Impact of Auriculotherapy with a Focus on Stimulating the Shenmen Point on Urogenital Organ Disorders in Women: A Narrative Review Study

Tayebeh Shojaaddini  Ardakani; Bahareh Amiri Tooran  Poshti; Arefeh Momeni  Hamaneh; Nazanin  Behjatmanesh; Mohaddeseh Nori  Khezrabad

doi:10.18502/ssu.v34i3.21720

Tayebeh Shojaaddini Ardakani Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Bahareh Amiri Tooran Poshti Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Nursing and Midwifery School, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran.
Arefeh Momeni Hamaneh Department of Midwifery, Maybod Branch, Islamic Azad University, Maybod, Iran.
Nazanin Behjatmanesh Department of Midwifery, Maybod Branch, Islamic Azad University, Maybod, Iran.
Mohaddeseh Nori Khezrabad Department of Midwifery, Maybod Branch, Islamic Azad University, Maybod, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ssu.v34i3.21720

Keywords: Auriculotherapy, Ear Acupressure, Genitourinary, Shenmen Point.

Abstract

Introduction: Functional disorders of the urogenital system, including urinary and fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pelvic pain, can significantly impair women's quality of life, mental health, and social relationships. In this context, complementary therapies—particularly auriculotherapy with a focus on stimulating the Shenmen point—have gained attention as a safe, non-invasive, and cost-effective method for improving these disorders. This narrative review examined studies published between 2010 to 2024 by searching databases including PubMed, SID, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The following keywords and their combinations were used: auriculotherapy, ear acupressure, pelvic floor disorder, pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain, fecal incontinence, sexual function, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence OR overactive bladder, pelvic congestion, chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The findings of the reviewed studies indicate that stimulation of the Shenmen point in auricular acupressure modulates autonomic nervous system function, leading to reduced stress, increased endorphin release, pain relief, improved urogenital organ function, and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. This intervention has shown effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of conditions such as urinary and fecal incontinence, overactive bladder, sexual dysfunction, infertility, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. By reducing stress, it also significantly enhances women's quality of life.

Conclusion: Auriculotherapy targeting the Shenmen point appears to be a safe, well-tolerated, and effective complementary therapy when used alongside conventional treatments for urogenital disorders in women. Incorporating this technique into multimodal treatment programs represents a valuable step toward enhancing both the physical and psychological health of affected individuals. women's physical and mental health.