The Impact of Shenmen and Yin Tang Auriculotherapy on Immune System Enhancement in Individuals Infected with Human Papillomavirus: A Narrative Review Study

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted viral infections and plays a significant role in the development of precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. The immune system plays a crucial role in controlling and clearing this virus. Since complementary therapies, such as auriculotherapy, can modulate immune system function, it is important to investigate the effects of these therapies in individuals infected with HPV. This study was conducted as a review using keywords such as "auriculotherapy," "shenmen," "yin tang," "HPV," and "immune system" in scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Relevant articles published between 2000 and 2024 were reviewed and analyzed. The findings showed that stimulation of the Shenmen and Yin Tang points in acupuncture and auriculotherapy can contribute to improving immune system function by reducing anxiety, regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and increasing the activity of immune cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages. Additionally, other observed effects in the reviewed studies included the reduction of chronic inflammation, improvement in sleep, and an increase in parasympathetic tone. Although initial evidence suggests positive effects of auriculotherapy on immune regulation and improvement of psychological conditions in HPV patients, the lack of extensive and homogeneous clinical trials limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions. Given the safety of these interventions, auriculotherapy can be considered as a complementary approach in the management of HPV patients. Future studies with more precise designs and valid immune indicators are recommended.