Ear Acupressure for Reducing Anxiety and Pain During Heart Surgery

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL TUEBINGEN · Jun 3, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how ear acupressure can help reduce anxiety and pain for patients undergoing elective heart surgery. Acupressure is a simple technique from Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, in this case, the ears. This method has been shown to help people feel calmer and more relaxed, which can be especially important before a major surgery like heart surgery. While research on ear acupressure specifically for heart surgery patients is limited, some studies suggest it may improve sleep and lower anxiety levels.

To participate in this trial, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) scheduled for elective heart surgery at the Robert Bosch Krankenhaus study center. Unfortunately, if you're having an emergency surgery, are under 18, or have had similar acupuncture treatments in the past three months, you won't be eligible. If you join the study, you can expect to receive ear acupressure to help with your anxiety and pain before your surgery. This could potentially lead to a more comfortable experience as you prepare for your procedure.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • All adult patients who are capable of giving consent or willing to do so and who are undergoing elective heart surgery at the Robert Bosch Krankenhaus study center are included.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Under 18 years old
• • Emergency or urgent surgery
• • Patients who are incapable of giving consent or unwilling to do so
• • Patients who have received acupuncture treatment (including NADA ear acupuncture or acupressure) in the last three months