What is Ear Acupuncture?
Ear acupuncture, also known as auricular therapy, is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Auricular therapy is widely used for many conditions, including addiction treatment, mood disorders, obesity, pain, and other conditions. This medical system emphasizes a holistic approach to medicine, an approach that treats the whole person. The acupuncture points found on the ear help to regulate the body’s internal organs, structures, and functions.
Benefits
One of the benefits of ear acupuncture is its ease of application. It can be provided while the patient is fully clothed. This quickly became an attractive option for many people. It’s also an effective way to treat pain without applying needles to the area that hurts.
The Treatment Process
While ear acupuncture can be used as a stand-alone treatment, it is often added to full body acupuncture sessions as a way of reinforcing the therapy. The treatment involves the application of ear seeds, or pellets that stimulate the “points”. These seeds are traditionally vacarria seeds (which resemble poppy seeds) and are on small bandages that hold them in place. Leaving those seeds for a few days allow the benefits of treatment to continue after the patient leaves the clinic. They are barely noticeable and don’t get in the way of normal activities.
Prior to treatment, a consultation needs to be done with a practitioner to diagnose any internal issues. This will determine which points to attach the seeds to.
To assist the treatment process, two to three times each day or when you have symptoms, apply pressure by rubbing the seeds with a circular motion for one to three minutes.
Ear seeds may fall off on their own after about three to five days. It’s not recommended to leave them on for more than five days, even if they’re still in place.