Auriculotherapy in Improving the Quality of Life of Professionals Working in Nephrology

Abstract

The low perception and decline in quality of life domains are common among healthcare professionals. Alternatives are being sought to reverse this situation, and auriculotherapy has gained popularity as an effective method. In this context, the article aims to evaluate the effects of an auriculotherapy protocol on the quality of life parameters of professionals working in a renal clinic. This quantitative interventional study involved 15 professionals: 2 nurses, 8 nursing technicians, 1 nutritionist, 1 social worker, 1 psychologist, and 2 administrative staff members. During the protocol, the auricular pavilion was stimulated once a week at the acupuncture points: Central Nervous System (CNS), kidney, Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), muscle relaxation, analgesia, anxiety, dual anxiety, subcortex, and energy liver 1 and 2. Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form Survey (SF-36) questionnaire, administered before and after 12 auriculotherapy sessions. At the end, there was a significant difference in three of the eight SF-36 indicators: pain (83.20±10.55 to 35.60±13.48, p=0.001), emotional aspects (57.77±26.62 to 91.10±15.26, p=0.030), and mental health (50.40±21.15 to 71.46±24.46, p=0.031). The differences after the sessions suggest that this intervention may be a valuable strategy to promote individual well-being. Thus, auriculotherapy not only relieves physical symptoms but also contributes to strengthening emotional health, highlighting its potential as a complementary therapy.