Can Auricular Acupuncture Improve my Health?
There are different types of acupuncture other than the traditional we all know, namely auricular acupuncture. Traditional acupuncture uses small needles to stimulate points throughout your body. On the other hand, the focus of auricular acupuncture limits the points to only your ears.
In auricular acupuncture, acupuncturists target points in the ears to alleviate a number of conditions. These include pain management, anxiety and depression. These auricular points in your ear can provide relief from certain symptoms depending on the requirements of an individual patient. Although auricular acupuncture is done specifically on the ears, it is used to treat the whole body, making it perfect for those new to acupuncture!
How does ear acupuncture work?
The practice of auricular acupuncture has been around since ancient times. In fact, ancient healers used this treatment before needles were even invented. Ancient auricular acupuncture techniques as well as modern methods are very similar. They both use points on the ears to alleviate different types of ailments and conditions.
Auricular acupuncture is an effective method that can provide immediate results. It is especially great for those who have a low tolerance for needles. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed where auricular points are stimulated by using ear seeds. Auricular acupuncture magnets or auricular probes that may contain small needles are used too.
Auricular acupuncture can require an acupuncturist who specializes in treating people through auriculotherapy. This acupuncturist will select the proper auricular points associated with the condition you have. The auricular acupuncturist will then tap or prick your ear accordingly to relieve your discomfort.
Other types of auriculotherapy include ear massage, earlobe auricular acupuncture and even direct auricular acupuncture.
Who is auricular acupuncture appropriate for?
Auricular acupuncture is a type of auriculotherapy. It targets points on the ears to treat a number of conditions and disorders. Some of these include ear pain, anxiety, sleep problems as well as stress.
In auricular acupuncture, ear seeds are placed in points such as Shen Men, Kidney and other ear acupuncture points. These auricular acupuncture points can help relieve pain in your body, lower stress and enhance sleep quality. It is also used to treat conditions like tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and vertigo.
Why should I consider it for my health needs?
Auricular acupuncture is very safe and effective. This auriculotherapy technique can help reduce pain, inflammation as well as stress.
Traditional Chinese medicine has proven itself to be an effective and non-invasive way to treat anxiety. Unlike the pharmaceuticals that are so common in today's society. Patients seeking help for depression or sleep disorders have turned back on modern treatments like drugs. Especially since they can cause unwanted side effects. Even while they still provide relief from symptoms without any downside at all with this form of therapy.
Studies show auricular acupuncture provides the same pain relief as popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). This acupuncture has the same results as ibuprofen and naproxen, without the possible side effects.
Just like auriculotherapy, auricular acupuncture reduces inflammation as well as treats ear pain due to chronic conditions such as tinnitus or infections.
What are the benefits of auricular acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture is a form of auriculotherapy. It relies on stimulating specific ear points to treat various conditions and disorders.
Here are some of the benefits that auricular auriculotherapy can provide:
Highly effective in providing pain relief similar to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) without the possible side effects
Stimulates nerves, muscles and tissues which can help improve the body's functions
Used to reduce stress, anxiety and depression (up to 50%)
Regulate blood pressure levels
Promotes better sleep quality by switching off the 'mind chatter' which can prevent deep sleep
Promotes better concentration among children with attention deficit disorder (A.D.D.)
Many people use ear acupuncture to treat a variety of ailments. One common issue that auricular acupuncturists seek to treat is insomnia. Causes for insomnia include mental stress or physical pain while sleeping. This condition often leads individuals into an endless cycle where they are unable to stay asleep through the night. Their minds won't let them rest easily without being active with thoughts again and again.
What are ear seeds and how do they work?
Ear seeds, also known as auricular medicine seeds, are tiny and fully-functional pellets. Vaccaria seeds are the traditional material for ear seeds. However, other natural ingredients like flaxseeds and other herbal remedies are also used. These seeds treat a variety of disorders such as asthma, migraines, arthritis and even headaches.
These ear seeds contain organic vaccaria seeds. Acupuncturists place these seeds into key ear acupuncture points. The seeds are left in place for 3-7 days. This allows the treatment to take full effect. They come out on their own or can be taken out by your auriculotherapist. Auricular points are connected to different parts of the body. This makes them very efficient, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The theory is that ear acupuncture works by stimulating the nerve endings in the ears. This leads to improved blood flow and production of endorphins.
What are auricular acupuncture points?
Auricular acupuncture points are tiny and pin-sized stimulation points on the auricle. They target specific body parts such as:
Head: headaches, migraines and ear pain
Ears: earaches and tinnitus
Eyes: conjunctivitis or eye fatigue
Nausea or vomiting
Respiratory tract: asthma, bronchitis and tuberculosis
Digestive system: irritable bowel syndrome (I.B.S.), constipation, nausea, loss of appetite or indigestion
Urinary tract infections (U.T.I.): kidney pain, bladder infection, burning sensation while urinating
Menstrual cramps and menstrual irregularities
The auricular auriculotherapy points are located on the ear auricle which is an extension of the auricular vein.
The auricular points begin just below the lowest point of the tragus. This is where the ear canal ends and meets with the face. They continue upwards along the auricular line, which is formed by the helix, antihelix and upper auricular cartilage.
What is the cost of auricular therapies?
The cost of auricular acupuncture depends on where you go. At AcuMantras we have community acupuncture sessions that also target points in the ear. Our sessions are really affordable, at only $35 per session.
For specialized auricular acupuncturists, sessions usually take between 30-45 minutes to complete. Treatments range anywhere from 30-100 auricular auriculotherapy points depending on your condition and body part. Sessions can range from $40-200 dollars and prices will vary depending on the acupuncturist you see.
Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine is more than just a treatment for pain. It's an experience that can help you relax, shift your attitude about health matters in general - as well as how we view doctors!
If you live or work near South Florida feel free to contact us through email at info@acumantras.com or by phone (954)408-8224.
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