Ear Acupuncture
- Posted on: May 6 2019
Ear acupuncture, also known as auricular acupuncture, uses needles and ear seed to stimulate acupuncture points on the ear in order treat health conditions in other areas of the body.
A Canadian neuroscientist, Wilder Penfield discovered that maps of the body exist on the surface, or sensory cortex, of the brain. Brain maps are projected on different areas of the body as microsystems, especially the ear, therefore the ear becomes a microsystem of the entire body.
Ear acupuncture is an effective method of treating a wide variety of conditions, from headaches and allergies to addictions and pain disorders. Although acupuncture is an Asian medicine, the specialty of ear acupuncture was developed in western Europe. Dr. Paul Nogier, a neurologist working in France in the 1950’s developed auricular acupuncture, which was then expanded on by Frank Bahr M.D. and physical medicine specialists in Germany over the following decades.
The map on the ear is in the form of an inverted fetus. The tissue of the ear is unique and has other functions beyond our sense of hearing. The ear is the first organ to develop to its full size and become fully functional at about 18 weeks after conception.
Treatments are performed by needling specific points on the ear independent from body points or in conjunction with a body treatment. Needles are inserted only millimeters into the ear. Often, auricular treatments are completed with ear seeds. Ear seeds are small beads, which are metal-plated, magnetic, or vaccaria seeds are placed on points with adhesive plaster for longer lasting stimulation.
All signals induced by ear acupuncture travel through a specific part of the brain, the diencephalon, to corresponding body parts. The body follows these commands because they come directly from the brain. Diseases such as; migraine, insomnia, depression, addictions, indigestion, pain and inflammation can be treated by ear acupuncture. Some patients feel immediate relief, others need several days before they appreciate the improvement, but almost all feel more relaxed upon completion of a treatment.
Black spa stone with set of acupuncture needles on tray
Posted in: Acupuncture
