General Overview
If you’re interested in using ear acupuncture (also known as auriculotherapy or ear acupressure) at home among your loved ones, you may have a few questions about what, where and how to treat.
And you’ve come to the right place for answers! In this blog post, we’ll address the answers to common questions about using ear acupuncture at home—including safety and dosage considerations, treatment methods, and tools to make your treatment more effective and accurate. If you’d like to learn more about ear acupuncture before you dig into how to treat, click here.
Do I Need a License to Perform Auriculotherapy?
Here in the United States, each state is responsible for setting licensing rules for acupuncture practice, and the states all vary slightly in licensing requirements. Similarly, ear acupuncture is regulated slightly differently in each of the states. Some states may require specific training and credentials, while others do not. Types of treatment applied may also be differently regulated. For example, non-invasive treatment with electrical stimulation may be open to anyone, whereas needle insertion may only be allowed with acupuncture licensure.
For the purposes of this blog, we’re sticking with safe, non-invasive methods that you can perform on yourself or a loved one. If you are concerned about licensure, please contact the regulatory authority in your state. Above all, please don’t hold yourself out as a practitioner, taking money for treatment, unless you have verified you are within the law in your particular location.
How Do I Know What to Treat?
The starting point to treat any condition with auriculotherapy is to know which points are applicable to the condition you are treating. Because there are literally hundreds of points on the ear, each with a different purpose, finding precisely the right points is a must.
To help get you started, we created posts for each of the top 10 conditions to treat with ear acupuncture. You can click on a condition below to learn more about how you can use ear acupuncture to benefit!
Ear Acupuncture for Weight Loss >>
Ear Acupuncture for Anxiety >>
Ear Acupuncture for Insomnia >>
Ear Acupuncture for Back Pain >>
Ear Acupuncture for Headaches >>
Ear Acupuncture for Allergies >>
Ear Acupuncture for Migraines >>
Ear Acupuncture to Stop Smoking >>
Ear Acupuncture for Immunity >>
Auriculo 360: Your Complete Reference Software
If you’re looking for a robust reference aid, complete with all the points, protocols and conditions you’ll need to confidently treat every time, you need the Auriculo 360 ear acupuncture reference software. In addition to illustrations and explanations of over 300 auricular points, the software also provides one-click access to 180 condition-specific, 3D protocol charts that have been exhaustively researched and perfectly illustrated. The ear illustration can be rotated, moved and zoomed with simple mouse (or touch) controls to properly show every point, including hidden and covered points. There simply isn’t a faster or easier way to locate the high-quality information you need for the condition you’re treating.
In addition, the software gives you the ability to flip each chart from left to right, making point location much easier. Since you can screenshot and print any protocol, you have a ready source for any printed chart you may need. The Auriculo 360 software is available at http://www.Auriculo360.com
Whether you use books, wall charts, or software, you need to have access to high-quality auricular charts to know what to treat.
The best part is Auriculo 360 was designed to be incredibly affordable, with options less than $11 per month when paid annually.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
Scanning for Active Points
An important principle of auriculotherapy is to focus on the points that are “Active.” An active point has some sort of energetic disturbance, or an indication that it needs to be treated.
Although there are many ways to look for active points, scanning is easily accomplished with an electrical testing device, though this is an advanced method that will require some practice and training. My favorite device is the Pointoselect Digital. This device has a sensing mode that precisely locates areas of altered energetic properties in the ear.
The procedure is to scan each of the points on the chart, looking for active points.
You’ll notice some points are labeled in ALL CAPS. These points are called Master Points, and have a system-wide effect. It’s generally best to scan and treat these points before the others on the chart.
How to Detect Active Points
Here are a few of the indicators that a point is “active,” or in other words, ready to receive treatment.
- Color Change: Inspect the skin for changes in color at the point you are examining. Is there increased redness? Lack of color? A different color than the surrounding skin? A dry or flaky patch? These are all indications of an active point.
- Skin structure abnormalities: Carefully look and feel for changes in skin structure. A raised bump or hard nodule, dryness, roughness or moisture may indicate the active point.
- Tenderness: Is the point tender to the touch? A mechanical point detector with a round probe tip is very useful for detecting tenderness in the auricle. The tip should be small and blunt—small so that you can locate a point easily, and blunt so that you do not cause damage to the ear with pressure. A rounded ball tip is the most comfortable. You can purchase one here.
- Electronic Location: High-quality auricular treatment devices have a measurement mode to electronically locate active points, and a treatment mode to treat the points once they are located. Active points will show lower electrical resistance than surrounding tissue. This is a more advanced process, but certainly worth it for those who are serious about auriculotherapy. As I mentioned above, my favorite microcurrent device is the Pointoselect Digital. You can get more information at www.pointoselect.com.
For beginners, we recommend starting with a manual probe. It will help you locate points and leave a small indentation on the ear that will help you place the seed properly. You can purchase one here.
NOTE: If you cannot detect any active points related to the condition you are treating, proceed with treating the Master Points indicated on the chart, and then re- check the condition-specific points. Often, treating the Master Points will activate other points on the ear. Treating the Master Points first is almost always the best place to start.
Where to Treat
Which ear? It is not always necessary or even desirable to treat both ears in the same session. Generally, excellent results will be obtained by treating just one ear.
I generally start with the ear on the side of the patient’s dominant hand. So if the patient is right handed, I start with the right ear. Then, the next time I treat, it will be on the left ear, alternating ears each treatment session. however, if a complaint is localized on one side of the body, it may make more sense to treat the ear on the same side of the body as the complaint.
How to Treat
Electrical Stimulation
Treatment by electrical stimulation is convenient, effective and powerful. Many users report better pain and addiction relief from electrical stimulation than from any other treatment method. Electrical stimulation also offers the advantages of being non-invasive, fast and clinically convenient to perform.
Electrical instruments developed specifically for auriculotherapy provide point location functions to precisely locate active points and then provide gentle, safe electrical stimulation to treat the points when they are located. The ideal instrument switches from location to stimulation without being removed from the point at all, so location and treatment proceed uninterrupted.
Cautions: Electrical stimulation should not be used in certain situations, including implanted electrical devices such as pacemakers. Please read and follow the instructions from the manufacturer of your electrical device for proper safety precautions. Never use an electrical stimulator in a manor inconsistent with the labeling or manufacturer’s instructions.
Above all, make sure you know how to use the device properly. Through the years, I’ve encountered many users who are using their device incorrectly and getting no effect because they didn’t read the manual or get any training to use their device. Don’t let this be you!
Once an active point has been located, proper treatment requires the application of the appropriate type and duration of electrical stimulation to achieve the desired results. The following guidelines apply:
Duration is generally 10-30 seconds per point (I prefer 15 seconds). Frequency is generally 10 Hz, or specific to the zone of the ear being treated (more info on that in this blog post, here.) Intensity is generally set to patient tolerance (it should not hurt).
Focused Pressure Treatment
Focused pressure to the ear is easily provided by a ball-tip metal ear probe. An added benefit of this technique is that the same instrument may be used for both examination and treatment. The following is an illustration of a typical ear probe (note the ball tip):
The rounded tip of the probe allows for comfortable gliding over the surface of the auricle during examination. Tender points are located with mild pressure, and treatment is provided by focused pressure on each tender point for 15-30 seconds. The treatment will leave a small, temporary indentation in the skin, which will disappear after an hour or two.
You may find that tender points are excruciatingly painful with even minimal pressure from the probe, so be gentle. There’s no need to cause unnecessary pain, and excessive pressure is not required for effective treatment.
Important: Never use a pointed or sharp probe in the ear, as the skin may be broken by the instrument. Only use the special ball-tip probe designed for auriculotherapy.
Laser Light
Another effective form of non-invasive stimulation is laser light. It is fast, safe and comfortable, and often takes effect very rapidly. The most commonly used wavelength is 635nm in the red spectrum. High power is not required, and even an affordable 5mW laser only requires 10-15 seconds per point.
Because the laser housing does not need to contact the skin, this form of treatment carries no risk of infection or contamination, and can even be used over broken skin, sores, etc.
When using a laser, remember to prevent laser light from entering the subject’s eyes or your own eyes.
Note: Typical business laser pointers are not suitable for auriculotherapy use and provide the wrong wavelength and power. Be sure your laser is properly chosen for this type of treatment. You can get more information on lasers at www.lasersforacupuncture.com.
Ear Seeds
Long-duration, focused pressure to auricular points is often accomplished by means of ear seeds or pellets attached to an adhesive strip. These seeds or pellets are placed on the auricular point and held in place by the adhesive strip which covers the pellet. The light, but consistent pressure sends a constant signal to your nervous system. Ear seeds and pellets can remain in place for several days.
The longer duration of treatment over the course of several days provides a more stimulatory effect over a longer period than other treatments. For added effect, press on the pellets a few times per day. For weight control, you may find it helpful to press on the pellets when you have a food craving.
