Auricular Acupuncture

 

Auricular acupuncture is a therapy in which needles are inserted into certain points on the ear for the purpose of treating disease. Its use has been recorded in classical Chinese medical books.

 

Auricular acupuncture is one of the more widely used microsystems within oriental medicine.

 

Microsystems use one aspect of the body - ears, hands, or feet, for example - 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 full body treatments such as acupuncture.

 

Auricular therapy is not only an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, but also a powerful diagnostic method.

 

Each point of the outer ear is related to a specific part of the body. By inserting needles into these areas, we can treat diseases in the area of the body related to those points. There are about 200 acupuncture points in the ear.

 

Commonly Asked Questions About Auricular Acupuncture

 

Although some people know that auricular acupuncture can be successful in facilitating a weight loss program or to stop smoking, fewer know that is perhaps more effective for reducing stress, depression, anxiety, irritability & violent tendencies, sleep problems, aches & pain, and improving poor appetite, or a balancing of the body’s vital energy when used in preventative wellness.

 

 

What Can I Expect from an Ear Acupuncture Treatment?

 

The main treatment consists of 4 or 5 tiny, sterile, disposable acupuncture needles inserted in each ear into specific points that aid in the detoxification process and general body balancing. Clients are asked to sit and/or lay down quietly and relax for 30 to 45 minutes in order to let the acupuncture do its work.

Once in place, the needles may tingle or feel warm.

Most clients agree that the treatment is a relaxing and comfortable experience. Herbal tea may be provided for relaxation and Dr. Hardy is available to answer questions you may have.

Other ear therapies use tiny ear tacks, therapeutic seeds, or stainless steel balls plated with silver, gold, platinum, or no coating at all. Magnetized balls can also be used to treat specific complaints.

They are placed on precise therapeutic areas of the ear, and secured with small sections of sterile clear or surgical tape. These other auriculotherapies are typically used as part of an integrated take-home treatment.

  

 

What Are The Benefits of Auricular Acupuncture Treatments?


 

Ear acupuncture therapy can be utilized in many ways, and benefits from various sources have been reported for the following three ways:

1.  Therapeutic Reduction or Elimination of:

 

  • Asthma and Allergies
  • Depression
  • Headaches & Migraines
  • Hepatitis symptoms
  • High Blood Pressure
  • PMS symptoms
  • Better sleeping
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Panic attacks
  • Hyperactivity
  • Nervous disorders
  • Violent tendencies
  • Relaxation and stress reduction
  • Reduction in cravings
  • Relief from withdrawal symptoms
  • Cleared mind and increased sense of purpose
  • Effective in treating and reducing aches and pain
  • Increased energy
  • Weight Loss

 

 

2. NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association)

 

Adjunctive Addiction Therapy: assists in the withdrawal and recovery from substance abuse and eating disorders such as anorexia (as included in our weight loss program to control food cravings and obesity). Auricular acupuncture has been successful in treating clients who want to quit their addiction (see our Smoking Cessation Program) and use it in conjunction with a recovery program (Smokers Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, etc.). NADA effectively addresses the stressors described in (1) above, as well as nausea, headaches, and cravings when simultaneously done with a 12-Step recovery program.

 

3. Prevention:

 

Auriculotherapy can also be used to detect where the body is prone to any future ailments, and taking treatments consistently over time as a part of preventative wellness can help restore vital energy, improved immune system function, improved relaxation, and allow the body, mind and spirit to function in a more harmonious way. Often, after treatment, people say they feel relaxed, think more clearly, and have a general sense of well being.

 

How Does Ear Acupuncture Treat Stress and Depression?

 

Auricular acupuncture can reduce the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression by increasing relaxation, calm and balance in the individual, thereby increasing their sense of well being. This provides the strength of character and the physical ability to deal with the stress associated with current situations in life as well as past suffering

 

How Does Ear Auricular Acupuncture Treat Addictive Behavior?


 

Originally developed in Hong Kong, acupuncture treatment for drug and alcohol problems has been used in the U.S. since the 1970's. Lincoln Hospital in Bronx, NY was the first clinic to offer this type of acupuncture for addiction. Since then clinics have sprung from this model all over the U.S. and worldwide.

This specialized type of acupuncture treatment follows a protocol developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association. It enhances relaxation and can reduce withdrawal symptoms, lower stress levels, and decrease cigarette or alcohol craving.

It is believed that acupuncture helps turn on the production system of your body's own endorphins and dopamine that the drugs/alcohol turned off during the time of use. In this way, the body is allowed to become more balanced and thus, many people say they are able to sleep better and feel less anxious as they move through their revitalization process.

Acupuncture, alone is not a cure for addictive behavior. It is strongly recommended that the clients also seek counseling and attend meetings or programs that specifically focus on the addictive substance or behavior. Acupuncture then becomes an important part of the whole picture of a person's healing process.

Although auricular acupuncture has many powerful relaxing effects, defining it as "stress-relief" is a serious misunderstanding since:

 

  • It is valuable in helping clients prepare for the future, and not merely just coping with the past.

 

  • As the client develops a more balanced state of mind over time, the meditative relaxation lasts for a longer period of time, thereby allowing the client to learn that their private, internal process of healing can be a source of strength and renewal.

 

  • Since many clients already know that food, cigarettes, alcohol, etc. are excellent "treatments" for stress, auricular acupuncture helps them substitute a healthy, self-nurturing behavior in place of harmful habits and substances.

 

How Does Ear Acupuncture Help Stop the Cycles of Violence?

 

Acupuncture supports clients in being more relaxed, introspective and encourages a meditative calm.

This relaxed state enables clients to develop skills necessary to change the cycles of violence.

It gives individuals an opportunity to breathe and think before responding.

In addition, when one is more relaxed they are less likely to react to confrontation or difficulties with violence. This further enables the client to learn and practice other ways of responding in interpersonal relationships using increasingly more understanding and gentleness.

The treatments also help to balance the emotions and resolve or lessen the emotional blockages of grief, fear, and depression that often if not addressed can lead to anger and rage. Chinese Medicine theory strives for balance in all areas including emotions and works to break up these types of blockages.

 

"What Does Ear Acupuncture Feel Like?"
 

It generally feels like a slight pinching when the needles are put into your ear. That feeling should pass quickly; if you continue to feel discomfort tell the Dr. Hardy who will adjust or remove the needle.

 

 

Can I Get Addicted to Ear Acupuncture?

 

Not at all. Acupuncture is a non-addictive healing tool that you can use in your healing, revitalization, recovery, and in your life. You may become used to the benefits that acupuncture offers and look forward to treatments much in the same way that people look forward to exercise or support groups or meetings.

Ear Acupuncture                                 

An example of a few Auricular Master Points

 

An example of Musculoskeletal Points

An example of Internal Organ and Neuro-endocrine Points