Name: Auricular Point Acupressure Therapy: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Postsurgical Abortion Recovery (Video) | JoVE Journal
Uploaded: 2026-02-03T14:00:00.000+00:00
Duration: 7 min 28 s
Description: Learn auricular point acupressure therapy for post-abortion recovery using Vaccaria seed placement on ear acupoints. This non-pharmacological method reduces bleeding and accelerates menstrual restoration safely.

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5 minutes

The authors thank Dr. Wen Yi and other medical staff of the Department of Gynecology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine for their help.

All procedures of this study were conducted in accordance with clinical trial registration and approved by the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Approval No. 2022SL-015). All patients involved in the study provided informed consent for the use of data, images, and related videos by the researchers during the trial period.
1. Patient selection
<ol>
	<li>Inclusion criteria
	<ol>
		<li>Confirm early intrauterine pregnancy (gestational age &#8804; 10 weeks) and confirm that the patient has undergone surgical abortion.</li>
		<li>Ensure the patient has been informed about the study, signed informed consent, and is willing to complete the intervention process.</li>
		<li>Confirm the absence of ear infections, trauma, or other auricular diseases that may interfere with therapy.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Exclusion criteria
	<ol>
		<li>Exclude patients with serious systemic diseases such as severe heart disease, liver or kidney dysfunction, or malignancies.</li>
		<li>Exclude patients who experience severe complications after abortion, such as uterine perforation or post-operative infections.</li>
		<li>Exclude patients with known allergies to the study&#39;s materials or medications.</li>
		<li>Exclude patients with severe cognitive or communication disorders.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Exclusion, dropout, and termination criteria
	<ol>
		<li>Exclude patients who deviate from the treatment protocol, have incomplete data, or receive conflicting treatments during the trial.</li>
		<li>Consider as dropouts those lost to follow-up or who voluntarily withdraw after enrollment.</li>
		<li>Terminate patients from the study if severe adverse events occur.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. Preparation before treatment
<ol>
	<li>Prepare the materials (see Figure 1 and Table of Materials). Gather a metal probe, forceps, sterile cotton swabs, 75% alcohol, and auricular point adhesive (Vaccaria segetalis seeds on 0.5 cm &#215; 0.5 cm medical tape).</li>
	<li>Prepare the patient. Seat the patient comfortably in a relaxed position with ears fully exposed.</li>
	<li>Ensure the practitioner disinfects hands and inspects the patient&#39;s auricular skin. Proceed only if no redness, swelling, or ulceration is observed. 
	NOTE: If allergic to adhesive tape, use an alternative. Do not initiate treatment if auricular abnormalities are present.</li>
</ol>
3. Experimental procedures
<ol>
	<li>Auricular acupoint operation
	<ol>
		<li>Select six acupoints: Liver (CO12), Spleen (CO13), Kidney (CO10), Uterus (TF2), Ovary (AT4), and Endocrine (CO18) (see Figure 2).</li>
		<li>Massage both front and back of the auricle 3-5x, from earlobe to apex (front), and apex to earlobe (back), until both ears are reddened (Figure 3). 
		NOTE: Massage promotes Qi and blood flow in auricular points.</li>
		<li>Locate sensitive acupoints. Pull the auricle upward and backward to expose the selected acupoint zones. Use the probe to detect sensitive points and mark them (Figure 3). 
		NOTE: Sensitive points elicit more pain or tenderness and are therapeutically preferable. If none found, use standard point locations.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Auricular point acupressure treatment
	<ol>
		<li>Disinfect the auricle with a sterile cotton swab dipped in 75% alcohol to clean the treatment area (Figure 3). Wait until dry. 
		NOTE: Alcohol enhances adhesion by removing skin oils. Use iodine tincture if allergic.</li>
		<li>Expose the treatment area. Ensure the auricle is fully visible and clean (Figure 3).</li>
		<li>Use forceps to place the Vaccaria seed adhesive precisely at the marked acupoint. Confirm placement with the patient (Figure 3).</li>
		<li>Press and knead the seed adhesive between the thumb and index finger from both sides of the auricle (Figure 3). Maintain a steady rhythm until the patient feels soreness, numbness, fullness, pain, or warmth. 
		NOTE: These sensations indicate &#34;De Qi,&#34; which reflects effective stimulation. Monitor patient comfort.</li>
		<li>Ask the patient to press each acupoint for 1-2 min, 3x daily (morning, afternoon, evening) for 5 consecutive days.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Postoperative care and adverse reaction management
	<ol>
		<li>Keep the ear clean and dry. Replace the adhesive if it detaches. 
		NOTE: The adhesive does not interfere with activities like bathing.</li>
		<li>Offer emotional support to reduce anxiety.</li>
		<li>If pain occurs, advise reducing pressure. Remove the adhesive if pain is severe.</li>
		<li>If redness, itching, or exudation appears, remove the adhesive and apply topical antihistamine if needed.</li>
		<li>If the patient experiences dizziness, chest tightness, or sweating, stop treatment immediately, monitor vitals, and administer appropriate care.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Observation indicators and evaluation criteria
	<ol>
		<li>Record the duration and volume of postoperative vaginal bleeding.</li>
		<li>Assess menstrual status by tracking the time to first menses, duration, and volume. Criteria are &#62;50% change from baseline volume defines increase/decrease.</li>
		<li>Evaluate TCM symptoms and signs, and monitor dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, sweating, abdominal/lumbar discomfort, and assess complexion, tongue, pulse.</li>
		<li>Record complications. Track infections, need for repeat curettage, or other adverse events. 
		NOTE: Use the PBAC chart to assess menstrual and bleeding volume.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Data processing
	<ol>
		<li>Data collection: Conduct all assessments by trained researchers using a double-entry method to ensure data accuracy.</li>
		<li>Statistical analysis
		<ol>
			<li>For normally distributed continuous data, express results as mean &#177; standard deviation (SD) and perform paired t-tests for within-group comparisons and independent sample t-tests for between-group comparisons. If variances are unequal, apply the t&#8242; test for between-group comparisons.</li>
			<li>For non-normally distributed continuous data, express results as median (P25, P75) and use the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for between-group comparisons.</li>
			<li>For categorical data, present results as frequencies and percentages and perform chi-square tests for between-group comparisons.</li>
			<li>Use paired t-tests for pretreatment and posttreatment comparisons. Apply two-tailed hypothesis testing and consider differences statistically significant at P &#60; 0.05.</li>
		</ol>
		</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>

