Bellingham Ear acupuncture, also called auricular acupuncture, is an alternative form of therapy that’s becoming more and more well-known by the day. It involves the stimulation of acupuncture points in the auricle or outer ear in order to bring about a variety of therapeutic effects. While auricular acupuncture has been used years in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years, it was not until the 1950’s, through the work of a French doctor, Paul Nogier, that its effectiveness was proven in the West.
The Health Benefits and Various Forms of Auricular Acupuncture
Dr. Nogier found out that the ear and the nerves of the body have some kind of connection to each other. Because of burn injuries on the ear of a patient which was treated by a healer in order to alleviate sciatica, this attracted the attention and motivated Dr. Nogier to examine more. Soon, he was able to associate the stimulation points with the various effects in each of the organs. The acupuncture chart of the ear was in fact drawn by him, in which the auricle includes all organs, represented an inverted fetus.
Nogier’s version of auricular acupuncture would be later used for different clinical reasons, and it’s currently an option to which many people turn to.
The Different Forms of Auricular Acupuncture
There are different ways to stimulate acupuncture points in the auricle. This can be through insertion of needles, or massage with the fingers. Other materials that may be as utilized include pellets, which are tiny seeds that resemble mustard seeds. The application, however, must be specific and pressure needs to be progressive in a lot of treatments.
Auricular Acupuncture – Practical Applications
The uses of auricular acupuncture cover a wide swathe of applications: to aiding a person break a bad habit to the management of pain. The following are some of the most common uses of this therapy:
As a Treatment for Infertility
Auricular acupuncture is considered a bona fide alternative treatment for bringing about or enhancing female fertility for infertile women. Acupuncturists target an acupoint on the outer ear that pertains to the womb or uterus, and other points to alleviate stress.
Treatment for Dysmenorrhea
Studies show that auricular acupuncture is a potential treatment for menstrual pain and for the enhancement of menstrual blood flow. It is also an effective means to stimulate regular menstruation.
Combating Pains and Aches
Auricular acupuncture can effectively relieve most physical pains in the body.
To improve overall wellbeing
Auricular acupuncture stimulates the function of the vital organs; hence it can be a useful treatment for health conditions in general.
For Losing Weight
Research has indicated that we can attain benefits if we use auricular acupuncture to relieve anxiety related to obesity. Thanks to its effectiveness, this alternative has become very popular.
To Stop Smoking
Auricular acupuncture has been show to combat anxiety which is usually the reason why we become hooked to this horrible habit. Its use for this purpose may imply undergoing a number of therapy sessions; nonetheless, it has been proven to be a very helpful alternative.
Treatment for Sciatica
As mentioned a whole ago, the burning on a patient’s ear that led to the immediate treatment of the patient’s sciatica was what motivated Dr. Nogier to conduct more research on auricular acupuncture. However, since it is not enough to stimulate the proper acupoint with a needle or pellet to alleviate pain, auricular acupuncture alone may not be enough to treat sciatica.
A Treatment that Addresses a Variety of Symptoms
During a typical auricular acupuncture procedure, several acupoints on the ear are treated. The choice of treatment will be based on the diagnosis of the acupuncturist, who will determine the cause of the symptoms that can be fought more appropriately and more comprehensively through the use of this alternative.
To attain the desired outcomes, more than one session is often needed. The outcomes may be felt within 24 hours or by repeating the therapy.
Does Auricular Acupuncture Hurt?
Based on the auricular stimulus, auricular acupuncture may or may not be painful. This is because there are specific acupoints that tend to be more tender than others. When it comes to needling, pain may be felt although it is described as tolerable and fleeting.
The ears may be sore to the touch when small needles remain in the ears for several days.
Risks and Precautions Regarding Auricular Acupuncture
While it may appear easy to perform auricular acupuncture, it is important to select the right acupoints for treatment, and it is urgent that you find an acupuncturist who is able to identify the proper acupoints to stimulate.
Moreover, to avoid infection, this therapy should be performed under a sterilized environment especially if a needle insertion is made.
Contraindications
Considered safe, auricular acupuncture should however, not be performed when the skin of the ear is irritated or red. This procedure should not be used if the skin of the ear has injuries.
We do not recommend using this therapy on pregnant women.
Acupuncture Health Center
1303 Astor St #101
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 715-1824
https://www.bellinghamacupuncturecenter.com/