Auricular therapy is a very convenient alternative for treating diseases in areas lacking medical resources. As we all know that Auricular therapy works on the idea of the ear as a microcosm of the whole body so by stimulating specific points on the ear many problems can be treated easily.

Auricular Therapy

What Is Auricular therapy?

Auricular therapy is also referred to auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture, is also a form of alternative medicine which as like in acupressure involves stimulating certain points but only on the outer ear known as auricle, this is done to treat various health issues throughout the body. It's based on the principles that the ear is a microcosm (representative) of the whole body, with reflex points associated with different organs and body parts.

Auricular therapy believes the idea that the ear has a map of the entire body. Stimulating certain points on the ear can affect associated parts of the body.

In 1950s Auricular therapy was modernized by Dr. Paul Nogier , who represented the ear as an inverted fetus, and correlated specific points with physiological and anatomical
regions.

Stimulation Methods:

Different methods are used to stimulate these points, which includes:
Acupuncture needles: in this method thin needles are inserted on the points located in ear.

Acupressure: Pressure is applied to specific points with the help of fingers or small seeds/beads using adhesive tape.

Electroacupuncture: this method involves electrical stimulation as well as
acupuncture needles.

Laser stimulation: it is also known as laser auriculotherapy, is a non-invasive treatment so no surgeries are involved. It uses low-level lasers to stimulate certain points on the ear which is similar to acupuncture. It treats pain, anxiety, and smoking addictions etc.

Cauterization: this practice involves use of heat to stimulate certain points on the ear for therapeutic purposes, often with other auricular therapies. It is involves burning tissue to treat or prevent disease.

Moxibustion: this practice believes in the idea of warming up the specific points on the body can improve the flow of qi and blood flow.

Bloodletting: this involves puncturing and drawing of blood from certain points on the body. It is useful to treat stroke, skin problems etc.

Auricular therapy side effects

Slight discomfort or pain at the site of stimulation with the help of needles or other things.

Redness or minor swelling may occur around the ear

If pressure is applied firmly soreness or bruising may occur.

Dizziness can be felt after standing up quickly post-treatment.

Mild bleeding can also be a possibility if needles are used.

Some allergic reactions and skin irritation because of the tapes or metals in ear.

If needles are not sterile or the site is properly cleaned then the ear area is prone to infections.

Nausea can be a common problem but only if the points are overstimulated.

Auricular therapy benefits

Alleviates pain

Low back pain, headaches, chronic pains, chemotherapy pains etc.

Addiction and anxiety

Smoking addiction, anxiety and other cravings that potentially lead to addiction are cured and helps relex the body.

Insomnia

Improves sleep quality and treats insomnia.

Obesity

It is very helpful in weight management and reduces obesity so auricular therapy for weight loss is also used.

How does it work:

Auricular therapy is based on the idea that the ear is microcosm of the whole body, therefore it reflects the whole body and the parts corresponding to it can be treated if the specific points in the ear are stimulated. They involve:

 

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Regulation:
Auricular therapy influences the ANS, which controls all the involuntary bodily functions. It modulates the  autonomic nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve, which is a major nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system.


Neurological Reflexes:
It is believed that the stimulation of ear points triggers neurological reflexes, they travel through the nervous system to the brain and then to the area of the body that is targeted.


Vagus Nerve Activation:
This is known as auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN), it plays a significant role in auricular therapy. Stimulation of the ear can lead to enhanced vagal tone, which helps regulate various systems like the respiratory, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems.

Conclusion

Auricular therapy is a very convenient alternative for treating diseases in areas lacking medical resources. As we all know that Auricular therapy works on the idea of the ear as a microcosm of the whole body so by stimulating specific points on the ear many problems can be treated easily. Evidence on auricular therapy supports its potential benefits for pain relief, in treating anxiety and epilepsy as well as obesity, and in improving sleep quality therefore helps treating insomnia.