Auriculotherapy is a technique similar to acupuncture, which involves applying pressure to specific points on the ear to help treat health problems like osteoarthritis, migraines, muscle injuries and insomnia.
This therapy originated from traditional Chinese and French medicine, and is based on the idea that each part of the human body is represented by points on the ear. It is believed that by stimulating a specific point, diseases and symptoms in the corresponding part of the body can be treated.
Auriculotherapy should always be performed by a trained doctor or health care professional, and shoud not replace medical treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
Common uses
Auriculotherapy is indicated to help treat:
- Acute pain, caused by fractures, surgeries, sprains, contractures or muscle strains
- Chronic pain, causes cases of rheumatological diseases, neuropathy, migraines and osteoarthritis
- Difficulty sleeping due to insomnia.
Auriculotherapy can be indicated as a complement to conventional medical treatment but should not replace the medications prescribed by the doctor.
Can auriculotherapy help you lose weight?
It is believed that auriculotherapy can promote weight loss in some people as it can help to control appetite. However, more studies are needed before auriculotherapy can be prescribed for this purpose.
Possible health benefits
Auriculotherapy may be recommended for the treatment of:
- Anxiety or depression
- Weight loss
- Hormonal disorders and PMS symptoms
- Fluid retention
- Urinary tract infection
- Respiratory problems, such as allergies, asthma, bronchitis or flu
- Heart problems, such as high blood pressure and palpitations
- Digestive problems, such as constipation
Although the use of auriculotherapy in these situations can sometimes have a beneficial effect, more studies are needed before it can be indicated as a form of treatment in these cases.
Does auriculotherapy help with anxiety?
Auriculotherapy may be effective in treating anxiety in some people, but more studies are needed to prove these effects.
Auriculotherapy map
Different points on the ear are associated with a specific organ in the body, which is how auriculotherapy can help treat various health problems. It should always be performed by a doctor or other qualified health professional, who will analyze your symptoms and determine the type of material that will be used to stimulate the specific point.
French auriculotherapy and Chinese auriculotherapy are the most common techniques used for this natural therapy, however the mapping of their stimulation points vary.
How auriculotherapy is performed
Before starting auriculotherapy treatment, it is important to consult an auriculotherapy specialist to determine the main symptoms and organs to be treated.
Then, the doctor or therapist selects the most appropriate points and applies pressure to the point. The pressure can be applied using:
- Filiform needles: applied to the points for 10 to 30 minutes
- Intradermal needles: placed under the skin for approximately 7 days
- Metal spheres: glued to the skin for approximately 5 days;
- Mustard seeds: heated or not, and glued to the skin for 5 days.
Sometimes, the doctor or therapist may also apply pressure with their fingers or stimulate the area with laser or electricity, using a specific device.
In addition, auriculotherapy can be used to diagnose and prevent the emergence of other diseases by applying pressure to specific points and monitoring for changes.