One of the several many reflex systems that comprise the body is the ear. A reflex system is where the entire body is encapsulated in a certain part of the body. They are occasionally referred to as “microsystems” and are considered two-way communication systems. They mirror the problem occurring in a specific part of the body and can also treat it. Foot and hand reflexology are the two most familiar reflex systems. Auricular therapy is the examination and activation of the auricle (outer ear) for the diagnosis and resolution of health problems occurring in other parts of the body.
Auricular therapy also called auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture has been used by early Chinese doctors for over two thousand years. They used the ear in diagnosis and treatment. For sciatica and impotence, Hippocrates bled points behind the ears. Medical texts during the Middle Ages in Europe report the use of the ear for the treatment of sciatic pain. In France, Dr. Paul Nogier developed a comprehensive map of the ear as a reflex system in 1956. He designed a model using the basic image of an inverted fetus. Physicians around the world have validated his work. In 1973, Dr. Michael Smith developed in New York a standard procedure for substance abuse withdrawal by addressing five acupuncture points on the ear. He established the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) which is the most commonly used detox procedure in the US for the treatment of chemical addiction.
Auricular therapy is one of the lesser known treatments used by psychologists, massage therapists, chiropractors, doctors, acupuncturists, and other health care providers despite being one of the more extremely effective alternative healing modalities around. Acupoints on the ear can be stimulated using ear acupressure pellets, magnets, lasers, needles, or manual pressure. Auricular therapy implemented minus needles can be as effective as traditional body acupuncture. The World Health Organization in 1990, said “Auricular therapy is perhaps the best scientifically documented and most developed of all acupuncture’s microsystems and is the most widely used because of its practicality.”
Perhaps, auricular therapy’s most surprising aspect is that can be used for practically almost any type of condition. The inclusion of this treatment can enhance the treatment of menopause, headaches, arthritis, anxiety, addictions, insomnia, stress, pain, and many other conditions. It is often used as an adjunct to other types of therapy and is not meant to replace other appropriate forms of medical care.
Auricular therapy research done in China has discovered that it works well in 85 percent of cases and can address over 200 disorders and diseases. The Pain Management Center of UCLA in 1980 performed a double blind study to validate the scientific veracity of auricular diagnosis. It discovered a 75 percent rate of accuracy in diagnosing musculoskeletal pain conditions through palpation and observation of the ear. In South Australia, a study done at the Adelaide University examined the effectiveness of auricular therapy in Bellingham in weight loss. It saw that auricular therapy can inhibit appetite. The amount of weight lost and the number of individuals who lost weight was markedly higher in the group treated with auricular therapy.
All of these indicate one amazing wellness health healing modality that is directed to the ears.
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