American researchers have found that auricular acupressure can help reduce the negative impacts of occupational stress on frontline healthcare staff. In a randomised trial, 117 staff in a paediatric trauma centre, received either auricular acupuncture, auricular acupressure, or auricular massage delivered over a three week period.
The acupressure, given using ear seeds, was associated with a significant reduction in measures of psychological burnout and secondary traumatic stress. The team concludes that auricular acupressure is a safe, effective, and practical strategy to reduce burnout and secondary traumatic stress and may support health care workers’ ability to develop caring relationships with patients and families.
(Effects of Acupuncture & Acupressure on Burnout in Health Care Workers: A Randomized Trial. Journal of Trauma Nursing, Nov-Dec 2021.)
Author: Robin Costello
I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training.
I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.
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