[The Usage of Auricular Acupressure in Clinical Nursing and Evidence-Based Research]

Auricular acupressure is a non-invasive physiotherapy that was developed based on the traditional Chinese meridian theory. Because it is non-invasive, simple to implement, and easy to learn, and because it presents minimal side effects and may be executed independently, this therapy may be used as an alternative or auxiliary approach to symptom management as well as to self-care. The increasing support for auricular acupressure from evidence-based research in Taiwan and elsewhere offers the opportunity to include auricular acupressure as a treatment option in evidence-based nursing interventions. Because nursing education in Taiwan is guided by Western medical concepts and principles, most nurses are not familiar with auricular acupressure, which is derived from traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, this article not only systemically introduces the definition and theoretical basis of auricular acupressure but also includes the principles and application-related knowledge. Furthermore, this article analyzes the common problems encountered in auricular acupressure research in order to improve the familiarity of nurses with this therapy, to provide references for clinical application, and to provide a basis for designing new evidence-based nursing research efforts.