Auricular Acupuncture
By stimulating the external surface of the ear (auricle) it is possible to relieve dysfunctions and pain in other parts of the body. The ear acts like a switchboard to the brain. By stimulating the ear, the brain is stimulated and thus the body part related to that area of the brain is also stimulated. Practitioners often find auricular acupuncture is more rapid in relieving pain and more effective in treating addictions than body acupuncture.
Although the practice originated in China, the logical anatomical arrangement of points on the ear was developed in France by Dr. Paul Nogier in 1957. This pattern took the form of an inverted fetus on the external ear.
The World Health Organization has identified over 200 clinical disorders that acupuncture is effective at treating. Some of these conditions are:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (arthritis, migraines, dizziness and tendonitis)
- Emotional and Psychological disorders (depression and anxiety)
- Respiratory disorders (asthma, allergies and emphysema)
- Urogenital and Gynecological disorders (stress incontinence, painful menstruation and infertility)
- Addictions (alcohol and nicotine)
- Digestive disorders (ulcers, constipation, indigestion and gastritis)
- Chronic pain
- Circulatory disorders (hypertension and angina)
- Ear, Nose and Throat disorders