102 articles published between 1990 and 2016, and we brought 63 other articles into the study. Eighteen articles focused on auricular acupoints therapy, combined with other therapy, to relieve patient side effects during chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Auricular acupoints therapy can prevent and relieve the side effects induced by chemotherapy. It deserves further clinical applications.