Treating Pain and Anxiety with Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture

Ear acupuncture, also known as auricular acupuncture, is the art of stimulating acupressure points on the ear. This can either be done with acupuncture needles or ear seeds. In Chinese Medicine, the ear is considered a homunculus, or a representation of the whole body. This means that there are acupuncture points on the ear that essentially correspond to and treat everything on your body, including all organs and systems.

While auricular acupuncture can be used to treat nearly all conditions, it is especially effective at treating mental and emotional related health issues. It is so successful in this realm that even the United States Military regularly uses auriculotherapy to treat both those who are actively serving as well as veterans. One particular protocol has even been nick-named “battlefield acupuncture” because of its direct effect on the nervous system and an area of the brain known as the cingulate gyrus- a part of the brain that is responsible for processing pain. One study conducted by the military cites that over 80% of participants experiencing pain had immediate relief after receiving the battlefield acupuncture protocol. A similar protocol is used in veteran’s clinics across the country to treat PTSD as well.

Auricular acupuncture is also used frequently to treat addiction. Again, because of its calming effect on the nervous system, ear acupuncture can be used to soothe irritability and anxiousness related to cravings. Some people have even said that receiving a session of auricular acupuncture feels comparable to taking anti-anxiety medication. There is plenty of research to back up these claims. Many studies even demonstrate that ear acupuncture can help aid weight loss by cutting cravings for this very same reason. Here is a list of the top eight conditions that auricular acupuncture can be beneficial in treating:

·      Pain

·      Insomnia

·      Anxiety

·      Grief

·      Substance abuse

·      PTSD

·      Weight gain

·      Depression

Although it is not fully understood how or why auricular acupuncture over other treatment modalities evokes some of the highest success rates at treating anxiety, it is widely understood that this protocol promotes the natural release of natural endorphins in your body. The wonderful thing about this kind of treatment is that there is also a much smaller percentage of negative side effects than other treatments used- especially things like medications.  Side effects can include skin irritation and discomfort, bleeding, dizziness and sleepiness. However, many can attest that the potential benefits are more than worth the risks.

As mentioned previously, ear points can be stimulated with either acupuncture needles or ear seeds. Acupuncture involves stimulating the points with special ear needles that are inserted and removed at the completion of a session. Ear seeds are literally seeds (traditionally radish seeds).

The seeds are attached to an adhesive and placed on the ear at the point location. This way, the points can be stimulated 24/7. Ear seeds usually fall out on their own over a period of five to ten days. In the clinic, I offer both gold and Swarovski crystal ear seeds to make your auriculotherapy treatment fun and functional. If you are interested in ear acupuncture or ear seeds, book a consult today to learn more.