The Auricular Acupressure Training is designed to provide learners with foundational knowledge of the principles and basic applications of auricular acupressure in an online learning format. The program introduces key auricular points, their general functions, and important considerations for safe application. It emphasizes evidence-informed concepts, and fundamental safety principles to support responsible learning and future skill development.
Learners will gain an overview of how auricular acupressure may complement holistic approaches to health and wellness. This introductory course provides a knowledge base that may support further hands-on training or supervised practice. Through recorded lectures and guided learning activities, learners will develop an understanding of the core concepts and potential applications of auricular acupressure. The program is suitable for healthcare professionals, including nurses, other frontline clinical support personnel, health science students, and individuals interested in holistic approaches to health and wellness. Individuals who complete the modules would receive a micro credential and certificate of competency.
REGISTRATION
Program Format
5 Asynchronous Modules
Target audience
Healthcare professionals including registered nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical support staff, health science students, and individuals interested in holistic care.
TUITION & FEES
$800
Eligible for JHU Tuition Remission.
Learn More
All Ears: Auricular Acupressure Training Can Add a Holistic Touch to Your Care
Contact Information
Name: Nada Lukkahatai
Title: Associate Professor
Email Address: [email protected]
Registration Questions
Office of Executive Education,
[email protected]
Auricular Point Acupressure and the Science Behind It
Auricular point acupressure (APA) is a simple, noninvasive technique that can be used to support symptom management and patient self-care. For health care professionals and learners interested in integrative symptom management, understanding the principles behind auricular therapy is increasingly relevant.
A large randomized controlled trial (Kawi et al., 2025), conducted by the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and partner institutions, evaluated APA in older adults with chronic low back pain. Here are the key improvements observed:
50%
Achieved at Least 20% Improvement in Pain
40%
Achieved at Least 25% Improvement in Function
2-6x
Higher Likelihood of Improvement
20-30%
Reduction in Opioid Use Over Time
6 Months
Up to 6 Months Sustained Improvements in Pain and Function
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing’s published feasibility study (Van de Castle et al., 2023) shows that oncology nurses can be trained in just 8 hours to deliver APA and integrate it into routine clinical care for cancer-related pain, which suggest APA offers a complementary strategy to standard medical care:
38%
Reduction in Pain
39%
Reduction in Fatigue
45%
Improvement in Sleep Disturbance After Three Days
24%
Patients Reduced use of Pain Medications
19%
Reduced Opioid Use
Objectives
After completing this training, learners will be able to:
- Explain the historical development and theoretical principles underlying auricular therapy.
- Identify major anatomical regions of the external ear and their corresponding auricular zones.
- Recognize commonly used auricular points, including master, correspondence, and functional points.
- Describe how auricular points are combined to create basic treatment protocols.
- Demonstrate the general procedures used for locating and stimulating auricular points.
- Apply key safety principles, precautions, and contraindications when using auricular acupressure.
This course provides foundational knowledge and does not substitute for hands-on clinical training, licensure, or supervised practice.
“What draws me to auricular point acupressure (APA) is its alignment with nursing values: it is safe, empowering, low-cost, and designed to support patients in their everyday lives. APA transforms symptom management from something done to patients into something that can be practiced with them and eventually by them.
Auricular Point Acupressure (APA) fits naturally within person-centered models of care because it is adaptable across settings, cultures, and resource levels. By learning and applying APA and by teaching patients and caregivers, we can extend care beyond the clinic into daily life, empowering individuals to actively manage their symptoms.“
Nada Lukkahatai, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, FAAN
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Faculty
Refunds
Refunds, less a $50 processing fee per person, are provided to participants within 24 hours of registration and prior to starting the modules. Only written requests to cancel will be processed.