Auriculotherapy

From ArticleWorld

Stimulation of the auricle of the ear is a part of acupuncture where needles are inserted and acupressure where the ear is massaged, and also when it is stimulated electrically as in Auriculotherapy. The practice goes as far back as 500BC where it has been recorded in Ancient China and most probably in Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. Modern auriculotherapy, however, is based on the work of Dr Nogier in France in the 1950’s.

After noticing that some of his patients had part of their ear cauterized and discovering that this had been done by a lay practitioner to relieve back pain, he went on to research the practice and came to the conclusion that the ear represents the whole body but in an upside down orientation.

How does it work?

Many traditional therapies are based on the belief that vital energy flows through channels known as meridians which connect all the organs and systems of the body; one of these channels connects the external ear and in this way, manipulation of it has an effect in other parts of the body. More modern thought is that the ear is a localized reflex system which is connected to the central nervous system. Nerves from the ear connect to reflex centres in the brain which send neurological messages to the spinal cord and from there out to the spine or foot.

Stimulation of the ear also releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers.

Uses of the practice

Auriculotherapy can be used as a treatment on its own to relieve pain and stress but seems to be more beneficial when used as a complement to western medical practices. In the western world, it is usually used for chronic pain control, as a treatment for drug addiction and relief of nausea.