Abstract:

Abstract This is an integrative review carried out in August and September 2019, with articles published between 2009 and 2019, from the following databases: LILACS, CINAHL, PSYCINFO, PUBMED, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE and EMBASE. It aimed to identify and analyze the existing evidence on the use of auriculotherapy in mental health care. The following descriptors were considered: auriculotherapy; ear acupuncture; auricular acupuncture and mental health; depression; and anxiety. Of the 533 articles found, 34 were included and led to the creation of six categories: Auriculotherapy in the care of anxious manifestations; Auriculotherapy in the care of depressive manifestations; Auriculotherapy for stress relief; Auriculotherapy in the care of the use and abuse of psychoactive substances; Auriculotherapy in the care of sleep disorders; and Auriculotherapy in the care of psychic manifestations associated with organic issues. Auriculotherapy proved to be a promising resource for anxiety, depression and stress relief manifestations. However, for cases of insomnia and dependence on psychoactive substances, the results were inconclusive, requiring further studies on these themes.

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