We recommend Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds and premium pellets. The ear seeds are vaccaria seeds on adhesive squares that stay in place for days. They also carry gold and crystal premium pellets for some fun ear bling!
Step-by-Step Ear Seed/Pellet Treatment
- For best results use the Auriculo 360 3D reference app to locate applicable ear acupuncture points for a given condition. You can do this right on your Android or Apple smartphone using the Auriculo 360 app.
- Then, treat the suggested points by placing Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds or pellets, using tweezers, on the points recommended by Auriculo 360 for your condition.
- Leave the seeds or pellets on your ear for up to a week, though they may come off on their own after a few days.
- Follow the instructions on the ear seed or pellet packages for application, and be sure to always clean the ear before placing seeds or pellets so they adhere correctly!
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
Here’s How to Get Started!
If you’re a beginner, by far the easiest way to get started with auriculotherapy is to treat a few points each day with ear seeds. Point Zero, Shen Men and Sympathetic Autonomic Point are three amazing points to start with! They have been traditionally used to promote balance, homeostasis, a sense of wellbeing, and an overall feeling of clarity and calm. You can read more about those three points here. Try treating those three points, leave the seeds on for a day or two, and note how you feel. Then you can move on to experimenting with more advanced points and protocols.
Get Access to Hundreds more Auricular Points & Protocols in the Auriculo 360 App!
There are hundreds more points and protocols waiting in the Auriculo 360 app!
We hope these three tiny points will make a difference in your journey.
Ear Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help the body heal and thrive, naturally. For non-life-threatening conditions and wellness care, it can be a powerful holistic addition to your at-home wellness routine, or a great adjunct treatment to add to your professional practice!
Learn more about the Auriculo 360 reference app here.
Or, check out Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds and pellets here, so you can treat yourself at home!
Thanks For Reading!
-The “Ear Acupuncture For” Team
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
Suffer from the Seasonal Sniffles?
Allergies. An ever-present nuisance to some—and a debilitating condition for others. Allergies can emerge in Springtime and vanish by early summer, but for many, they’re present nearly year round.
Many Americans have grown accustomed to taking antihistamines daily, which may seem harmless. And sometimes, it’s absolutely necessary (always work with a healthcare professional if you have questions about your specific circumstances). However, a number of people aren’t familiar with some of the side effects involved with antihistamines (not to mention the fillers and additives in most over-the-counter formulas!)
If you’re looking for some safe, effective, natural remedies for pesky seasonal allergies, Ear Acupuncture could be the answer! If you’d like to learn more about ear acupuncture before you dig into using it for specific conditions, click here.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general information purposes only. If you have medical questions or concerns, you should always seek guidance from a licensed practitioner who understands your personal medical history.
What is Ear Acupuncture?
Ear acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine that works with the body’s own healing systems. It’s safe, effective, and free of harmful side effects. During ear acupuncture treatment, acupuncture points on the ear are stimulated with pressure, microcurrent, or light. Best of all, it’s something you can do safely for yourself, right from the comfort of your home.
Below, you can read 4 compelling reasons why ear acupuncture could be a positive addition to your treatment regiment for allergies.
1. Ear acupuncture helps the body reach homeostasis.
According to the British acupuncture council, “acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being.” Ear acupuncture, which uses the same mechanism of treatment and also stimulates acupuncture points, likely has the same effect.
Homeostasis is the state of equilibrium where our bodies function best. Returning to homeostasis is one of the important thing that our bodies do subconsciously—it keeps us alive! Right now, without your conscious thought, your body is, at this very moment, managing the pH of your blood, regulating your temperature, controlling blood flow and heart rate, digesting food in your system and so much more! Ear acupuncture helps the body return to homeostasis,especially after a stressful experience, like being exposed to an allergen.
With time, ear acupuncture may help train your body to return to this state more easily. This encourages less stress, less extreme negative emotion, less illness, better immune system function, less susceptibility to inflammation, more energy and a higher sense of wellbeing. All of this combined may decrease the frequency and severity of allergy attacks, and help you feel better in general.
2. Ear acupuncture may regulate mucosal and cellular immunity.
There are a few different kinds of allergies, but they are all related to an inflammatory response in the body to a trigger that is actually harmless, but that your body perceives as a threat..
Allergic reactions are caused by exposure to allergic triggers (like pollen or pet dander). When such substances enter the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, the body generates an immune response and amps up production of histamines, flooding the area with inflammatory cells to fight off the invader. This response is designed to protect you from foreign invaders like viruses or bacteria. However, in many cases, the foreign invaders are actually completely harmless substances that the body has learned to attack needlessly. This can lead to constant inflammation in the sinuses, lungs, ears, nose and throat–or, in other words, allergies.
In one study, acupuncture was found to regulate and normalize this response,helping the body respond less to harmless invaders, and more to dangerous pathogens. This boosts immunity while also reducing chronic inflammation. Wow!
Because ear acupuncture also uses acupuncture points and stimulates them in a similar way, it is generally understood to have a similar effect.
3. Ear acupuncture helps REGULATE the immune system.
Although the immune system is a very good and very important thing, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that “boosting” your immune system is always the best way to go. In fact, sometimes the immune system is doing TOO much in your body and actually needs to “chill out.” Chronic activation of the immune system leads to chronic inflammation in the body. Remember–an immune response is an inflammatory response!. In the case of chronic allergies, your immune system may be working far harder than it actually needs to. That’s where immune system REGULATION comes into play.
Acupuncture has been shown to help REGULATE the function of our immune systems, encouraging the “Goldie Locks” effect. Not too little, not too much, but just enough. It can help calm down unnecessary inflammatory reactions and redirect that powerful energy toward resting, digesting, and healing.
4. Acupuncture may help open the sinuses and drain excess mucous.
A large 2012 study suggests that acupuncture may actually help inhibit structural changes in the airways that occur due to constant inflammation. Another 2012 study indicates that acupuncture may regulate the expression of genes and proteins that control the airway’s inflammatory response.
In other words, acupuncture has been shown to help prevent the worsening of allergy symptoms overtime, and may secure a better future quality of life. Many acupuncture points are directly used to open up the sinuses and help the lymphatic system function optimally to drain away excess mucous.
Several ear acupuncture points have been traditionally used for this purpose, too.
How Do I Treat?
Okay, now that you know that ear acupuncture is a valuable ally against seasonal allergies, you’re probably starting to wonder… how do I treat these points? And with what?
You’re on the right track! There are a few vital components to effective, accurate ear acupuncture.
1. A Good Reference Guide
The first thing you’ll need in order to treat the ear is a really good reference guide. Something that will show you WHAT points to treat, and WHERE the points are in an understandable, accurate picture. The only problem is, there are acupuncture points in all the nooks and crannies, including on the back of your ear. It would be pretty hard to see them all in a 2D image.
That’s why the best reference tool in the business is Auriculo 360. Check out the GIF below – as you can see, Auriculo 360 gives you a fully 3-dimensional ear that you can rotate, spin, turn and drag. You can also zoom in, toggle between left and right ears, and overlay the Nogier frequency zones (well-studied frequencies for different areas of the ear).
Finally, Auriculo 360 is complete with over a hundred pre-made protocols for common ailments, along with a database of hundreds of individual points. Protocols can be modified as needed to fit your treatment style! It’s an absolute no-brainer for anyone interested in learning and using auriculotherapy.
The best part is Auriculo 360 was designed to be incredibly affordable, with options less than $11 per month when paid annually.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
2. A Way to Locate Points Accurately
Naturally, a reliable way to locate points comes next! There are many methods for point location that range from manual probes, to powerful devices that locate acupuncture points electrically.
These location tools range in price from ~$6 to ~$600, so it’s important to do your research and figure out which one will fit your needs.
Here are a few of the indicators that a point is “active,” or in other words, ready to receive treatment.
- Color Change: Inspect the skin for changes in color at the point you are examining. Is there increased redness? Lack of color? A different color than the surrounding skin? A dry or flaky patch? These are all indications of an active point.
- Skin structure abnormalities: Carefully look and feel for changes in skin structure. A raised bump or hard nodule, dryness, roughness or moisture may indicate the active point.
- Tenderness: Is the point tender to the touch? A mechanical point detector with a round probe tip is very useful for detecting tenderness in the auricle. The tip should be small and blunt—small so that you can locate a point easily, and blunt so that you do not cause damage to the ear with pressure. A rounded ball tip is the most comfortable. You can purchase one here.
For beginners, we recommend starting with a manual probe. It will help you locate points and leave a small indentation on the ear that will help you place the seed properly. You can purchase one here.
