Acupuncture on Ear for Immediate Pain Relief
Did you know your ear is like a mini map for your body? From ancient China to modern France, they found out which parts of the ear connect to different body bits. Now, it's a cool mix of tricks for feeling good. Want to learn more? Dive in acupuncture on ear!
Written by
WG
Editorial Team
Reviewed By: Dr. Rudresh, MD Acu, BDS, DM Chiro (Sweden), CDC (USA)
Auricular acupuncture is a micro-acupuncture technique involving the stimulation of specific points in the ears. It may be comparable to reflexology. The auricular diagnosis and treatment, though historically practiced in China for a range of ailments, has developed into a distinctive branch in itself in various parts of the world.
When internal disorders occur, changes such as tenderness, decreased cutaneous electrical resistance, morphologic changes, or discoloration may appear at specific acupuncture on ear points and hence these points are used as reference points to treat or ameliorate the health issue.
History of auricular – Acupuncture Therapy
The primitive versions of acupuncture, which were most likely developed during the Stone Age have survived in many parts of the world until the present day. There are references to different body channels and vessels that are more like the Chinese system of channels known since the 15th century. During the Renaissance the doctors working with the Dutch East India Company were impressed by Chinese acupuncture practices and observed the efficiency of using needles and moxa, cauterizing the external ear, or severing the veins behind the ears for treating illnesses like sciatica and hip arthritis. The use of ear cauterization by European medical professionals to treat a range of pains is then mentioned in numerous sources.
Dr. Paul Nogier rediscovered this kind of therapy a century after its original discovery. Dr. Nogier had noticed that the hand’s radial pulse underwent a noticeable alteration when certain areas on the auricle (Ear) were stimulated. Later, he originated the concept of the inverted fetal map on the external ear and systemically mapped the auricular/body correspondences. Dr. Paul Nogier has been regarded as the Father of contemporary ear acupuncture.
How did acupuncture on ear healing work?
The ear is a unique anatomical structure that is built up of tissue from each of the three primary tissue types found in an embryo. Each tissue type in the ear has a link to various somato-topical reflections and to the innervation related to that part of the ear.
The auricular diagnosis uses parts of the external ear that are darker, discolored, or flaky to identify certain health issues in the body. Pathological ear sites are more sensitive and have greater skin conductance levels than other auricular regions, which helps identify corresponding health problems that the patient may be marginally aware of.
From a Western medical viewpoint, the nervous innervations of the ear are the leading explanation of how and why ear acupuncture works. The nerves that innervate the ear connect with our internal organs and all parts of the body. Applying pressure to the external ear stimulates these nerves, which travel to the central nervous system, stimulating neurotransmitters that alleviate pain.
The ear is also richly supplied with blood vessels. Auriculotherapy improves peripheral blood flow, circulating more oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. And just like in full-body acupuncture treatments, endorphins and enkephalins (our natural painkillers/ “feel good” hormones) are elevated after auricular treatments!
In Chinese Medicine, your health depends on the flow of qi and blood in your body. This energy travels along invisible pathways, known as meridians. Meridian pathways travel all over the body, including to the ears. Stimulating ear points can help balance the flow of qi and blood, promoting overall health.
