Auricular (ear) Acupuncture
What is auricular acupuncture?
Auricular or ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy) is a type of acupuncture that involves inserting very small needles into specific points on the ear or points with altered bioelectrical conductance on the external ear. Stimulating these points is thought to promote healing in other areas of the body, calm the mind, treat allergies and infectious diseases, and regulate endocrine system disorders (i.e. diabetes type 1 & 2, osteoporosis, etc.).
Although ear acupuncture is largely based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), originating in China, it was developed in the mid-20th century by French scientist Dr. Paul Nogier, of Lyon France. Dr. Nogier, using historical context of ear acupuncture from ancient Chinese scripts, discovered ear somatotopy (point-for-point correspondence of an area of the body to a specific point on the central nervous system), a representation of the whole person on the ear in the shape of a homunculus (or inverted fetus) on the ear.
Who would benefit?
The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) developed a special protocol of ear points to treat addictions and emotional trauma. The points on the ear are very close together and must be addressed with the utmost detail & precision to achieve the desired outcome for a successful auriculotherapy treatment. The NADA protocol is used in many addiction and recovery centers around the world.
Auricular acupuncture is typically used for these, as well as other health conditions:
- Allergies
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Chronic pain
- Constipation
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- IBS
- Low back pain
- Migraines
- Pain
- PTSD
- Smoking Cessation
- Stress
- Weight loss