Electronic Location: If you’re a practitioner, high-quality auricular treatment devices have a measurement mode to electronically locate active points, and a treatment mode to treat the points once they are located. Active points will show lower electrical resistance than surrounding tissue. This is a more advanced process, but certainly worth it for those who are serious about auriculotherapy. The best microcurrent tool we’ve found is called the Pointoselect Digital. It has all the flexibility you need for advanced auricular work, like bipolar point detection and adjustable sensitivity. Treatment is just as flexible, giving you ultimate control over intensity, frequency, even pulse-width. If you’re serious about auriculotherapy, you can learn more about the Pointoselect Digital here: https://www.pointoselect.com
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
3. A Powerful Way to Treat the Points
Finally, you’ll need a tool to treat! In some instances, if you’re a practitioner, this tool may be the same tool you use to electronically locate the point, like the Pointoselect Digital. For anyone else who ISN’T a practitioner, don’t worry! You can still effectively treat auricular points with a nifty tool called “ear seeds” or “ear pellets”. Ear seeds are tiny seeds from the vaccaria plant backed with a bandage-like adhesive square that you place on ear acupuncture points. Ear pellets are small, stainless steel beads (sometimes topped with a crystal for a fun look) that have a clear, adhesive circular backing.
Ear seeds and ear pellets work because the spherical shaped vaccaria seeds or stainless steel beads stimulate the acupuncture points on which they’re placed with light but consistent pressure, which sends a constant signal to your nervous system.
Treating Auricular Points with Ear Seeds
Many people apply ear seeds or pellets to treat ear acupuncture points. The continuous stimulation offered by the seeds extends and boosts the treatment, even as you work, travel or sleep. This means that results may be more pronounced, and improvement may occur more quickly. Some people press on the seeds or pellets throughout the day to offer even greater stimulation for a short period of time.
Step-by-Step Ear Seed/Pellet Treatment
- For best results use the Auriculo 360 3D reference app to locate applicable ear acupuncture points for a given condition. You can do this right on your Android or Apple smartphone using the Auriculo 360 app.
- Then, treat the suggested points by placing Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds or pellets, using tweezers, on the points recommended by Auriculo 360 for your condition.
- Leave the seeds or pellets on your ear for up to a week, though they may come off on their own after a few days.
- Follow the instructions on the ear seed or pellet packages for application, and be sure to always clean the ear before placing seeds or pellets so they adhere correctly!
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
Allergy Protocol: A Few ‘Points’ of Interest
1. Antihistamine
This point has been traditionally used to relieve symptoms of colds, allergies, bronchitis, cough and asthma and to help regulate the body’s histamine response.
2. Allergy
Traditionally used for the treatment of allergic responses, including: asthma, hives, eczema, contact dermatitis and allergic rhinitis. It has also been used for allergic reactions to drugs, foods, or airborne substances.
3. Thymus Gland
This point has been traditionally used to strengthen and regulate immune responses (allergies are immune responses!)
Get the Full Allergy Protocol in the Auriculo 360 App!
For the sake of brevity, we’ll only share 3 points here. But there are hundreds more points and protocols waiting in the Auriculo 360 app!
We hope these three tiny points will make a difference in your journey.
Ear Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help the body heal and thrive, naturally. For non-life-threatening conditions and wellness care, it can be a powerful holistic addition to your at-home wellness routine, or a great adjunct treatment to add to your professional practice!
To learn more about ear acupuncture, check out this blog post.
Or, learn more about the Auriculo 360 reference app here.
Finally, check out Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds and pellets here, so you can treat yourself at home!
Thanks For Reading!
-The “Ear Acupuncture For” Team
References
https://alternativemedicinecenter.info/treating-allergies-with-auricular-medicine/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4479426/
Asthma: The Noncommunicable Epidemic
Asthma is on the rise in the United States. In fact, asthma is the most common chronic illness in childhood. Almost 10% of American children have an asthma diagnosis, and there are likely many more who suffer with symptoms, yet have not been diagnosed. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, “asthma is under-diagnosed and under-treated. It creates substantial burden to individuals and families and often restricts individuals’ activities for a lifetime.”
If you have asthma (or know someone with asthma) and seek alternative treatment methods, it is important to remember that asthma attacks can be dangerous or even life-threatening. As such, continue to take any prescribed medications, avoid asthma triggers, and work with your doctor to create a treatment plan.
However, acupuncture and ear acupuncture (also called auriculotherapy) can be powerful adjunct treatments that may improve quality of life, boost immune system function, decrease the incidence of asthma attacks and safely lessen the negative side effects of medication. If you’d like to learn more about ear acupuncture before you dig into using it for specific conditions, click here.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general information purposes only. If you have medical questions or concerns, you should always seek guidance from a licensed practitioner who understands your personal medical history.
What is Ear Acupuncture?
Ear acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine that works with the body’s own healing systems. It’s safe, effective, and free of harmful side effects. During ear acupuncture treatment, acupuncture points on the ear are stimulated with pressure, microcurrent, or light. Best of all, it’s something you can do safely for yourself, right from the comfort of your home.
Below, you can read 4 compelling reasons why ear acupuncture could be a positive addition to your treatment regiment for asthma.
1. Ear acupuncture helps the body reach homeostasis.
According to the British acupuncture council, “acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being.” Ear acupuncture, which uses the same mechanism of treatment and also stimulates acupuncture points, likely has the same effect.
Homeostasis is the state of equilibrium where our bodies function best. Returning to homeostasis is one of the important thing that our bodies do subconsciously—it keeps us alive! Right now, without your conscious thought, your body is, at this very moment, managing the pH of your blood, regulating your temperature, controlling blood flow and heart rate, digesting food in your system and so much more! Ear acupuncture helps the body return to homeostasis, especially after a stressful experience, like being exposed to an asthma trigger.
With time, ear acupuncture may help train your body to return to this state more easily. This encourages less stress, less extreme negative emotion, less illness, better immune system function, less susceptibility to inflammation, more energy and a higher sense of wellbeing. All of this combined may decrease the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, and help you feel better in general.
2. Ear acupuncture may regulate mucosal and cellular immunity.
There are a few different kinds of asthma, but they are all related to inflammation.
Of all the types, allergic asthma may be the most common. It involves exposure to allergic triggers (like pollen or pet dander). When such substances enter the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, the body generates an immune response and amps up production of histamines, flooding the area with inflammatory cells to fight off the invader. This response is designed to protect you from foreign invaders like viruses or bacteria. However, in many cases, the foreign invaders are actually completely harmless substances that the body has learned to attack needlessly. This can lead to constant inflammation in the bronchial tubes–or, in other words, asthma.
In one study, acupuncture was found to regulate and normalize this response, helping the body respond less to harmless invaders, and more to dangerous pathogens. This boosts immunity while also reducing chronic inflammation. Wow!
Because ear acupuncture also uses acupuncture points and stimulates them in a similar way, it is generally understood to have a similar effect.
3. Ear acupuncture strengthens overall immunity.
Just like allergens, recurrent respiratory infections often trigger asthma. Some children or adults who have never experienced asthma before will suddenly find themselves with a diagnosis after falling ill with several respiratory viruses in a row.
Although the occasional cold is very normal, catching multiple respiratory viruses in a short period of time and may be an indicator of weakened immune system function. When the immune system is weak, you will be more susceptible to illness, and your body will also be more susceptible to inflammation and other lasting effects after the illness has faded away.
By strengthening your immune system with ear acupuncture, you may be less likely to fall ill in the first place, and better equipped to fight off any sickness you catch.
Remember, respiratory illnesses can be a major trigger for asthmatics. Even a minor cold can sometimes be devastating. You can decrease your chances of experiencing an asthma attack by avoiding getting sick. Acupuncture has been shown in multiple studies to increase immunity against pathogens while also regulating unnecessary inflammatory responses. Regular, preventative ear acupuncture may help strengthen your immune system over time, keeping you healthy and strong.
4. Acupuncture may inhibit structural changes in the airways.
The constant narrowing and mucous production of the bronchial tubes that occurs during an asthma attack may lead to permanent structural changes over time. It is important to regulate and prevent asthma attacks as much as possible to avoid this complication.
A large 2012 study suggests that acupuncture may actually help inhibit these structural changes in the airways. Another 2012 study indicates that acupuncture may regulate the expression of genes and proteins that control the airway’s inflammatory response.
In other words, acupuncture has been shown to help prevent the worsening of asthma symptoms overtime, and may secure a better future quality of life to asthmatics. Several ear acupuncture points have been traditionally used for this purpose, too.
How Do I Treat?
Okay, now that you know that ear acupuncture is a valuable ally against seasonal allergies, you’re probably starting to wonder… how do I treat these points? And with what?
You’re on the right track! There are a few vital components to effective, accurate ear acupuncture.
