Ear Acupuncture - Wheatley

Question 1

Aim of Wheatley

Answer 1

To test the effectiveness of ear acupuncture in treating drug addicted patients

Question 2

Sample of Wheatley

Answer 2

350 prisoners in high security prisons

• 1 group received acupuncture and standard core called FOCUS
• 1 control group. Only received FOCU

Question 3

Procedure of Wheatley

Answer 3

Two trained practitioners work with groups of 10-15 prisoners in a relaxed setting

• Five needles were inserted into five acupuncture points in the ear. Relax for a 40 minute period
• Then returned to normal duties

Question 4

Results of Wheatley

Answer 4

Qualitative:

• Reported better sleep
• Improved relaxation
• Made more effort to talk to their families

Quantitative:

• 70% reduction in drug related incidents
• 41% reduction in serious incident reports
• 42% reduction in positive drug testing results

Question 5

Conclusions of Wheatley

Answer 5

• Acupuncture works as a complementary therapy with other programmes
• Enough evidence to expand the delivery of the programme throughout the prison system

Question 6

Process of Acupuncture

Answer 6

Involves very fine needles being inserted in the “acupuncture points and then manipulated. Practitioners believe it reduces pain, treats and prevents diseases