Auricular acupuncture as stress-relieving intervention for parents of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: insights gained from a pilot study.

Background and aim: This pilot study aimed to explore the feasibility and effects of auricular acupuncture called NADA, according to the principles of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. Previous studies have reported the effects of NADA on stress, anxiety, and sleep. Given the high levels of stress, anxiety, and psychological distress commonly experienced by parents of infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the study sought to determine whether NADA could serve as a stress-relieving intervention. Method: The pilot study was conducted as an observational cross-sectional study for 6 months from October 2019. The "Nada in NICU" pilot project involved 41 parents (33 women and 8 men) who received between 3 and 16 NADA interventions during their child's NICU hospitalization. Data were collected through a questionnaire assessing sleep, stress/restlessness, and physical well-being. Participants were also given the option to add free-text comments in the questionnaire regarding their experiences with the NADA treatment. Quantitative data were analyzed using mixed regression, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed to identify recurring themes. Findings: The results indicated a statistically significant reduction in stress, sleep disturbances, and physical discomfort post-NADA intervention, with a mean difference in sleep scores of -1.951. Qualitative feedback generated an overall theme, "An increased feeling of calmness," and two themes, "A psychological booster," reflecting parents' experiences of enhanced mental clarity and emotional regulation and "Bodily calmness," highlighting improved physical relaxation and sleep quality. Parents universally regarded NADA as a relevant and beneficial intervention during their NICU stay.