1. A Good Reference Guide
The first thing you’ll need in order to treat the ear is a really good reference guide. Something that will show you WHAT points to treat, and WHERE the points are in an understandable, accurate picture. The only problem is, there are acupuncture points in all the nooks and crannies, including on the back of your ear. It would be pretty hard to see them all in a 2D image.
That’s why the best reference tool in the business is Auriculo 360. Check out the GIF below – as you can see, Auriculo 360 gives you a fully 3-dimensional ear that you can rotate, spin, turn and drag. You can also zoom in, toggle between left and right ears, and overlay the Nogier frequency zones (well-studied frequencies for different areas of the ear).
Finally, Auriculo 360 is complete with over a hundred pre-made protocols for common ailments, along with a database of hundreds of individual points. Protocols can be modified as needed to fit your treatment style! It’s an absolute no-brainer for anyone interested in learning and using auriculotherapy.
The best part is Auriculo 360 was designed to be incredibly affordable, with options less than $11 per month when paid annually.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
2. A Way to Locate Points Accurately
Naturally, a reliable way to locate points comes next! There are many methods for point location that range from manual probes, to powerful devices that locate acupuncture points electrically.
These location tools range in price from ~$6 to ~$600, so it’s important to do your research and figure out which one will fit your needs.
Here are a few of the indicators that a point is “active,” or in other words, ready to receive treatment.
- Color Change: Inspect the skin for changes in color at the point you are examining. Is there increased redness? Lack of color? A different color than the surrounding skin? A dry or flaky patch? These are all indications of an active point.
- Skin structure abnormalities: Carefully look and feel for changes in skin structure. A raised bump or hard nodule, dryness, roughness or moisture may indicate the active point.
- Tenderness: Is the point tender to the touch? A mechanical point detector with a round probe tip is very useful for detecting tenderness in the auricle. The tip should be small and blunt—small so that you can locate a point easily, and blunt so that you do not cause damage to the ear with pressure. A rounded ball tip is the most comfortable. You can purchase one here.
For beginners, we recommend starting with a manual probe. It will help you locate points and leave a small indentation on the ear that will help you place the seed properly. You can purchase one here.
Electronic Location: If you’re a practitioner, high-quality auricular treatment devices have a measurement mode to electronically locate active points, and a treatment mode to treat the points once they are located. Active points will show lower electrical resistance than surrounding tissue. This is a more advanced process, but certainly worth it for those who are serious about auriculotherapy. The best microcurrent tool we’ve found is called the Pointoselect Digital. It has all the flexibility you need for advanced auricular work, like bipolar point detection and adjustable sensitivity. Treatment is just as flexible, giving you ultimate control over intensity, frequency, even pulse-width. If you’re serious about auriculotherapy, you can learn more about the Pointoselect Digital here: https://www.pointoselect.com
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
3. A Powerful Way to Treat the Points
Finally, you’ll need a tool to treat! In some instances, if you’re a practitioner, this tool may be the same tool you use to electronically locate the point, like the Pointoselect Digital. For anyone else who ISN’T a practitioner, don’t worry! You can still effectively treat auricular points with a nifty tool called “ear seeds” or “ear pellets”. Ear seeds are tiny seeds from the vaccaria plant backed with a bandage-like adhesive square that you place on ear acupuncture points. Ear pellets are small, stainless steel beads (sometimes topped with a crystal for a fun look) that have a clear, adhesive circular backing.
Ear seeds and ear pellets work because the spherical shaped vaccaria seeds or stainless steel beads stimulate the acupuncture points on which they’re placed with light but consistent pressure, which sends a constant signal to your nervous system.
Treating Auricular Points with Ear Seeds
Many people apply ear seeds or pellets to treat ear acupuncture points. The continuous stimulation offered by the seeds extends and boosts the treatment, even as you work, travel or sleep. This means that results may be more pronounced, and improvement may occur more quickly. Some people press on the seeds or pellets throughout the day to offer even greater stimulation for a short period of time.
Step-by-Step Ear Seed/Pellet Treatment
- For best results use the Auriculo 360 3D reference app to locate applicable ear acupuncture points for a given condition. You can do this right on your Android or Apple smartphone using the Auriculo 360 app.
- Then, treat the suggested points by placing Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds or pellets, using tweezers, on the points recommended by Auriculo 360 for your condition.
- Leave the seeds or pellets on your ear for up to a week, though they may come off on their own after a few days.
- Follow the instructions on the ear seed or pellet packages for application, and be sure to always clean the ear before placing seeds or pellets so they adhere correctly!
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
Asthma Protocol: A Few ‘Points’ of Interest
1. Bronchi
Traditionally used to expel phlegm from the bronchial tubes, moderate bronchial dilation, and improve pneumonia and cough.
2. Asthma Point
Traditionally used to treat all aspects and symptoms of asthma, including cough, inflammation of the airways, excess mucous production, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
3. Antihistamine
Used especially for allergic diseases, including allergic asthma, to regulate inflammation and histamine response to foreign invaders.
Get the Full Allergy Protocol in the Auriculo 360 App!
For the sake of brevity, we’ll only share 3 points here. But there are hundreds more points and protocols waiting in the Auriculo 360 app!
We hope these three tiny points will make a difference in your journey.
Ear Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help the body heal and thrive, naturally. For non-life-threatening conditions and wellness care, it can be a powerful holistic addition to your at-home wellness routine, or a great adjunct treatment to add to your professional practice!
To learn more about ear acupuncture, check out this blog post.
Or, learn more about the Auriculo 360 reference app here.
Finally, check out Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds and pellets here, so you can treat yourself at home!
Thanks For Reading!
-The “Ear Acupuncture For” Team
References
https://acaai.org/news/facts-statistics/asthma
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma
https://www.acupuncture.org.uk/a-to-z-of-conditions/a-to-z-of-conditions/3893-asthma.html
Your Immune System Matters… A Lot.
Since the world-altering discovery of germs back in the 1800s, modern society has waged somewhat of a war on pathogenic microbes. Antibiotics, disinfectants, and antibacterial soaps were all the rage for a long time, and their popularity led to rampant overuse.
Although protecting yourself from germs, maintaining good hygiene, and following guidelines to avoid infection is absolutely important, scientists and doctors now agree that the outright destruction of microbes may be causing great harm. Antibiotic resistant bacteria are on the rise due to overuse of antibiotics, antibacterials, and disinfectants. Children’s immune systems may also be developing poorly, simply due to lack of exposure to a diverse range of microbes. Damage to the microbial balance of the human immune system may cause a range of chronic illnesses and issues.
Our obsession with destroying pathogens has somewhat shifted the conversation away from the importance of taking care of and boosting one’s own immune systems. When the human immune system is robust and strong, it’s quite amazing what it can do. A strong immune system may become even more essential as more virulent bacterias and viruses adapt to our ultra-hygienic world.
A healthy immune system starts with the basics. Drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy and varied diet full of fresh produce, daily exercise and movement, getting enough sleep, and supplementing vitamins and minerals constitute the foundation. But there is strong, growing evidence that other forms of complementary and alternative medicine like acupuncture, herbs, and chiropractic care may support a healthy immune system. If you’d like to learn more about ear acupuncture before you dig into using it for specific conditions, click here.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general information purposes only. If you have medical questions or concerns, you should always seek guidance from a licensed practitioner who understands your personal medical history.
What is Ear Acupuncture?
Ear acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine, based on the same principles of acupuncture, that works with the body’s own healing systems. It’s safe, effective, and free of harmful side effects. During ear acupuncture treatment, acupuncture points on the ear are stimulated with pressure, microcurrent, or light. Best of all, it’s something you can do safely for yourself, right from the comfort of your home.
Below, you can read 4 compelling reasons why ear acupuncture could help support your immune system.
1. Ear acupuncture helps the body reach homeostasis.
According to the British acupuncture council, “acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body’s homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being.” Ear acupuncture, which uses the same mechanism of treatment and also stimulates acupuncture points, likely has the same effect.
Homeostasis is the state of equilibrium where our bodies function best. Returning to homeostasis is one of the important thing that our bodies do subconsciously—it keeps us alive! Right now, without your conscious thought, your body is, at this very moment, managing the pH of your blood, regulating your temperature, controlling blood flow and heart rate, digesting food in your system, protecting you from pathogens, and so much more! Ear acupuncture helps the body return to homeostasis, especially after a stressful experience. In a state of homeostasis, your immune system will function best.
With time, ear acupuncture may help train your body to return to this state more easily. This encourages less stress, less extreme negative emotion, less illness, better immune system function, less susceptibility to inflammation, more energy and a higher sense of wellbeing. All of this combined may support your body’s natural defenses, strengthen your immune system, and help you feel better in general.
2. Ear Acupuncture helps balance your body’s energy, encouraging total-body wellness.
According to Chinese Medicine, there are many channels of energy that run through our bodies. These channels are interconnected and dependent upon each other. When one channel is out of balance, the other channels suffer. Imbalances lead to symptoms.
