Empirical Insights Into Holistic Healing: Chronic Lower Back Pain Management Through Yoga And Auricular Acupressure

Pardeep Kumar; Dr. Anuja Rawat; Dr. Ajay Pal

doi:10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.345

Authors

Pardeep Kumar
Dr. Anuja Rawat
Dr. Ajay Pal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69980/ajpr.v28i5.345

Keywords:

Lower back pain, Disability, Yoga, Acupressure, Auricular Acupressure, Pain management

Abstract

Background: Chronic lower back pain represents one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders globally, significantly contributing to functional disability across diverse occupational groups. It is not limited to individuals engaged in physically demanding labour but is increasingly observed among those with sedentary lifestyles and desk-bound professions. This condition affects a substantial segment of the population, posing serious implications for public health and workforce productivity.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Auricular Acupressure and Yogic interventions in the management of chronic lower back pain among affected individuals.

Methods: A total of 120 participants were selected from the rural population of Mahender-Grah district, India, using purposive convenience sampling. These participants were randomly assigned into three groups (with the parameters: alpha = 0.05, power = 0.95 and effect size (ES) = 0.82) a Yoga intervention group (n = 40), an Acupressure intervention group (n = 40), and a control group (n = 40). The intervention period spanned six months. Participants in the Yoga group engaged in structured Yogic practices five days per week, allowing for two rest days. In the Acupressure group, auricular seeds were applied once every ten days for the duration of the intervention. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the Oswestry Low Back Disability Questionnaire or Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) to evaluate lower back disability, while the Angle of Flexion (AOF) was measured using a standard manual goniometer. The research was conducted at the Department of Yoga, Central University of Haryana, under the supervision of the designated research supervisor.

Result: The findings of the study showed a significant improvement in pain conditions and disability of lower back, with auricular group showing slightly greater improvement (p=0.00426).

Conclusion: Both Yoga and Acupressure therapies showed their effectiveness in pain and disability of lower back. These interventions could serve as cost effective health care.

Author Biographies

Pardeep Kumar

Research Scholar; Department of Yoga, Central University of Haryana

Dr. Anuja Rawat

Associate Professor. Head of the Department Naturopathy and Yoga, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University Srinagar Garhwal Uttarakhand

Dr. Ajay Pal

Assistant Professor; Department of Yoga, Central University of Haryana

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