Abstract

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese therapy whereby stimulation of points along different energy meridians is applied. Auriculotherapy is ear acupuncture where analgesic points corresponding to different body parts are identified and stimulated on the external ear. Both forms of acupressure have been used with varying success rates in several chronic pain conditions. This article aims to highlight the successful management of severe, intractable pain following a total hip replacement using combined acupuncture and auriculotherapy.

Keywords: Acupressure; Ear auriculotherapy; Chronic pain; Hip replacement; Visual analogue scale; TENS; Pain management