Auriculotherapy: how it works, main indications and map

Auriculotherapy is a technique that draws attention for the numerous indications it offers. Leandro da Silva Pereira (civilian rescuer firefighter, nursing technician, chiropractor and acupuncturist) explains that it is used to stimulate nerve endings/points in the ear. That is, to work on specific points on the body, thus correcting its energy flow.

For this, different forms of stimuli are used, such as seeds, spheres, crystals or needles. In this way, auriculotherapy treats various health problems, whether physical or mental. Learn how it works, what are its main indications, contraindications, average price and tips for choosing a good professional to perform the technique.

What is auriculotherapy

Pereira explains that auriculotherapy (also called auriculopuncture) is a technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine that uses the handling of specific reflex points of the ear.

“Stimuli are made with seeds, spheres of silver, gold, crystals, needles or just a massage, in order to normalize the energetic function of the organism as a whole. Or even in a specific way, through a certain combination of these points, defined after an anamnesis diagnosis, specific to determine the root of a problem”, he says.

Paula Soares Echabe (CRM: 31220), graduated from the Catholic University of Pelotas, Family Physician and specialist in Medical Acupuncture by the AMB (Brazilian Medical Association) and by the Brazilian Medical College of Acupuncture, highlights that each point of the ear refers to a body organ.

“Therefore, with the technique it is possible to relieve pain, treat problems and detect the diagnosis of many pathologies”, he explains.

How is auriculotherapy performed?

First, explains Paula, a consultation is carried out with the professional to identify the problem and which organs are being affected, as well as which points should be stimulated.

“After this analysis, pressures are made in the correct place, and the time and type of material used will depend on each patient. This time varies from minutes to seven days”, says the specialist.

The materials used may be:

• Needles (filiform and intradermal)
• magnetic spheres
• mustard seeds

Pereira highlights that the session begins with a massage on the ear as a whole to stimulate circulation. “Next, the points are applied. The effects for some problems such as localized pain, for example, tend to be very fast… In 10 to 15 seconds it is possible to feel a total or partial improvement”, he comments.

Map of auriculotherapy points

Paula explains that the auricular map is the drawing that indicates each of the points on the ear and which part of the body and organ it is related to.

Pereira points out that it is used after the anamnesis, because it specifically shows each point and its approximate location.

“It is easy to read, however, the correct definition of the point in the ear needs training to be located correctly”, he comments.

What is auriculotherapy for?

Paula points out that auriculotherapy can treat more than 200 pathologies, whether physical or mental. There are numerous indications of it, among which we can mention:

• Breathing problems
• Heart problems
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Hypertension
• Headaches
• Urinary infection
• Obesity
• Weight loss (helps controlling the compulsive urge to eat)
• hormonal disorders
• TPM control
• muscle strains
• Contractures
• The flu
• Cough
• Smoking (helps control withdrawal symptoms)
• Muscle or chronic pain (such as a herniated disc)
• Cancer treatment (alleviating the symptoms of chemotherapy)

Pereira reinforces that any pathology can be treated with auriculotherapy, directly or indirectly, relieving symptoms.

“Auriculotherapy can be used individually or in parallel with some other treatment technique, such as systemic acupuncture, chiropractic, among others”, he says.

The contraindications, according to Paula, are for: pregnant women, people with hypersensitivity, with psychological problems not treated properly, allergic to a type of material (needle, for example), among others.

“Therefore, it is essential to consult and evaluate with the professional who will apply to see if you are able or not to receive the treatment”, he emphasizes.

Auriculotherapy price

Pereira explains that an auriculotherapy session costs, on average, R$35 to R$50 reais. However, the value varies a lot according to the city and the place where the treatment will be carried out.

Some tips for choosing a good professional for treatment are:

• Be wary of very low prices: although the price naturally varies from one professional to another, it’s good to have a parameter within your city. This way you avoid falling into “snares” and, in case of suspicion, you can question where the person took the course, how long ago, that is, get to know the professional better.
• More qualified professionals may charge more: it is natural that a professional who has studied and specialized more and/or has been working for a long time will charge more than other less experienced professionals. Knowing this, make a choice within your financial possibilities, but always taking into account what may be included in the price of each one.
• Choice among suitable professionals: Pereira comments that auriculotherapy can be performed by any acupuncturist and/or by professionals who are qualified in specific auriculotherapy courses.
• Take the indications into account: it is very interesting to hear the indications of people close to you who have already undergone the procedure and can contribute with what they thought of the professional and the effects of the treatment.

Paula reinforces that the most important thing is to make sure that the professional is able to perform the technique. “Other criteria will depend on each patient: insurance plans, treatment values, empathy for the professional, etc. Each patient values ​​some benefit,” she comments.

More information about auriculotherapy

In the videos below you can learn more about the technique and its incredible benefits:

Getting to know auriculotherapy

Danilo explains how the treatment works and reinforces that auriculotherapy treats more than 200 scientifically cataloged disorders.

Indications and curiosities about auriculotherapy

In the video, Mauro Tokura brings information and curiosities involving auriculotherapy, such as whether there is a specific point on the child’s ear to make the earring hole.

What is auriculotherapy and results

Lirane explains what auriculotherapy is and comments on the very effective results of this treatment, from measurable situations (such as the need to lower a patient’s blood pressure) to cases of weight loss or the end of an addiction (such as smoking).

It is essential to reinforce that auriculotherapy requires knowledge and responsibility on the part of the professional.

“Because it is a set of micro systems that control the energetic function of the organism, the wrong choice of combinations of points can cause the opposite effect to the desired one, such as headaches, abdominal discomfort, fever, even an abortion (in this case of a pregnant woman). Therefore, this technique can only be performed by qualified and properly trained people”, emphasizes Pereira.

Now you know how it works and you know the main indications of auriculotherapy, as well as you are aware of the importance of choosing good professionals to perform the technique. Also learn more about acupuncture.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.