Therefore, the aim of an acupuncturist is to help restore balance to the body so that the energy can flow correctly again. Acupuncturists believe that when energy is flowing properly, the body has the innate ability to heal and thrive.
A thorough ear acupuncture treatment has been shown through energy graphing techniques to balance the energy in the entire body. Balanced energy may lead to greater health in all aspects of life and support healthy immune system function.
In the below picture, green bars represent balanced channels, while the other colors indicate imbalance. Notice the change after just one comprehensive ear acupuncture treatment!
3. Ear Acupuncture may have immunomodulatory effects.
A randomized, controlled clinical study from 2012 that tested immune system markers in patients receiving acupuncture, ear acupuncture, and a placebo confirmed that ear acupuncture had immunomodulatory effects on recipients.
Immunomodulatory means that it supports healthy immune system function, helping your body to fight off invaders without overreacting, or inciting a damaging immune response like a cytokine storm. Immunomodulatory therapies are important, because they both strengthen the immune system AND prevent it from going too wild in its fight against pathogens. This may help you recover more quickly from illness and experience milder symptoms overall.
4. Happy mood = healthy immunity?
Did you know that laughing boosts your immune system powerfully, and the immune-boosting effects may last for hours? Crazy, huh?
In fact, all positive emotions, including feelings of gratitude, joy, love and peace may strongly impact immune system health in a very real way. When you feel good, you’re much more likely to stay happy, and healthy!
One of ear acupuncture’s claim to fame is its potential support of a healthy and stable mood. Studies show that ear acupuncture may decrease depression and anxiety and help modulate hormones that affect mood.
How Do I Treat?
Okay, now that you know that ear acupuncture is a valuable ally against seasonal allergies, you’re probably starting to wonder… how do I treat these points? And with what?
You’re on the right track! There are a few vital components to effective, accurate ear acupuncture.
1. A Good Reference Guide
The first thing you’ll need in order to treat the ear is a really good reference guide. Something that will show you WHAT points to treat, and WHERE the points are in an understandable, accurate picture. The only problem is, there are acupuncture points in all the nooks and crannies, including on the back of your ear. It would be pretty hard to see them all in a 2D image.
That’s why the best reference tool in the business is Auriculo 360. Check out the GIF below – as you can see, Auriculo 360 gives you a fully 3-dimensional ear that you can rotate, spin, turn and drag. You can also zoom in, toggle between left and right ears, and overlay the Nogier frequency zones (well-studied frequencies for different areas of the ear).
Finally, Auriculo 360 is complete with over a hundred pre-made protocols for common ailments, along with a database of hundreds of individual points. Protocols can be modified as needed to fit your treatment style! It’s an absolute no-brainer for anyone interested in learning and using auriculotherapy.
The best part is Auriculo 360 was designed to be incredibly affordable, with options less than $11 per month when paid annually.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
2. A Way to Locate Points Accurately
Naturally, a reliable way to locate points comes next! There are many methods for point location that range from manual probes, to powerful devices that locate acupuncture points electrically.
These location tools range in price from ~$6 to ~$600, so it’s important to do your research and figure out which one will fit your needs.
Here are a few of the indicators that a point is “active,” or in other words, ready to receive treatment.
- Color Change: Inspect the skin for changes in color at the point you are examining. Is there increased redness? Lack of color? A different color than the surrounding skin? A dry or flaky patch? These are all indications of an active point.
- Skin structure abnormalities: Carefully look and feel for changes in skin structure. A raised bump or hard nodule, dryness, roughness or moisture may indicate the active point.
- Tenderness: Is the point tender to the touch? A mechanical point detector with a round probe tip is very useful for detecting tenderness in the auricle. The tip should be small and blunt—small so that you can locate a point easily, and blunt so that you do not cause damage to the ear with pressure. A rounded ball tip is the most comfortable. You can purchase one here.
For beginners, we recommend starting with a manual probe. It will help you locate points and leave a small indentation on the ear that will help you place the seed properly. You can purchase one here.
Electronic Location: If you’re a practitioner, high-quality auricular treatment devices have a measurement mode to electronically locate active points, and a treatment mode to treat the points once they are located. Active points will show lower electrical resistance than surrounding tissue. This is a more advanced process, but certainly worth it for those who are serious about auriculotherapy. The best microcurrent tool we’ve found is called the Pointoselect Digital. It has all the flexibility you need for advanced auricular work, like bipolar point detection and adjustable sensitivity. Treatment is just as flexible, giving you ultimate control over intensity, frequency, even pulse-width. If you’re serious about auriculotherapy, you can learn more about the Pointoselect Digital here: https://www.pointoselect.com
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
3. A Powerful Way to Treat the Points
Finally, you’ll need a tool to treat! In some instances, if you’re a practitioner, this tool may be the same tool you use to electronically locate the point, like the Pointoselect Digital. For anyone else who ISN’T a practitioner, don’t worry! You can still effectively treat auricular points with a nifty tool called “ear seeds” or “ear pellets”. Ear seeds are tiny seeds from the vaccaria plant backed with a bandage-like adhesive square that you place on ear acupuncture points. Ear pellets are small, stainless steel beads (sometimes topped with a crystal for a fun look) that have a clear, adhesive circular backing.
Ear seeds and ear pellets work because the spherical shaped vaccaria seeds or stainless steel beads stimulate the acupuncture points on which they’re placed with light but consistent pressure, which sends a constant signal to your nervous system.
Treating Auricular Points with Ear Seeds
Many people apply ear seeds or pellets to treat ear acupuncture points. The continuous stimulation offered by the seeds extends and boosts the treatment, even as you work, travel or sleep. This means that results may be more pronounced, and improvement may occur more quickly. Some people press on the seeds or pellets throughout the day to offer even greater stimulation for a short period of time.
Step-by-Step Ear Seed/Pellet Treatment
- For best results use the Auriculo 360 3D reference app to locate applicable ear acupuncture points for a given condition. You can do this right on your Android or Apple smartphone using the Auriculo 360 app.
- Then, treat the suggested points by placing Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds or pellets, using tweezers, on the points recommended by Auriculo 360 for your condition.
- Leave the seeds or pellets on your ear for up to a week, though they may come off on their own after a few days.
- Follow the instructions on the ear seed or pellet packages for application, and be sure to always clean the ear before placing seeds or pellets so they adhere correctly!
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
Immune Support Protocol: A Few ‘Points’ of Interest
1. Thymus Gland
This point is traditionally one of the most powerful and effective ear acupuncture points for strengthening and modulating immune system function. The thymus is a specialized lymphoid organ of the immune system, and the site where T cells are produced. T cells are critical to the body’s adaptive immune system—the system responsible for adapting to and fighting off new foreign invaders.
2. Spleen.C
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the spleen is responsible for transporting, distributing and transforming nutrients throughout the body. It is vital for homeostasis and proper function of all body systems, and it’s especially connected to the immune system.
This point is used to regulate Spleen function, and especially the function of the lymphatic and immune systems.
3. Vitality Point
This is a dynamic point used to increase energy and vitality overall, especially for patients who are weakened due to medical conditions or medical interventions like surgery or chemotherapy.
It is especially powerful for supporting and regulating the immune system, helping the body to heal more quickly and effectively.
Get the Full Immune Support Protocol in the Auriculo 360 App!
For the sake of brevity, we’ll only share 3 points here. But there are hundreds more points and protocols waiting in the Auriculo 360 app!
We hope these three tiny points will make a difference in your journey.
Ear Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help the body heal and thrive, naturally. For non-life-threatening conditions and wellness care, it can be a powerful holistic addition to your at-home wellness routine, or a great adjunct treatment to add to your professional practice!
To learn more about ear acupuncture, check out this blog post.
Or, learn more about the Auriculo 360 reference app here.
Finally, check out Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds and pellets here, so you can treat yourself at home!
Thanks For Reading!
– The “Ear Acupuncture For” Team
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22788576/
https://ionbiome.com/blogs/ionblog/9-ways-to-strengthen-immunity
https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-problem-with-antibacterial-soap-4125914
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.522.1748
www.miridiatech.com/news/2020/03/can-acupuncture-support-the-immune-system/
Migraines—Medicine’s Enigma
It may be the 20th century, but migraines are still something of a medical mystery. No one can quite explain why they happen, or even how to prevent them. Though they seem to run in families, they are also influenced by hormonal and environmental factors.
One thing is clear, though: migraines place an immense burden on sufferers, their families, and even society at large.
Migraines are more likely to affect individuals during the most productive part of their lives—25 to 55 years of age. They’re 3x more likely to affect women than men, with 18% of women suffering from migraines on a semi-regular basis.
There are treatment options, but none of them carry a high success rate, and many of them are risky, or ridden with unfortunate side-effects.
