New Study Published in ScienceDirect:
Acupuncture Press Tack Needles for Delirium in ICU Patients
Dr. Eyal Ben-Arie, a researcher and lecturer based in Taichung, Taiwan, at the
China Medical University, has recently published a groundbreaking study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research.
The study examines the use of Press Tack acupuncture needles as a supportive treatment for delirium in critically ill patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs).
About the Study
This was an early-phase pilot clinical trial, aiming to evaluate whether gentle, minimally invasive acupuncture could help reduce delirium symptoms in ICU patients — a condition often associated with confusion, disorientation, and increased mortality risk.
Key Findings
- Reduced severity of delirium
- Short-term improvement in cognitive function
- No adverse effects reported from the acupuncture intervention
Acupuncture Points Used in the Study
While I was in Taiwan, Dr. Ben-Arie consulted with me regarding point selection for acupuncture in the context of ICU delirium.
Based on my clinical experience, the following points were selected and treated using Press Tack needles, applied bilaterally (on both sides of the body):
- San Shang – three points on the sole of the foot (Master Tung system)
- Shenmen (HT7)
- Neiguan (PC6)
- Ear Shenmen
- Yintang
To learn more about San Shang, download Master Tung’s Point APP.
Treatment Protocol
- The needles were left in place for three days at a time
- Treatment was continued for a total of one week
- Needles were replaced every three days
This protocol allowed continuous stimulation with minimal interference, suitable for the critical care setting.
Why This Matters
Delirium affects thousands of patients annually, particularly in ICUs. It’s linked to longer hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and worse long-term outcomes.
This study introduces a non-pharmacological, low-risk intervention that can be integrated into complex medical environments — with encouraging initial results.