Ear point treatment is a form of alternative medicine based on the idea that the ear is a microsystem which reflects the entire body, represented on the auricle, the outer portion of the ear. The acupuncture points found on the ear help to regulate the body’s internal organs, structures, and functions.
The history of Ear Point Treatment
It was first used in France in 1956 by Dr. Paul Nogier. He noticed that patients’ backache was cured when they received a burn on the ear. Intrigued, he started mapping the ear, pinpointing the spots that correlate to various organs or systems in the body. Dr. Nogier pictured the ear as a curled up fetus with its head pointing downwards, and began treating his patients by applying pressure to the spot associated with each organ.
Specific points can be stimulated by acupuncture needles or manual pressure. This manual pressure can be facilitated with ear seeds that are secured by medical tape. It is a needless procedure. The patient is asked to massage them regularly.
How is Ear Acupuncture used in a treatment?
Ear acupuncture is generally incorporated into a regular acupuncture treatment. In addition to using acupuncture points on the rest of the body, our doctor may select a few ear acupuncture points that they feel will be helpful for your particular condition.
What are ear seeds?
Ear seeds are small seeds from the Vaccaria plant or small Magnet. These seeds are held in place on the ear with a small piece of adhesive tape. Ear seeds may be left in the ear for a few days or up to two weeks. Ear points may be stimulated for a longer period of time by using ear seeds.
Benefits of Ear Acupuncture
- weight loss
- assist in smoking cessation
- enhance mood
- chronic pain
- irritable bowel syndrome
- low back pain
- relieve stress