Effects of Auricular Acupuncture on Emotional Distress in Service Members and Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Summary

Emotional distress (ED) refers to a state of mental suffering that significantly impairs an individual's ability to cope, often leading to a decline in overall well-being. In military contexts, ED is a prevalent concern due to the unique and demanding challenges faced by military personnel both in combat zones and during peacetime. The primary objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of integrating ear acupuncture with mindfulness therapy in mitigating ED and alleviating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among military personnel. The study will examine the effects of auricular acupuncture (AA) and mindfulness therapy (MT) on ED in military personnel with PTSD. The NADA ear acupuncture protocol will be administered using acupuncture semi-permanent (ASP), sterile needles placed in the bilateral ears, which will remain in place until they naturally fall out. Mindfulness therapy will incorporate relaxation techniques, such as yoga and controlled breathing exercises, specifically designed to alleviate ED. A mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methods, will be employed concurrently to evaluate the interventions' effectiveness and to explore the participants' perceived benefits. Specific Aim 1: To evaluate the effectiveness and perceived benefits of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) ear acupuncture protocol as an adjunct therapy to brief mindfulness therapy for reducing emotional distress in service members and veterans with PTSD. Specific Aim 2: To examine the effectiveness of NADA as an adjunct therapy to brief mindfulness therapy in improving sleep disturbances, alcohol use, and pain in service members and veterans with PTSD.

Eligibility

Age range

18–65 years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Procedure
  Ear acupuncture

  Ear Acupuncture: Participants will receive bilateral NADA ear acupuncture protocol treatment for a one-time insertion in addition to the weekly mindfulness therapy received by participants. The NADA consists of 5 ear acupuncture points inserted bilaterally: shen men, sympathetic, kidney, liver, and lung. Sterile, semi-permanent acupuncture needles (2mm) will be inserted into the participant's ear and left in place until they naturally fall out, typically within 3-7 days.

• Behavioral
  Mindfulness therapy

  Mindfulness: Participants will receive virtual mindfulness therapy weekly for 30 minutes each session via the MS Teams platform.

Locations (2)