Auricular acupressure for the prevention of high-altitude illness

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a syndromic condition with an incidence of 28% and a prevalence of 36%. While pharmacological interventions remain the primary prevention method, this study explored the use of auricular acupressure as a nonpharmacological alternative. Based on traditional Chinese medicine and Western neuroanatomical theories, auricular acupoints targeting the vagus and trigeminal nerves were stimulated to prevent AMS and alleviate symptoms such as headache, insomnia, fatigue, neurological, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at altitudes exceeding 2200 m. Forty-five participants planning a 3-day, 2-night hike to Jiaming Lake were recruited and randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 22) or a control group (CG, n = 23). Wang Bu Lai Xing seeds were applied to auricular acupoints prior to ascent. Participants pressed the seeds every 2 h during waking hours. Data were collected using demographic surveys, the Lake Louise Score, and Symptom Visual Analog Scales, with statistical analysis via generalized estimating equations.

At the highest elevation (T4, 3380 m), AMS incidence was significantly lower in the EG (36.36%) than in the CG (69.56%) (P < 0.05). Significant reductions were observed in headache, insomnia, and fatigue in the EG (P < 0.05), while neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms showed no statistical difference.

Auricular acupressure may be effective in preventing AMS and reducing its primary symptoms. Further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm these findings.