Natural Energy Health
Auricular Therapy (Ear Acupuncture)
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What is Auricular Acupuncture and How Does it Work?
To try and explain it simply, Auricular (or Ear) Acupuncture is a specialised complementary therapy where acupuncture points on the outer ear are treated, using either needles or electro acupunctoscopes to help relieve many chronic complaints.
There are as many as two hundred acupuncture points on the outer ear, each point named generally after areas of our anatomy, i.e. knees, hips, shoulders, liver, heart etc. The outer ear acts like a switchboard to the brain. Each acupoint on the ear, when treated, triggers electrical impulses, from the ear, via the brain, to the specific area of the body that is being treated. Therefore if someone had a painful knee, for example, by treating the 'knee' acupoint on the ear, it would help alleviate the pain.
What is its Relationship to the Chinese Foetus Representation?
Take a look at the illustrated diagrams. The shape of the auricle (ear) clearly resembles a near-term foetus in the inverted position in the mother's womb. You will need to understand that the classic Chinese Acupuncture points on the ears are in a similar position to the various anatomical areas of the foetus.
For example, all the head acupoints are located on the ear lobe, e.g. tonsils, throat, sinuses etc. All the major organs of the foetus are located in the 'well' or concha of the ear as is their acupoints e.g. lungs, heart, liver, etc. and the lower limbs of the foetus are positioned at the 'top' of the ear as are the acupoints, e.g. knees, toes, ankles etc. This is a very simple explanation of the Chinese Foetus Representation, yet a lot of the time simple is best!
What Conditions Can It Help?
Most chronic complaints can be treated effectively and simply with Auricular Acupuncture. Success rates can be as high as 95%. Here are just some examples:
•Anxiety
Anxiety •Arthritis
Arthritis •Asthma
Asthma •Back Pain
Back Pain •Colitis
Colitis •Depression
Depression •Hay Fever
Hay Fever •Addictions, e.g. Alcohol, Drugs etc.
Addictions, e.g. Alcohol, Drugs etc. •Headaches
Headaches •Hiatus Hernia
Hiatus Hernia •Indigestion
Indigestion •Insomnia
Insomnia •Migraine
Migraine •Obesity
Obesity •P.M.S.
P.M.S. •Sciatica
Sciatica •Shingles
Shingles •Sinusitis
Sinusitis •Stopping Smoking
Stopping Smoking •Tendonitis
Tendonitis •Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow •M.E.
M.E. Auricular acupuncture is highly effective for relaxation, meditation, anxiety and stress relief. Combining correct breathing techniques with Auricular Therapy can be, and usually is an extremely serene, peaceful, healing and uplifting experience.
Frequently asked questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are thin metal filaments approximately the width of several hairs. The sensations patients experience during treatment range from nothing at all, to a fleeting ache or pinch in the area being needled. In my experience, even self-described “needle phobic” patients are pleasantly surprised to find that the sensations are minimal and treatment itself is relaxing and enjoyable.
What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is often effective with a wide range of complaints, including back pain, joint pain, infertility, menopausal complications, asthma, depression, chronic fatigue, high blood pressure, diabetes and stress. Acupuncture is also helpful for many chronic illnesses and health concerns that have no clear origin or cause. Patients committed to a healthy lifestyle who receive ongoing acupuncture treatment for maintenance and health promotion often experience:
*Being sick less often and recovering more quickly
*Improvement of vitality and stamina
*Being able to take care of their own health
*Relationships with others becoming more harmonious
*Reductions in long term health care costs
A recent survey of people who receive acupuncture, conducted by Claire Cassidy, Ph.D., indicates that they see their physicians less frequently and use fewer medications. In addition, over two thirds of those surveyed reported having avoided recommended surgery.
Are the needles safe?
Yes. Sterile disposable needles are used once and then disposed of immediately.
Are there different styles of acupuncture?
There are many styles of acupuncture. The primary distinction exists within the diagnostic process and the corresponding treatment planning process.
Do I have to be ill to benefit from acupuncture?
Absolutely not. Many patients come for regular treatments to prevent illness and maintain a vital state of health throughout the year. Professional athletes use acupuncture to maximize performance and replenish their reserves after major events. Corporate executives come in for regular treatment to manage stress and increase focus and creativity.
Can acupuncture help me quit smoking or lose weight?
Yes, but with a caveat: In both cases, patients will also have to commit to making life-style changes to realize the full benefits of treatment.
How frequently do I need to come to benefit from treatment?
Individual needs vary widely and are dependent upon the patient’s state of health upon entering treatment. Broadly speaking, patients are often seen in weekly sessions for 6-8 visits. As patients experience stable improvement in their condition, treatments may be extended to every other week, every three weeks, monthly and eventually seasonally.
How do I get the most out of each treatment?
Be sure to eat well before coming to treatment. Avoid caffeine in coffee, tea, or sodas during the day of treatment. Avoid intense physical activity before or after your scheduled treatment.
It is estimated that more than 3 million people in the UK & more than 15 million Americans have used acupuncture to treat ailments ranging from asthma to ulcers, and one of its primary uses is for pain relief. Many people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, and Raynaud's phenomenon swear by acupuncture, and some studies have shown that it can relieve pain caused by osteoarthritis and/or fibromyalgia.
Although no scientific explanation for its effectiveness exists, acupuncture does produce real responses in the body, including stimulation of the immune and circulatory systems and the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Many people have acupuncture for meditation, stress and anxiety relief; where is proves time and time again to be a very powerful technique. In fact through my own personal research and treatments auricular therapy can offer a quick journey to a very deep relaxed state, both physically and mentally.
You may require several acupuncture sessions (perhaps as many as six) before you begin to notice a difference, but once the beneficial effects set in, they often last for weeks, months, or even longer. It is estimated that acupuncture works for 95% of individuals.