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The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Abortion is an effective method for terminating an unintended pregnancy, encompassing both medical and surgical options. Among these, vacuum aspiration (VA) is the most commonly used and recommended surgical procedure for early pregnancy termination. This method involves the insertion of a rigid or flexible plastic cannula through the cervix to evacuate the uterine contents under negative pressure11. VA includes two approaches: manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) and electric vacuum aspiration (EVA). A...

Surgical abortion is a common remedial measure following contraceptive failure and is one of the primary methods for early termination of pregnancy. Globally, approximately 73 million induced abortions (IA) occur annually, with 61% of unintended pregnancies and 29% of all pregnancies ending through surgical abortion1. This trend has shown a rising incidence in recent years due to changing reproductive attitudes and social perceptions of fertility2.
As an invasive intrauterine procedure, surgical abortion can lead to a variety of short- and long-term complications, including abdominal pain, excessive or prolonged vaginal bleeding, and intrauterine infection, as well as menstrual irregularities, intrauterine adhesions, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. These complications can seriously affect women&#39;s physical and psychological health3. Therefore, effective control of postoperative bleeding, prevention of infection, and promotion of reproductive function recovery are essential for improving postoperative outcomes.
Conventional postoperative management typically includes antibiotics for infection prevention, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain control, and hormonal therapy to regulate the menstrual cycle and support uterine recovery4. However, these approaches may be associated with adverse effects such as antibiotic resistance, gastrointestinal irritation or renal impairment caused by NSAIDs, and thromboembolic risks resulting from hormonal imbalance5,6,7. As a result, postoperative patients often face the dual challenges of side effects and treatment-related burden.
Auricular acupressure therapy, a traditional and characteristic modality in Chinese medicine, offers a non-pharmacological, cost-effective, and practical alternative for postoperative recovery. This technique involves applying medicinal seeds -- most commonly Semen Vaccariae (the dried mature seeds of Vaccaria hispanica, a Caryophyllaceae plant) -- to specific auricular acupoints. These seeds are traditionally believed to promote blood circulation, relieve pain, and reduce local swelling. By pressing or massaging the attached seeds, stimulation is transmitted through meridians to regulate the function of internal organs, harmonize the flow of Qi and blood, and alleviate pain8,9. Treatment usually begins immediately after surgery or on the first postoperative day and continues for five to seven days. Patients are instructed to press the seeds two to three times daily for one to five minutes per session, with the duration adjusted according to recovery progress. However, this therapy is contraindicated in individuals with ear diseases, severe systemic disorders such as cardiac or hepatic-renal dysfunction, serious postoperative complications, or allergies to treatment materials.
Auricular acupressure therapy is often used in combination with other therapeutic modalities and has demonstrated significant efficacy in gynecological disorders such as dysmenorrhea, menstrual irregularities, and perimenopausal syndrome. Building on this foundation, our research team applied auricular acupressure to postoperative care following surgical abortion and observed promising outcomes. This article provides a detailed description of the therapeutic procedure and key considerations to facilitate its standardized clinical application