Daith Piercings for Migraines
But there’s a new, unconventional option on the rise, and it’s one you may have heard of—the Daith Piercing!
In recent years, more and more migraine sufferers are resorting to trying a Daith piercing for migraine relief. This involves a piercing on the innermost fold of cartilage on the outer ear. Although many people claim it offers relief, there is no solid evidence to suggest it’s a valid treatment.
The daith piercing actually works by the same principle as ear acupuncture–it supplies constant, steady pressure to acupuncture points on the ear related to digestion. However, the daith piercing is a far less effective, far less complete, and far less studied option for migraine sufferers than real ear acupuncture. Real ear acupuncture involves stimulating several points on the ear in one treatment, using studied electrical frequencies or safe acupressure. It doesn’t require piercing skin, and is a far more versatile and sustainable option.
So, before you run off and spend money on a permanent piercing, why not give ear acupuncture a try? Hint… it’s needle-free, painless, and actually stands up scientifically. If you’d like to learn more about ear acupuncture before you dig into using it for specific conditions, click here.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general information purposes only. If you have medical questions or concerns, you should always seek guidance from a licensed practitioner who understands your personal medical history.
What is Ear Acupuncture?
Ear acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine that works with the body’s own healing systems. It’s safe, effective, and free of harmful side effects. During ear acupuncture treatment, acupuncture points on the ear are stimulated with pressure, microcurrent, or light. Best of all, it’s something you can do safely for yourself, right from the comfort of your home.
Below, you can read 4 compelling reasons why you should try ear acupuncture for migraines!
1. Ear Acupuncture stimulates endorphin release.
Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. They are released in response to both positive and negative experiences, either to increase the pleasure of a moment, or to decrease or mute the pain. Natural endorphins are mood-boosting, pain-relieving, regulating hormones that help us cope with difficult and painful situations.
Ear acupuncture has been shown in numerous studies to incite the release of endorphins in the brain. Unlike a drug, endorphins are natural chemicals, and they are non-addictive and free of side-effects. Natural means of encouraging endorphin release may help decrease immediate pain, and may even lead to increased quality of life, healthier mood, and better mental health overall.
2. Ear Acupuncture works FAST to reduce migraine & headache pain.
Thanks to the efforts of retired Col. Richard C. Niemtzow, MD, PhD, MPH, the U.S. military has taken an increased interest in auriculotherapy for rapid pain relief in emergency situations. Dr. Niemtzow’s Battlefield Acupuncture technique is a quick, efficient and simple protocol used for pain. It has produced promising results since its inception in 2001.
Increasing numbers of military doctors are now trained and using this ear acupuncture technique, and ongoing scientific studies are investigating its applications.
Multiple clinical trials suggest that ear acupuncture can quickly and powerfully reduce the severity of migraine pain, even in acute situations.
3. Ear Acupuncture may help with overall hormone balance to decrease migraine frequency and intensity.
One of the potential causes of migraines is hormonal imbalance or changes. In fact, many girls and women experience migraines cyclically, in conjunction with the menstrual cycle. This may also be why more women than men suffer from chronic and acute migraines.
Multiple ear acupuncture points have been used for thousands of years to encourage healthy, balanced hormones, regulate the menstrual cycle, and encourage proper functioning of the endocrine system.
4. Ear Acupuncture helps balance your body’s energy, encouraging total-body wellness.
According to Chinese Medicine, there are many channels of energy that run through our bodies. These channels are interconnected and dependent upon each other. When one channel is out of balance, the other channels suffer. Imbalances lead to symptoms.
Therefore, the aim of an acupuncturist is to help restore balance to the body so that the energy can flow correctly again. Acupuncturists believe that when energy is flowing properly, the body has the innate ability to heal and thrive.
A thorough ear acupuncture treatment has been shown through energy graphing techniques to balance the energy in the entire body. Balanced energy may lead to greater health in all aspects of life, and may even address the underlying cause of migraines and bring longterm relief.
In the below picture, green bars represent balanced channels, while the other colors indicate imbalance. Notice the change after just one comprehensive ear acupuncture treatment!
How Do I Treat?
Okay, now that you know that ear acupuncture is a valuable ally against seasonal allergies, you’re probably starting to wonder… how do I treat these points? And with what?
You’re on the right track! There are a few vital components to effective, accurate ear acupuncture.
1. A Good Reference Guide
The first thing you’ll need in order to treat the ear is a really good reference guide. Something that will show you WHAT points to treat, and WHERE the points are in an understandable, accurate picture. The only problem is, there are acupuncture points in all the nooks and crannies, including on the back of your ear. It would be pretty hard to see them all in a 2D image.
That’s why the best reference tool in the business is Auriculo 360. Check out the GIF below – as you can see, Auriculo 360 gives you a fully 3-dimensional ear that you can rotate, spin, turn and drag. You can also zoom in, toggle between left and right ears, and overlay the Nogier frequency zones (well-studied frequencies for different areas of the ear).
Finally, Auriculo 360 is complete with over a hundred pre-made protocols for common ailments, along with a database of hundreds of individual points. Protocols can be modified as needed to fit your treatment style! It’s an absolute no-brainer for anyone interested in learning and using auriculotherapy.
The best part is Auriculo 360 was designed to be incredibly affordable, with options less than $11 per month when paid annually.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
2. A Way to Locate Points Accurately
Naturally, a reliable way to locate points comes next! There are many methods for point location that range from manual probes, to powerful devices that locate acupuncture points electrically.
These location tools range in price from ~$6 to ~$600, so it’s important to do your research and figure out which one will fit your needs.
Here are a few of the indicators that a point is “active,” or in other words, ready to receive treatment.
- Color Change: Inspect the skin for changes in color at the point you are examining. Is there increased redness? Lack of color? A different color than the surrounding skin? A dry or flaky patch? These are all indications of an active point.
- Skin structure abnormalities: Carefully look and feel for changes in skin structure. A raised bump or hard nodule, dryness, roughness or moisture may indicate the active point.
- Tenderness: Is the point tender to the touch? A mechanical point detector with a round probe tip is very useful for detecting tenderness in the auricle. The tip should be small and blunt—small so that you can locate a point easily, and blunt so that you do not cause damage to the ear with pressure. A rounded ball tip is the most comfortable. You can purchase one here.
For beginners, we recommend starting with a manual probe. It will help you locate points and leave a small indentation on the ear that will help you place the seed properly. You can purchase one here.
Electronic Location: If you’re a practitioner, high-quality auricular treatment devices have a measurement mode to electronically locate active points, and a treatment mode to treat the points once they are located. Active points will show lower electrical resistance than surrounding tissue. This is a more advanced process, but certainly worth it for those who are serious about auriculotherapy. The best microcurrent tool we’ve found is called the Pointoselect Digital. It has all the flexibility you need for advanced auricular work, like bipolar point detection and adjustable sensitivity. Treatment is just as flexible, giving you ultimate control over intensity, frequency, even pulse-width. If you’re serious about auriculotherapy, you can learn more about the Pointoselect Digital here: https://www.pointoselect.com
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
3. A Powerful Way to Treat the Points
Finally, you’ll need a tool to treat! In some instances, if you’re a practitioner, this tool may be the same tool you use to electronically locate the point, like the Pointoselect Digital. For anyone else who ISN’T a practitioner, don’t worry! You can still effectively treat auricular points with a nifty tool called “ear seeds” or “ear pellets”. Ear seeds are tiny seeds from the vaccaria plant backed with a bandage-like adhesive square that you place on ear acupuncture points. Ear pellets are small, stainless steel beads (sometimes topped with a crystal for a fun look) that have a clear, adhesive circular backing.
Ear seeds and ear pellets work because the spherical shaped vaccaria seeds or stainless steel beads stimulate the acupuncture points on which they’re placed with light but consistent pressure, which sends a constant signal to your nervous system.
Treating Auricular Points with Ear Seeds
Many people apply ear seeds or pellets to treat ear acupuncture points. The continuous stimulation offered by the seeds extends and boosts the treatment, even as you work, travel or sleep. This means that results may be more pronounced, and improvement may occur more quickly. Some people press on the seeds or pellets throughout the day to offer even greater stimulation for a short period of time.
Step-by-Step Ear Seed/Pellet Treatment
- For best results use the Auriculo 360 3D reference app to locate applicable ear acupuncture points for a given condition. You can do this right on your Android or Apple smartphone using the Auriculo 360 app.
- Then, treat the suggested points by placing Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds or pellets, using tweezers, on the points recommended by Auriculo 360 for your condition.
- Leave the seeds or pellets on your ear for up to a week, though they may come off on their own after a few days.
- Follow the instructions on the ear seed or pellet packages for application, and be sure to always clean the ear before placing seeds or pellets so they adhere correctly!
