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Auriculotherapy (Ear Acupuncture)

Definition

Auriculotherapy, also called ear acupuncture, applies the principles of acupuncture to specific points on the ear. Auriculotherapists believe that healing processes can be promoted by working with these points on the ear, because the ear contains many blood vessels and nerve endings that, when stimulated, influence the organs and bodily functions.

Origins

Acupuncture is one of the world's oldest therapeutic techniques, having its roots in ancient China. Some of the oldest texts of Chinese medicine mention acupuncture points and massage techniques specifically for the ear. For eye problems, silver or gold earrings were sometimes prescribed in ancient times to provide constant healing stimulation at points on the ear, a practice that is still performed in some areas of the world, including parts of Europe. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks believed that working with the ears could influence health. Hippocrates, the Greek father of medicine, mentioned a point on the ear that could be operated on as a birth control measure in men. In Europe in the Middle Ages, doctors prescribed surgery on a particular spot on the ear for a condition called sciatica, which causes nerve pain in the hips and thighs.

In modern times, auriculotherapy has been advanced by Paul Nogier of France. Beginning his work and experiments in the 1950s, Nogier laid out an intricate map of points on the ear that correspond to the organs and processes in the body. Nogier believed that the ear is shaped like an upside down human fetus, and the acupuncture points on the ear correspond to the body parts of the fetus shape, with the earlobe representing the head. Nogier theorized that by stimulating these points on the ear, the corresponding organs and bodily processes would be stimulated by nerve impulses. Nogier also theorized that by measuring electrical impulses on the skin of the ear, problems could be detected in the internal organs, and therefore auriculotherapy could be used to diagnose illnesses. Nogier and many followers, including ear acupuncturists in America and China, conducted scientific experiments in auriculotherapy, and showed some significant and surprising results in both treatment and diagnosis of conditions.

Benefits

Auriculotherapy is a quick, inexpensive, and non-invasive method of pain control. Ear acupuncture is also used as anesthesia during medical procedures. It is used frequently to help people overcome drug, tobacco, and alcohol addictions, and is used to treat chronic health conditions and diseases.

Description

After an initial exam and interview, auriculotherapists begin treatment by checking the patient's ears closely. Practitioners may palpate (feel) the ears with their hands, and check for any irregularities or painful spots. They may check for spots that are insensitive or numb by using cold or hot needles on the ear. They may also rely on electrical devices that measure skin resistance at points on the ear.

Several techniques may be used during auriculotherapy. Acupuncture needles are typically extremely thin. More than one needle may be used at one time, inserted deeply, or just pricked slightly along the contours of the ear. On some points, needles may be twisted or slanted to create more healing effects. Needles may be left in from a few minutes to half an hour or more.

Auriculotherapists may use permanent press needles. These small, tack-shaped needles may be attached to the ear with a narrow band of tape for several days or weeks. They are used for conditions that may require constant stimulation to acupuncture points on the ear, such as addictions, chronic (long-lasting) infections, and other health problems.

Auriculotherapists also practice electroacupuncture, which utilizes electrical devices to send small electrical currents into the ear or through the body. Electroacupuncture is used for conditions such as paralysis or nerve damage in the body, drug and alcohol addictions, and chronic pain. Auriculotherapists may also employ bleeding, which removes one or two drops of blood at certain points on the ear. Bleeding is used for health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease .

Precautions
Auriculotherapy, like all acupuncture, should not be performed on weak or exhausted patients, nor on those who are very hungry or have just eaten a meal or drunk alcohol. Auriculotherapy should not be performed on pregnant women during the first two trimesters (six months) of pregnancy, and afterwards only on very particular points on the ear for pain control. Auriculotherapy is not recommended for children under seven years old, and should be performed with care on the elderly. Ear acupuncture is to be avoided by those with anemia (low red blood cell quantity in the blood). Patients with nervous conditions should be thoroughly relaxed and prepared before treatment. For people that find acupuncture disagreeable, ear massage and acupressure may be preferable to treatment with needles.

Side effects

Some patients may experience uncomfortable side effects during or after acupuncture. Side effects that may occur after treatment include fainting, dizziness, nausea, numbness, headaches, sweating, or sharp pains throughout the body. These reactions may be due to anxiety or because acupuncture needles have been inserted too deeply or in the wrong area. Side effects can be alleviated by removing the needles and allowing the patient to lie down under supervision. Some side effects that occur during treatment, such as hot flashes, increased pulse, and temporarily increased symptoms, are considered normal and usually disappear quickly.

Ear Acupuncture Chart

Ear Acupuncture: (For Any Practitioner)

John A. Amaro L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM), DC

One of the most easily administered and most effective techniques used in acupuncture is auriculotherapy, otherwise known as ear acupuncture. Effective with either electronic or needle stimulation, ear acupuncture has become increasingly popular among medical and chiropractic practitioners worldwide. It requires no specialized expensive equipment or extensive academic knowledge, is extremely easy to apply, and the results are predictable and impressive to both patient and practitioner.

Ear acupuncture has gained considerable acclaim throughout the medical and scientific community for helping people eliminate their horrible drug addictions.

The general procedure of ear acupuncture has a respected history in excess of 3,500 years, with origins throughout ancient Asia and European and Middle Eastern civilizations. Throughout history, the knowledge of ear acupuncture, like most aspects of acupuncture, was passed from master to student. Today, a proper program in auriculotherapy would most certainly include an extensive section on precise anatomical locations and descriptions of the regions of the auricle. The ear is not unlike a map. You can precisely locate Bozeman, Montana even though you've never been west of the Mississippi. All you need is a map of Montana. In auriculotherapy, even without anatomical knowledge of the ear, one can certainly locate with extreme accuracy a specific reflex point which would relate, for example, to the knee.

There are over 100 specific points on the external ear which relate to virtually all portions of the body, from the internal organs to the musculoskeletal system. I apologize for attempting to make this topic so simple. Auriculotherapy can be as complex or simple as you like to make it. I prefer simplicity.

The following formulae are classic, traditional and extremely effective. For those of you reading this with a background in auriculotherapy, simply reference your ear chart and follow the formulae as written, preferably using noninvasive, electronic or laser application. A quartz piezo ear pen for under $30 is very effective, as are small, inexpensive electronic devices which utilize microcurrent stimulation. For those of you neophytes, get a color chart of the points on the ear, along with a piezo ear pen or similar device. These can be obtained through any high end acupuncture supply company. Both items should cost less than $50. Should you wish, we will be more than happy to send you an 8 1/2 x 11 black and white ear chart until you obtain your large full color chart. Simply write or e-mail me at the address at the end of this article.

Become very familiar with the reflex points on the ear. Follow these formulae exactly as written. Use simple, noninvasive procedures and observe the incredible response you are about to experience.

At precisely the same time in embryological development the spinal cord is developing (within the first 8-12 days of mesodermal unfolding), a knob develops within the brain which will ultimately become the external auricle. As a result, there remains a significant relationship between the brain, spinal cord, nervous system and the external auricle.

What you are about to experience is revered. Treat it wisely and it will be with you for life. Refer to your chart often, and without question, keep it simple.

John A. Amaro L.Ac., Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM), DC

Books on Auriculotherpy (Ear Acupuncture)
Auriculotherpy is one of the most commonly used microsystems. Auriculotherpy alone can produce excellent results.

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