Auricular acupuncture → what it is + how it works + benefits

The word ‘acupuncture’ has Latin origin and is composed by the junction of ‘acus’ which means needle with ‘puncture’, whose translation is placement. Thus, acupuncture is the placement of needles. One of the most sought after types is the ear acupuncturewhich consists of the technique of inserting needles into specific points on the ear that reflect part of our body.

The results provided by acupuncture are consequences of stimuli performed in the central and peripheral nervous system. These effects are caused both by physical reactions from the needle and biochemical, caused by the release of chemical substances by our body in the face of the stimulus performed with the needle.

According to acupuncturists, the ear has more than 200 points that represent the entire functioning of the organs and systems of the human body. This occurs through a network of energy that is just under the skin and runs throughout the body.

What is Auricular Acupuncture?

Auricular acupuncture, or auriculotherapy as it is also known, is a treatment that uses stimuli at specific points in the ear, through needles or mustard seeds, to cure physical and emotional illnesses.

By inserting needles into nerve endings and other tissues in the ear, a message is sent to the brain that will trigger different effects in the body. The body’s reactions can lead to analgesic or anti-inflammatory actions, for example.

What differentiates auricular acupuncture from other modalities?

The difference is in the place where the treatment is performed. While in classical acupuncture sites throughout the body are stimulated, in auricular acupuncture only energy points existing in the ear are activated.

In addition, in auricular acupuncture, other materials can be used to stimulate energy points, such as:

• mustard seeds;
• metallic points;
• Mini needles;
• Other sharp objects.

Another difference is that the material used to perform the therapy can remain in the patient’s ear for up to a week.

As auricular acupuncture is more superficial than body acupuncture, it is usually used as a complementary therapy to systemic acupuncture.

What are the benefits of ear acupuncture?

Several emotional and physical problems can be treated with auriculotherapy. Among the benefits of therapy are:

• Increase in vital energy;
• Strengthening the immune system;
• Reduction of physical and psychological fatigue;
• Pain relief;
• Decreased need to use medication;
• Improves blood circulation;
• Helps in weight loss treatments;
• Decreased hormonal problems;
• Helps eliminate tobacco addiction;
• Harmonizes the body’s energy.

This technique can also be used to treat conditions such as:

• Mouth problems such as pain after tooth extraction, gingivitis or pharyngitis;
• Respiratory diseases such as sinusitis, rhinitis, the common cold, asthma or bronchitis;
• Eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, cataracts or myopia in children;
• Neurological problems such as headache or migraine;
• Gastrointestinal problems such as excess acidity in the stomach, duodenal ulcer, constipation or diarrhea;
• Orthopedic problems such as sciatica, low back pain or rheumatoid arthritis;
• Sleep disorders such as insomnia.

When auriculotherapy is not indicated

This therapy is not recommended for people who have hematological diseases, mainly related to blood clotting. It should also be avoided by those who are allergic to metals.

The technique does not usually cause side effects. However, in rare cases there may be pain where the needles were placed, dizziness and drowsiness.

How is ear acupuncture done?

There are several ways to stimulate the ear points through ear acupuncture. When the professional uses very fine needles, he inserts them into energy points associated with your problem.

Before performing the procedure, the specialist cleans the region. The needles used must be disposable.

Once inserted, the needles remain in place for about 20 to 40 minutes. After they are removed, a small bandage is placed in each pierced place.

The acupuncturist may also choose to use semi-permanent needles or mustard seed. In both cases, the material stays in the ear for about a week. This technique usually has a faster result, as the pressure on the energy point is constant and regular.

It is important to note that the points are not chosen randomly. When consulting with the specialist, he will identify your problem and, later, determine which points should be stimulated to improve your health. See in the image some energy points of the ear and which organs and systems they are related to.

Before going to perform an auricular acupuncture session, eat something, as it should not be done with the person fasting. However, avoid drinking coffee or black tea.

Does Auricular Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture has been used for about two thousand years by healers and Chinese for pain relief and in the treatment of health problems.

This therapy is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). In Brazil, the technique is considered a medical specialty and can be performed safely by several qualified professionals.

Most researchers believe in the treatment and have been able to see its benefits for the health of patients in their studies.

A study published in 2014, funded by the US National Institutes of Health, found that acupuncture significantly reduces pain and improves quality of life for patients with knee arthritis. The therapy was compared against a sham treatment and routine knee treatments.

However, the recognition of the technique as an effective therapy is complex and, on the other hand, there are studies that believe that the benefits found by patients are psychological, as in cases where placebos are used in treatments.

The ideal is to use it as a complementary therapy to conventional clinical treatment.

You don’t have the courage to do acupuncture because you’re terrified of needles? There are other types of acupuncture that do not use this instrument. Meet!