Effect of auricular acupoint acupressure stimulation on the pulmonary function of healthy adults: A randomized, crossover, double-blinded study

Background: The study aimed to investigate the effect of auricular acupoint acupressure stimulation of the auricular vagus nerve on pulmonary function.MethodsFifteen healthy subjects were enrolled in this randomized, crossover, double-blinded study. All subjects received real and sham stimulation conditions at intervals of more than 24 h. On the real stimulation condition, auricular acupoint sticking with Vaccaria seeds and continuous stimulation of acupressure was delivered on the auricular vagus nerve area., but no Vaccaria seeds and no acupressure were used for the sham stimulation condition. Tidal volume (VT), vital capacity (VC), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), and diaphragmatic excursions (DE) of normal and forced breathing were assessed before and after each stimulation condition.ResultsBefore stimulation, there were no significantly differences of VT, VC, MIP, and DE of normal breathing and forced breathing between real and sham conditions. After stimulation, the change rates of VT ( P  = 0.005), VC( P  = 0.021), MIP ( P  = 0.023), DE of normal breathing (P = 0.022) and DE of forced breathing (P < 0.001) was higher on the real condition.ConclusionsAuricular acupoint acupressure stimulation of the auricular vagus nerve can significantly improve pulmonary function, and its use should be promoted in clinical settings.Trial registrationThis study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2200058836, Date of registration: 17/04/2022).