<table><tbody><tr><td>&amp;nbsp;alcohol (75%)</td><td>Sichuan Jianwei Medical &amp;amp; Health Supplies Co., Ltd.</td><td>Sichuan (Deyang) Health and Disinfection Approval No. [2014]00005</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>cefdinir capsules, oral</td><td>Chengdu Beite Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., National Drug Approval No. H20203295</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>metal probe</td><td>Hengshui Dezheng Co., Ltd</td><td>Auricular Probe</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>SPSS version 26.0&amp;nbsp;</td><td></td><td>statistical analysis software</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>sterile cotton swabs</td><td>Hebei Kangji Pharmaceutical &amp;amp; Medical Device Co., Ltd.</td><td>Medical Device Registration No. 20192140022</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>tweezers</td><td>Beiruo Wei Medical Co., Ltd.</td><td>Su Su Medical Device Registration No. 20239043</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>vaccaria seeds</td><td>China Herb Co.</td><td>VH-2025</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

auricular point acupressure therapy: a safe and effective treatment for postsurgical abortion recovery

Auricular Point Acupressure Therapy: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Postsurgical Abortion Recovery

Infections, vaginal bleeding, and menstrual irregularities are common complications following abortion procedures, which significantly impact the quality of life for patients. Clinical treatments, such as antibiotics to prevent infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, can alleviate symptoms and reduce the occurrence of complications. Auricular point acupressure therapy involves the application of round, firm, and smooth herbal seeds to specific auricular acupoints (reaction areas), which are then massaged to promote blood circulation, regulate autonomic nervous function and hormone levels, and restore hormonal balance in the body. The proposed approach in this article combines auricular point acupressure with conventional treatments to facilitate post-abortion recovery. Research results indicate that auricular point acupressure therapy effectively improves adverse reactions after abortion, establishes a regular menstrual cycle, and promotes the restoration of reproductive function. Overall, this is a safe, simple, effective, and cost-efficient alternative method that healthcare professionals can easily administer under appropriate guidance, or patients can manage themselves, providing a potential solution for alleviating discomfort following abortion procedures.

In this clinical study, routine B-ultrasound was performed preoperatively to determine the gestational age and the location of the pregnancy sac. Electrocardiogram (ECG), blood and urine routine tests, and vaginal discharge examinations were conducted, and if no abnormalities were detected, the patients proceeded with the surgical abortion. A total of 216 subjects were enrolled in the study.
The patients had been randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group, with 108 patients in...

This protocol details auricular plaster therapy using Vaccaria seeds on specific acupoints to promote recovery after surgical abortion. As a non-pharmacological adjunct to conventional treatment, it reduces vaginal bleeding duration, alleviates symptoms, and accelerates menstrual cycle restoration, demonstrating both safety and efficacy in clinical application.

Infections, vaginal bleeding, and menstrual irregularities are common complications following abortion procedures, which significantly impact the quality ...

