Nickan Research Institute Journal of Renal Injury Prevention 2345-2781 15 1 2026 03 01 Exploring auricular acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for hypertension; a narrative review of clinical applications and evidence e38677 e38677 10.34172/jrip.2025.38677 EN Rahim Firouzi Boston Abad https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4206-6716 Sahar Kavand https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5465-1091 Haideh Mosleh https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4042-5965 Zahra Abbasi https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2486-8698 Hoda Azizi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1120-2217 Journal Article 10.34172/jrip.2025.38677 2025 05 18 2025 07 29 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.