ABOUT AURICULAR ACUPUNCTURE

What is auricular acupuncture?

Auricular acupuncture is one of the more widely used Microsystems within Oriental Medicine. A microsystem uses one part of the body, in this case the ear, to treat conditions that are present anywhere in the body. Acupuncture needles may be used to stimulate certain points on the ear during treatment. Or small seeds may be taped onto the acupoints to provide stimulation for several days. This method is particularly useful in treatments for weight loss or addiction because the patient can stimulate the earpoints by pressing on the seeds to suppress repeated urges to eat or abuse some substance.

The healing power of auricular acupuncture

Any part of the body can be stimulated through the use of a corresponding point on the ear. As with regular acupuncture, the biologic mechanism is not understood. However it is believed that by stimulating points on the ear, the acupuncture needle sends electrical impulse messages to the brain, which are then thought to stimulate other areas of the body. In this way, auricular acupuncture can relieve pain in the joints and muscles, stimulate the organs and the brain itself, and achieve a number of other therapeutic effects for the patient.

Auricular acupuncture is thought to be effective in treating mental/emotional disturbances including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It is also used to treat physical pain such as arthritis, back pain, migraine, headache, tendonitis, and sciatic pain. Through stimulation of corresponding points in the brain and body, auricular acupuncture is also used as a therapy to treat digestive problems such as colitis and indigestion, as well as respiratory and sinus problems like asthma, hay fever and sinusitis. The therapy may also be used to treat obesity, pre-menstrual syndrome, and addiction to drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.

What to expect

The practitioner may choose to needle the outside of the ear (the ear canal is never touched) to augment the effects of a treatment. Sometimes earpoints are used to reduce anxiety which allows the regular body treatment to take better effect.

Another method is the use of earseeds. These small seeds are taped onto particular points on the ear. By rubbing the seeds daily or as needed, the treatment is effectively extended for several days. It is perfectly fine to shower and wash with the seeds on the ears. The seeds should be removed after four days. Many people are especially appreciative to be able to reduce stress or addictive urges by rubbing their ears.