Rahim Firouzi Boston Abad
1 
, Sahar Kavand
2 , Haideh Mosleh
3 , Zahra Abbasi
4 , Hoda Azizi
5* 1 Department of Acupuncture, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2 Department of Sports Medicine, School of Medicine, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
4 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5 Department of Acupuncture, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Auricular acupuncture has emerged as a promising adjunctive therapy for hypertension, a condition that remains a major global health challenge despite advances in pharmacological management. This narrative review aimed to evaluate the current state of evidence regarding auricular acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for hypertension, exploring its clinical applications, underlying mechanisms, safety profile, and future research directions. In this study, a comprehensive narrative review was conducted of existing literature on auricular acupuncture for hypertension management, analyzing systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and mechanistic studies to synthesize current evidence and identify knowledge gaps. The results report significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure when auricular acupuncture is used in combination with standard medications, with observed effects likely mediated by modulation of the autonomic nervous system, cardiovascular regulation, and potential influences on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The safety profile of auricular acupuncture is favorable, with most adverse events being mild and transient. However, limitations such as small sample sizes, short follow-up periods, and lack of standardized protocols in existing studies highlight the need for larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials to confirm efficacy and establish evidence-based clinical guidelines. In conclusion, evidence indicates that auricular acupuncture, in case of proper implementation as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy, may provide patients a safe, cost-effective, and accessible adjunctive option to manage hypertension and potentially reduce reliance on pharmacological therapies.
Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:
The review of literature highlights that auricular acupuncture, when used alongside standard antihypertensive medications, is associated with significant reductions in blood pressure. This technique also demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with most adverse events being mild and transient. Collectively, the evidence suggests that auricular acupuncture is a safe, accessible, and cost-effective adjunctive therapy that may enhance blood pressure control and help reduce dependence on medication in hypertension management.
Please cite this paper as: Firouzi Boston Abad R, Kavand S, Mosleh H, Abbasi Z, Azizi H. Exploring auricular acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for hypertension; a narrative review of clinical applications and evidence. J Renal Inj Prev. 2025; x(x): e38677. doi: 10.34172/jrip.2025.38677.