Ear press-needle acupuncture and brain network connectivity in young adults
An Exploratory Clinical Study on fMRI-Based Evaluation of Intervention Targets for Auricular Acupuncture Therapy
This study will test whether ear press-needle acupuncture changes connectivity between the insula and medial prefrontal cortex and whether those changes relate to interoceptive awareness in healthy 18–30 year olds.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Jiangsu Taizhou People's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taizhou, Jiangsu) |
| Trial ID | NCT07332962 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This exploratory resting-state fMRI study compares verum auricular press-needle acupuncture with sham auricular acupuncture in healthy adults aged 18–30. Researchers will measure functional connectivity, focusing on the insula and medial prefrontal cortex, before and after stimulation. The study will also examine whether connectivity changes correlate with measures of interoception. Findings aim to establish a neurophysiological baseline for auricular vagus nerve stimulation to inform future clinical applications in insomnia and depression.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are healthy adults aged 18–30 with normal sleep and diet, no history of mental illness, and no MRI contraindications.
Not a fit: People outside the 18–30 age range, those with mental health conditions, on anticoagulants, or with auricular skin lesions/allergies are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could identify a noninvasive ear-based way to alter brain circuits involved in emotion and sleep, guiding development of treatments for depression and insomnia.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior taVNS and auricular stimulation studies have reported changes in insula–mPFC connectivity, but auricular press-needle acupuncture specifically is relatively untested and exploratory.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 18-30 years; 2. Basically normal diet and sleep; 3. No history of mental illness; 4. No MRI contraindications (e.g., metal implants or pacemakers) or claustrophobia； 5. Willing to participate in this study and sign the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Presence of auricular skin lesions or allergy to adhesive ear patches; 2. Currently receiving regular acupuncture treatment; 3. History of bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use (increased bleeding risk); 4. Previous history of syncope during acupuncture.
Where this trial is running
Taizhou, Jiangsu
- Taizhou People's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University — Taizhou, Jiangsu, China (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.