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
Migraine Protocol: A Few ‘Points’ of Interest
1. Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the human body and relates directly to the unconscious control of the heart, lungs, and digestive system. It is incredibly important for proper function of the parasympathetic nervous system (which encourages rest, relaxation, repair and recovery, digestion, sleep, and more!)
The Vagus Nerve point on the ear has traditionally been used to encourage proper vagus nerve function to decrease stress, anxiety, and pain. Because migraines are neurological in nature, the vagus nerve is intimately tied to their control.
2. Thalamus
Thalamus is a master point traditionally used to regulate the nervous system, calm the mind, and reduce chronic pain.
This ear acupuncture points has traditionally been used to improve circulation of blood to the head to relieve migraines and tension headaches.
3. Tranquilizer
This is a powerful point for migraines! It is thought to vastly reduce pain in or around the eyes, improve neurological symptoms, and restore function and feeling after head injuries.
Get the Full Migraine Protocol in the Auriculo 360 App!
For the sake of brevity, we’ll only share 3 points here. But there are hundreds more points and protocols waiting in the Auriculo 360 app!
We hope these three tiny points will make a difference in your journey.
Ear Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help the body heal and thrive, naturally. For non-life-threatening conditions and wellness care, it can be a powerful holistic addition to your at-home wellness routine, or a great adjunct treatment to add to your professional practice!
To learn more about ear acupuncture, check out this blog post.
Or, learn more about the Auriculo 360 reference app here.
Finally, check out Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds and pellets here, so you can treat yourself at home!
Thanks For Reading!
-The “Ear Acupuncture For” Team
References
https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/daith-piercings-101/
http://www.draxe.com/health/what-are-endorphins/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21533739/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23409612/
https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/Encyclopedia/142,41548_VA
Cigarettes: Healthy or Harmful?
To modern readers, it’s pretty much common knowledge that smoking is very dangerous and harmful to human health. However, back in the early 20th century, such claims were considered preposterous, and cigarette companies even touted that their cigarettes were doctor-recommended for better health.
When the dangers of smoking became better known in the late 20th century, millions of American adults had been smoking for decades. They suffered with terrible withdrawal symptoms when they tried to stop. The CDC estimates that at least 40 million adults in the USA still smoke cigarettes regularly, and state that “tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in the United States.”
For decades, researchers and doctors have searched for solutions to help people stop smoking for good. Luckily, there is one promising option that is starting to spread like wildfire.
The NADA Protocol for Addiction
Back in the 1970s, a medical doctor in New York developed a simple ear acupuncture protocol for treating addiction. Though it was simple, it proved extremely effective in clinical trials. The protocol, now called by the acronym NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) has morphed slightly through the years and now contains just 5 ear acupuncture points. According to Acupuncture Today, “addicts treated with the NADA protocol often report an improved sense of well-being. Clients often state that they feel “energized,” “lighter” and “more relaxed” after undergoing a session.”
Dozens of studies document the powerful effects of the NADA protocol for helping addicts overcome addictions, including nicotine addiction. Benefits reported by patients and practitioners include higher levels of optimism about recovery, fewer cravings, reduced anxiety, better sleep, and less dependence upon pharmaceuticals to manage withdrawal symptoms. If you’d like to learn more about ear acupuncture before you dig into using it for specific conditions, click here.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general information purposes only. If you have medical questions or concerns, you should always seek guidance from a licensed practitioner who understands your personal medical history.
What is Ear Acupuncture?
Ear acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine that works with the body’s own healing systems. It’s safe, effective, and free of harmful side effects. During ear acupuncture treatment, acupuncture points on the ear are stimulated with pressure, microcurrent, or light. Best of all, it’s something you can do safely for yourself, right from the comfort of your home.
Below, you can read 4 compelling reasons why you should try ear acupuncture to support your efforts to stop smoking for good.
1. Ear Acupuncture improves treatment outcomes.
There is an extensive body of research supporting the NADA protocol for addictions. The findings are consistent across the board: ear acupuncture improves treatment outcomes. According to the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, “integrative programs using the NADA protocol are likely to see improvements in engagement, retention, decreased drug cravings, anxiety, and less physical symptoms.”
The five NADA protocol points are essential, but there are more ear acupuncture points that can be added to treatment for added benefits. For example, the Smoking Withdrawal protocol in Auriculo 360 includes points for reducing aggression, promoting nervous system balance, and aiding in detoxification.
2. Ear Acupuncture reduces withdrawal symptoms.
The greatest barrier to smoking cessation is withdrawal symptoms. Many smokers wish they could stop smoking, but they’re too afraid to even try, simply because they know that withdrawal symptoms can be difficult to bear.
But here’s the good news! Withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anger, pain, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances may all be reduced when you incorporate ear acupuncture into your cessation plan. In fact, many studies suggest that ear acupuncture is as effective or more effective than drugs commonly used to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Fewer withdrawal symptoms often leads to greater success in smoking cessation. What do you have to lose?
3. Ear Acupuncture stimulates production of “feel-good” chemicals in the brain
Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. They are released in response to both positive and negative experiences, either to increase the pleasure of a moment, or to decrease or mute the pain. Natural endorphins are mood-boosting, pain-relieving, regulating hormones that help us cope with difficult and painful situations.
Ear acupuncture has been shown in numerous studies to incite the release of endorphins in the brain. Unlike a drug, endorphins are natural chemicals, and they are non-addictive and free of side-effects. Natural means of encouraging endorphin release may help decrease immediate pain, and may even lead to increased quality of life, healthier mood, and better mental health overall.
4. Ear Acupuncture helps balance your body’s energy, encouraging total-body wellness.
According to Chinese Medicine, there are many channels of energy that run through our bodies. These channels are interconnected and dependent upon each other. When one channel is out of balance, the other channels suffer. Imbalances lead to symptoms.
Therefore, the aim of an acupuncturist is to help restore balance to the body so that the energy can flow correctly again. Acupuncturists believe that when energy is flowing properly, the body has the innate ability to heal and thrive.
A thorough ear acupuncture treatment has been shown through energy graphing techniques to balance the energy in the entire body. Balanced energy may lead to greater health in all aspects of life.
In the below picture, green bars represent balanced channels, while the other colors indicate imbalance. Notice the change after just one comprehensive ear acupuncture treatment!
How Do I Treat?
Okay, now that you know that ear acupuncture is a valuable ally against seasonal allergies, you’re probably starting to wonder… how do I treat these points? And with what?
You’re on the right track! There are a few vital components to effective, accurate ear acupuncture.
1. A Good Reference Guide
The first thing you’ll need in order to treat the ear is a really good reference guide. Something that will show you WHAT points to treat, and WHERE the points are in an understandable, accurate picture. The only problem is, there are acupuncture points in all the nooks and crannies, including on the back of your ear. It would be pretty hard to see them all in a 2D image.
That’s why the best reference tool in the business is Auriculo 360. Check out the GIF below – as you can see, Auriculo 360 gives you a fully 3-dimensional ear that you can rotate, spin, turn and drag. You can also zoom in, toggle between left and right ears, and overlay the Nogier frequency zones (well-studied frequencies for different areas of the ear).
Finally, Auriculo 360 is complete with over a hundred pre-made protocols for common ailments, along with a database of hundreds of individual points. Protocols can be modified as needed to fit your treatment style! It’s an absolute no-brainer for anyone interested in learning and using auriculotherapy.
The best part is Auriculo 360 was designed to be incredibly affordable, with options less than $11 per month when paid annually.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
2. A Way to Locate Points Accurately
Naturally, a reliable way to locate points comes next! There are many methods for point location that range from manual probes, to powerful devices that locate acupuncture points electrically.
These location tools range in price from ~$6 to ~$600, so it’s important to do your research and figure out which one will fit your needs.
Here are a few of the indicators that a point is “active,” or in other words, ready to receive treatment.
- Color Change: Inspect the skin for changes in color at the point you are examining. Is there increased redness? Lack of color? A different color than the surrounding skin? A dry or flaky patch? These are all indications of an active point.
- Skin structure abnormalities: Carefully look and feel for changes in skin structure. A raised bump or hard nodule, dryness, roughness or moisture may indicate the active point.
- Tenderness: Is the point tender to the touch? A mechanical point detector with a round probe tip is very useful for detecting tenderness in the auricle. The tip should be small and blunt—small so that you can locate a point easily, and blunt so that you do not cause damage to the ear with pressure. A rounded ball tip is the most comfortable. You can purchase one here.
For beginners, we recommend starting with a manual probe. It will help you locate points and leave a small indentation on the ear that will help you place the seed properly. You can purchase one here.
