What is Ear Acupuncture (Auriculotherapy)?
Auricular acupuncture is one of the more widely used microsystems within Eastern medicine. Microsystems use one aspect of the body - for example, the ears, hands or feet - to treat conditions that are present anywhere in the body. Auricular acupuncture may be used as a primary mode of treatment or in conjunction with other treatments such as acupuncture, bodywork or herbal medicine. Examples of other microsystems include reflexology and scalp acupuncture.
How can Ear Acupuncture help?
Ear Acupuncture can be been used for all types of pain, organ dysfunction, emotional distress, acute and chronic health conditions, anxiety, stress reduction, weight loss and smoking cessation, and drug and alcohol addiction problems. The practitioner gathers information and makes a diagnosis based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. Just as an acupuncturist can treat pain, organ dysfunction, and acute and chronic health conditions with body acupuncture points, they can also treat those conditions using ear acupoints. Points are chosen and needled just below the skin on the outer ear. Ear Acupuncture does not take as much time to provide and as is more economical for the client.
The Acudetox NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol was developed for addictions in the 1970's is still used today for people who are in the recovery process. Further study of Acudetox has found benefits including stress reduction; less pain, emotional distress and anxiety; and reduced withdrawal symptoms and increased ability to focus on some of the underlying issues contributing to the addictive behaviors.
What if I'm afraid of needles?
For those who are needle phobic, ear seeds can be placed which are attached to adhesive tape and stay in place for days after the treatment.
