Changes in Lumbar Region Temperature During Auricular Acupressure at Kidney Point

Changes in Skin Surface Temperature of the Lumbar Region During Auricular Acupressure at Kidney Point on Healthy Volunteers

In Traditional Medicine, auricular acupressure (AA) is one of the non-pharmacological treatment methods commonly utilized due to its safety and convenience. AA involves the application of a taped seed of Vaccaria (with a diameter of 2mm) on specific ear acupoints to manage various disorders. Among these, chronic lower back pain is prevalent. According to Traditional Medicine, the Kidney point is selected for this condition due to the belief that "The lumbar region is the house of the Kidneys". However, evidence supporting this correlation is still lacking. In this study, the aim is to assess the relationship between the Kidney point and the lumbar region by monitoring changes in skin temperature through the application of AA on this acupoint.

Healthy volunteers meeting all selection criteria and not violating exclusion criteria will be recruited for the study.

Before commencement, participants will acclimate to the environment for 15 minutes, allowing stabilization of blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. The room will be enclosed and shielded, ensuring no direct sunlight or other radiation sources enter. Room temperature, pressure, humidity, and ventilation will be consistently maintained throughout the study.

The participants will be randomly divided into two groups: one receiving auricular acupressure (AA) first followed by sham auricular acupressure (SA) (AA-SA group), while the other group will receive SA first followed by AA (SA-AA group).

Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, lumbar region temperature, and side effects of auricular therapies will be continuously monitored.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI between 18.5 and 23 kg/m2.
• Demonstrates alertness and cooperativeness.
• Vital signs within normal limits.
• Voluntary informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Anxiety, depression, or stress based on the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales 21 (DASS-21).
• Presence of disorders or use of medications affecting body temperature.
• Received any form of heat therapy for the lower back within the past week (e.g., acupuncture, heat pads, patches, massage).
• Applied chemical or pharmaceutical products to the skin area under investigation prior to the study.
• Current disorders or pathologies in the lumbar region.
• Engaged in nighttime activities or experienced insomnia the night before the research day.
• Participated in sports activities within 2 hours before the study.
• Used stimulants within 24 hours prior.
• History of alcohol or substance addiction.
• History of hypersensitivity reactions to any form of acupuncture.
• Existing injuries or lesions at acupoints and areas investigated in this study.
• Women currently menstruating, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Prior experience with auricular therapies.
• Currently participating in other intervention studies.