We evaluate auricular point acupressure for post-abortion recovery, focusing on reducing bleeding and restoring menstrual cycles. We have developed a non-pharmacological, low-cost post-operative recovery approach to address the potential side effect associated with traditional drug therapies. To begin, confirm an early intrauterine pregnancy with a gestational age of 10 weeks or less, and confirm that the patient has undergone surgical abortion.Inform the patient about the study. Obtain a signed informed consent form and confirm that the patient is willing to complete the full intervention process. Confirm the absence of ear infections, trauma, or other auricular diseases that may interfere with therapy.Terminate the patient from the study if severe adverse events occur. Gather a metal probe, forceps, sterile cotton swabs, 75%alcohol, and auricular point adhesive. Seat the patient comfortably in a relaxed position and fully expose the ears.Disinfect hands, and inspect the patient's auricular skin for redness, swelling, or ulceration. Proceed only when no abnormalities are observed. Select six acupoints corresponding to the liver, spleen, kidney, uterus, ovary, and endocrine.Massage the front of the auricle three to five times, from the ear lobe to the apex. Then, massage the back of the auricle three to five times from the apex to the ear lobe until both ears are reddened. Pull the auricle upward and backward to expose the selected acupoint zones.Using the metal probe, detect sensitive points and mark them. Use standard point locations if no sensitive points are found. With a sterile cotton swab dipped in 75%alcohol or iodine tincture, disinfect the auricle and clean the treatment area.When the skin is dry, expose the treatment area and ensure the auricle is fully visible and clean. Use forceps to place the Vaccaria seed adhesive precisely at each marked acupoint. Confirm the placement with the patient.Press and knead each seed adhesive between the thumb and index finger from both sides of the auricle in a steady rhythm. Maintain a steady rhythm until the patient feels soreness, numbness, fullness, pain, or warmth. Ask the patient to press each acupoint for one to two minutes, three times daily in the morning, afternoon, and evening for five consecutive days.Keep the ear clean and dry and replace the adhesive if it detaches. Offer emotional support to reduce anxiety. If pain occurs, advise the patient to reduce pressure during acupoint pressing.Remove the adhesive if the pain is severe. If redness, itching, or exudation appears, remove adhesive and apply a topical antihistamine. If the patient experiences dizziness, chest tightness, or sweating, stop treatment immediately.Monitor vital signs and administer appropriate care. Record the duration and volume of postoperative vaginal bleeding. Evaluate traditional Chinese medicine symptoms and signs by monitoring dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, sweating, and abdominal or lumbar discomfort.Assess complexion, tongue and pulse findings. Record complications, including infections, the need for repeat curettage, or other adverse events. Conduct all assessments by trained researchers using a double-entry method to ensure data accuracy.For normally distributed continuous data, express results as mean and standard deviation. For non-normally distributed continuous data, express results as median with the 25th percentile and 75th percentile, and use the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for between-group comparisons. For categorical data, present results as frequencies and percentages.Perform chi-square tests for between-group comparisons. A total of 216 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into a control group with 108 patients and an experimental group with 108 patients with no statistically significant differences in baseline age, pregnancy history, delivery history, cesarean section history, dysmenorrhea history, or menstrual irregularities between groups. The treatment group showed a significantly lower postoperative vaginal bleeding volume, shorter duration of bleeding, and had a significantly lower TCM score than the control group.The time to first menstrual return and the duration of menstrual bleeding was significantly shorter in the experimental group compared with the control group. A significantly higher proportion of patients in the experimental group experienced a return of menstrual volume to normal, with significantly lower incidents of abnormal menstrual volume. During follow-up, no postoperative infections occurred in either group.The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly lower in the treatment group compared to the control group. This protocol enables evaluation of a safe, low-cost, non-pharmacological approach that reduces bleeding, accelerates recovery, and produces minimal side effects. The main challenge is limited generalizability, as single-center implementation and absence of long-term reproductive outcome data restrict broaden clinical interpretation.Future studies can explore hormonal and neural mechanisms, conduct multicenter trials, access long-term fatality outcomes, and compare auricular stimulation with non-pharmacological therapies.

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Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

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Acupoint Needle-Embedding Combined with Ironing Therapy for Postoperative Pain After Anal Surgery

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Auricular Acupuncture as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Combined with Sleep Disorders

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Lesion Explorer: A Video-guided, Standardized Protocol for Accurate and Reliable MRI-derived Volumetrics in Alzheimer's Disease and Normal Elderly

A novel methodology that is employed for the treatment of recurrent glioblastomas is described. This treatment approach employs the application of alternating electric tumor treating fields (TTFields), known as TTF Therapy in combination with bevacizumab, a targeted agent that is currently FDA approved as monotherapy.

Tumor Treating Field Therapy in Combination with Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma

This article provides an overview of a multi-modal approach to assessing recovery following concussion in youth athletes.  The described protocol uses pre- and post-concussion assessment of performance across a wide variety of domains and can inform the development of improved concussion rehabilitation protocols specific to the youth sport community.

A Multi-Modal Approach to Assessing Recovery in Youth Athletes Following Concussion

Learn auricular point acupressure therapy for post-abortion recovery using Vaccaria seed placement on ear acupoints. This non-pharmacological method reduces bleeding and accelerates menstrual restoration safely.

Auricular Point Acupressure Therapy: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Postsurgical Abortion Recovery

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