What is Ear Acupuncture

Ear acupuncture is a similar technique to reflexology based on the theory that different points on the feet correspond with different areas on the body, such as arms, legs face etc.  Ear acupuncture Is used to mimic areas of the body and help restore balance and normalize a dysfunction.

When would you use Ear/Auricular Acupuncture

Depending on the ailment, it could be used as an addition to Acupuncture,  to reinforce a particular treatment, or used as a stand-alone treatment, for example if part of a body is too sensitive to touch or the skin is broken or sore then the Auricular Acupuncture could be used instead.

What does Ear/Auricular  Acupuncture Treat?

Although it is widely used for substance misuse, smoking cessation, anxiety , pain, and a whole host of other conditions  it is also effective in helping weight loss.

Picture of Auricular Acupuncture Detailed Image of the ear and the treatment points

History of Ear Therpies

Auricular  therapies date back to 450bc, with the Egyptians who used cauterised needles at points on the ear to help with a vast majority of ailments .  It was around  (1951) when  Physician Paul Nogier  (French Dr) discovered Auricular cauterisation from Madam Barrin (a lay healer), and with medical colleagues started their journey of discovery.

Nogier and his colleagues upon completing many clinical trials that involved mapping the brain, discovered that the spine could be located on the ear and began his mapping of the homunculus (the man in the ear) in 1956 in Marseille, France. Nogier wen on to discover the anatomical relationship between the points and made a publication in 1957 showing the results of his study.    The homunculus represents the anatomical correlation of the inverted fetus in the ear. As such, points of the body for example the knee, or back correspond with the fetal representation of the ear. Every point treated on the ear triggers an electrical impulse from the ear to the brain reaching the specific part of the body being treated. This in turn releases endorphins which block the pain receptors offering natural pain relief in the affected area.