In my practice, I frequently use auricular therapy for weight loss, smoking cessation, pain, stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, insomnia, and many other conditions. Since the ear represents the entire body, auricular therapy can be used to treat numerous conditions. In 2006, I completed the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) Auricular Therapy for Drug Detoxification at the Lincoln Recovery Center in New York.



What Is Auricular Therapy?

Auricular therapy is one of the important components of Oriental Medicine. It is a specialized form where the auricle (ear) is used to stimulate various organs and meridians in the body. The ear represents a fetus in the womb but in an inverted position. It is a microcosm of the macrocosm.

Within auricular therapy are ear acupuncture, the auricular seed method, and auriculotherapy.

Ear acupuncture is needle stimulation to the auricle, or external ear, using fine acupuncture needles. Auriculotherapy is needle-less stimulation of the auricle, or external ear, using an electrical probe for alleviating pain, treating various dysfunctions and specific diseases. Auriculotherapy works by stimulating the central nervous system through the cranial nerves/spinal nerves on the auricle of the ear. The Seed Method is a method where smooth herbal seeds or tiny magnets are attached to the skin of the ear with a tiny adhesive bandage to stimulate the ear points. Seeds are kept in place for about about a week. Patients can stimulate the point themselves by pressing the seeds a few times during the day.



Is it Auricular Therapy Painful?

Using acupuncture needles on the ear, pain may last one to three seconds with the placing of the needle. Otherwise, acupuncture needles do not hurt on the ear. If electrical stimulation is used there is usually little to no pain at all perceived by the patient.


Are there side effects?

The primary side effect of ear acupuncture or auricular therapy is tenderness or inflammation to the ear itself. Auricular therapy and acupuncture generally have almost no side effects.

Auricular Therapy can be used as a stand alone therapy, especially for people who prefer needle-free treatments or as an adjunct therapy to body acupuncture and other therapies.

To experience auricular therapy, please contact us to schedule your appointment today.