Auricular Therapy - the healing powers enclosed in the microcosm of your ear

Auricular therapy is a diagnostic and treatment system based on normalizing the body's dysfunction through stimulation of definite points on the ear. Rudimentary forms of acupuncture which probably arose during the Stone Age have survived in many parts of the world right down to the present day. The treatment was used in ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece and in all of the Mediterranean area. Although auricular therapy is largely based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it was developed and described in France in 1950 by Dr. Paul Nogier, a physician resident in Lyon, who is considered the Father of modern ear acupuncture.

Auricular Therapy, known also by several other names such as auriculotherapy, ear acupuncture or auriculo-acupuncture, is a type of natural medicine modality which focuses on the idea that:

1. Our ears are microsystems that reflect the whole body and all of its organs; and

2. Precisely located points on the ears correspond with certain parts of the body and influence their functions.

Auricular Therapy - Uses and Efficacy

Auricular acupuncture may be used as a primary mode of treatment or in conjunction with other treatments and it is frequently incorporated into standard acupuncture treatments to enhance its therapeutic effect. The treatment should only be performed by a professional acupuncturist because the therapeutic process involves inserting thin acupuncture needles into particular points on the ear. Correct stimulation of these points brings healing results and successfully improves the body's flow of vital energy - the qi, and restores a balance between yin and yang - two opposing but complementary energies within the internal organs. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, each of these effects is considered essential to treating various ailments and achieving good health. Auricular therapy is known to be an effective treatment for conditions such as:

• Chronic pain
• Arthritis
• Low back pain
• Migraine
• Constipation
• Addiction: Smoking
• Allergies
• Insomnia
• Anxiety and stress
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Eating disorders
• Weight management

Auricular Therapy - the technique

Surgical stainless steel (sometimes gold or silver plated) needles are used. Your ear is an extremely sensitive body part so the needles are inserted only millimetres under the skin. The goal is to allow the signals induced by ear acupuncture to travel through a specific part of the brain, called the diencephalon, and reach the corresponding body parts. It is worth noting, that the body strictly obeys these commands because the signals come straight from the brain. It is said that auricular therapy takes advantage of the body’s own control center - the brain and may bring even immediate effects especially in pain relief. Reaction to the treatment, however, varies from patient to patient - just like with any other medical therapy. Some patients report immediate pain relief while others may need several days before they notice an improvement. However, it is common for almost all patients to feel very relaxed and rejuvenated after the session.

Auricular Therapy - findings on the health benefits

In recent years modern clinical and basic research is confirming the efficacy of ear acupuncture mostly in the treatment of pain both acute and chronic and of anxiety related disorders.

Insomnia - Several studies indicate that ear acupuncture may help ease insomnia. In order to conduct one of the studies, 15 elderly people with insomnia were treated with ear acupuncture for three weeks. Results revealed that participants experienced a significant increase in both quality and quantity of sleep, with improvements lasting for six months after treatment ended!

Smoking - a survey of 126 people who had undergone ear acupuncture for smoking cessation found that the treatment had a one-year success rate of 41.1%. According to the study's authors, this success rate makes ear acupuncture a competitive alternative to orthodox medicine withdrawal methods.

Migraine - ear acupuncture may be useful in the treatment of migraines, according to a study published in Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research in 2012. Analyzing findings on 35 migraine patients, the study's authors determined that two months of weekly ear acupuncture treatments led to significant improvements in pain and mood.

Heart condition - Auricular therapy may be beneficial for patients’ heart health because it increases heart rate variability (HRV) which is the body’s ability to regulate the time interval between heart beats and to control the heart beat rate.

Incorporating auricular therapy into your lifestyle may help reduce the risk for heart disease and support the obvious means of cardiovascular condition prevention such as a balanced diet, healthy weight, regular sport routine, quitting smoking, managing high blood pressure, stress reduction and a sufficient sleep pattern.

Auricular therapy has been used successfully for many years and it has been proven effective at treating a wide range of health conditions and ailments, such as chronic pain, addiction and withdrawal symptoms, stress, anxiety, and heart problems, among many others. As every medical treatment this therapy also must be preceded by a thorough medical check up. Always consult with your doctor whether auricular therapy will be safe for you. A qualified acupuncturist, with years of relevant experience in the field, such as Dr. Andriy Chetin will be able to advise you the most beneficial natural medicine treatment suitable for your condition. We invite you to make an appointment with Dr. Andriy Chetin today!