Electronic Location: If you’re a practitioner, high-quality auricular treatment devices have a measurement mode to electronically locate active points, and a treatment mode to treat the points once they are located. Active points will show lower electrical resistance than surrounding tissue. This is a more advanced process, but certainly worth it for those who are serious about auriculotherapy. The best microcurrent tool we’ve found is called the Pointoselect Digital. It has all the flexibility you need for advanced auricular work, like bipolar point detection and adjustable sensitivity. Treatment is just as flexible, giving you ultimate control over intensity, frequency, even pulse-width. If you’re serious about auriculotherapy, you can learn more about the Pointoselect Digital here: https://www.pointoselect.com
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
3. A Powerful Way to Treat the Points
Finally, you’ll need a tool to treat! In some instances, if you’re a practitioner, this tool may be the same tool you use to electronically locate the point, like the Pointoselect Digital. For anyone else who ISN’T a practitioner, don’t worry! You can still effectively treat auricular points with a nifty tool called “ear seeds” or “ear pellets”. Ear seeds are tiny seeds from the vaccaria plant backed with a bandage-like adhesive square that you place on ear acupuncture points. Ear pellets are small, stainless steel beads (sometimes topped with a crystal for a fun look) that have a clear, adhesive circular backing.
Ear seeds and ear pellets work because the spherical shaped vaccaria seeds or stainless steel beads stimulate the acupuncture points on which they’re placed with light but consistent pressure, which sends a constant signal to your nervous system.
Treating Auricular Points with Ear Seeds
Many people apply ear seeds or pellets to treat ear acupuncture points. The continuous stimulation offered by the seeds extends and boosts the treatment, even as you work, travel or sleep. This means that results may be more pronounced, and improvement may occur more quickly. Some people press on the seeds or pellets throughout the day to offer even greater stimulation for a short period of time.
Step-by-Step Ear Seed/Pellet Treatment
- For best results use the Auriculo 360 3D reference app to locate applicable ear acupuncture points for a given condition. You can do this right on your Android or Apple smartphone using the Auriculo 360 app.
- Then, treat the suggested points by placing Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds or pellets, using tweezers, on the points recommended by Auriculo 360 for your condition.
- Leave the seeds or pellets on your ear for up to a week, though they may come off on their own after a few days.
- Follow the instructions on the ear seed or pellet packages for application, and be sure to always clean the ear before placing seeds or pellets so they adhere correctly!
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
Smoking Withdrawal Protocol: A Few ‘Points’ of Interest
1. Nicotine
This is a very specific point used to treat nicotine addiction and help decrease symptoms of nicotine withdrawal. It may be especially effective when paired with NADA protocol points.
2. Lung 1
This point is used for a variety of respiratory disorders, including many of the symptoms that plague longtime smokers. It may help reduce cough and congestion, decrease phlegm and soothe the throat. It is also used to aid in detoxification of addictive substances. It is generally used in conjunction with corresponding point Lung 2.
3. Shen Men
One of the most widely used acupuncture points on the ear, Shen Men (which translates to Spirit Gate) is used to tranquilize the mind and reawaken the connection to one’s spirit or higher self. Additionally, it is thought to alleviate stress, pain, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety and depression. It is considered a powerful synergist that helps other ear acupuncture points work better and strengthens the treatment overall.
Get the Full Smoking Withdrawal Protocol in the Auriculo 360 App!
For the sake of brevity, we’ll only share 3 points here. But there are hundreds more points and protocols waiting in the Auriculo 360 app!
We hope these three tiny points will make a difference in your journey.
Ear Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help the body heal and thrive, naturally. For non-life-threatening conditions and wellness care, it can be a powerful holistic addition to your at-home wellness routine, or a great adjunct treatment to add to your professional practice!
To learn more about ear acupuncture, check out this blog post.
Or, learn more about the Auriculo 360 reference app here.
Finally, check out Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds and pellets here, so you can treat yourself at home!
Thanks For Reading!
-The “Ear Acupuncture For” Team
References
https://www.history.com/news/cigarette-ads-doctors-smoking-endorsement
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/index.htm
https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/abc/nadaprotocol.php
https://acudetox.com/evidence-for-the-nada-protocol-summary-of-research/
The Best-Kept Secret of Natural Medicine
This may be the best-kept secret of natural medicine… and it’s finally starting to come to light.
When used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, ear acupuncture, or auriculotherapy, is the “secret ingredient” that can make the difference between comfortable, successful weight management, and uncomfortable deprivation and failure.
The secret to ear acupuncture’s success is its unmatched ability to affect many different body systems in a single treatment. How? Well, your tiny ear is actually a map of hundreds of unique points that correspond with different parts of your body. When stimulated, these points send out powerful signals. Some encourage hormone regulation, others help modulate pain or soothe anxiety. These biochemical changes are well-studied and documented affects of auriculotherapy. If you’d like to learn more about ear acupuncture before you dig into using it for specific conditions, click here.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general information purposes only. If you have medical questions or concerns, you should always seek guidance from a licensed practitioner who understands your personal medical history.
What is Ear Acupuncture?
Ear acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine, based on the same principles of acupuncture, that works with the body’s own healing systems. It’s safe, effective, and free of harmful side effects. During ear acupuncture treatment, acupuncture points on the ear are stimulated with pressure, microcurrent, or light. Best of all, it’s something you can do safely for yourself, right from the comfort of your home.
Below, you can read 4 compelling reasons why ear acupuncture could help support your weight loss journey.
1. Ear Acupuncture Helps with Cravings
The truth is, a “craving” is just the manifestation of a chemical desire coming from your brain—or in other words, an addiction. When your brain is used to a certain behavior and a habit has formed, that habit becomes a sort of addiction—something that signals to your brain that good, happy things are happening. This causes you to seek it out again and again.
Food is one of the most ritualistic parts of the human experience. We gather over food. We bond over food. We soothe ourselves with food. We reward ourselves with food. Unfortunately, these behaviors are not always biologically sound, and can lead to unhealthy habits.
That’s where ear acupuncture comes in. Research suggests that ear acupuncture can help reset those pathways of craving and reward to strengthen your resolve to stick to your eating and exercise plan!
2. Ear Acupuncture May Help with Mood
According to this study (along with others cited at the end of this post), auriculotherapy has the potential to profoundly improve mood and reduce sleep disturbances. Mood is a huge component of successful weight loss! Breaking poor eating habits and totally rewriting one’s routine is never easy—and often, it leads to unexplained negative emotions and feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, frustration and deprivation. It’s hard to push through a new lifestyle change when these strong underlying emotions are screaming at you to quit.
That’s where auriculotherapy comes in! It may help strengthen your resolve and balance your mood as you work to break old habits and forge a new relationship with food.
3. Ear Acupuncture Balances the Acupuncture Meridians
According to Chinese Medicine, there are many pathways—or channels of energy—that run through the body. They’re called Meridians! They each have different responsibilities and functions, but they’re all connected to each other. When one meridian is holding on to too much energy (Qi), another channel won’t receive enough. These patterns of excess and deficiency overtime can lead to symptoms, illness and disease.
On the other hand, when the meridians are balanced and Qi is able to flow freely through the body, the body has the innate ability to heal and thrive naturally. The purpose of acupuncture and auriculotherapy is two-fold. First, it strives to achieve balance in the meridians. And second, it strives to mitigate and relieve symptoms. The two processes go hand in hand!
The truth is, when your meridians are balanced and your Qi is flowing freely, every system in your body will function better—including the Endocrine system, which has perhaps the largest effect on metabolism and weight control.
If you’re interested in reading some studies that highlight the importance of including auriculotherapy in a weight loss program, you’ll find a full list of resources at the bottom of this post!
How Do I Treat?
Okay, now that you know that ear acupuncture is a valuable ally against seasonal allergies, you’re probably starting to wonder… how do I treat these points? And with what?
You’re on the right track! There are a few vital components to effective, accurate ear acupuncture.
1. A Good Reference Guide
The first thing you’ll need in order to treat the ear is a really good reference guide. Something that will show you WHAT points to treat, and WHERE the points are in an understandable, accurate picture. The only problem is, there are acupuncture points in all the nooks and crannies, including on the back of your ear. It would be pretty hard to see them all in a 2D image.
That’s why the best reference tool in the business is Auriculo 360. Check out the GIF below – as you can see, Auriculo 360 gives you a fully 3-dimensional ear that you can rotate, spin, turn and drag. You can also zoom in, toggle between left and right ears, and overlay the Nogier frequency zones (well-studied frequencies for different areas of the ear).
Finally, Auriculo 360 is complete with over a hundred pre-made protocols for common ailments, along with a database of hundreds of individual points. Protocols can be modified as needed to fit your treatment style! It’s an absolute no-brainer for anyone interested in learning and using auriculotherapy.
The best part is Auriculo 360 was designed to be incredibly affordable, with options less than $11 per month when paid annually.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
2. A Way to Locate Points Accurately
Naturally, a reliable way to locate points comes next! There are many methods for point location that range from manual probes, to powerful devices that locate acupuncture points electrically.
These location tools range in price from ~$6 to ~$600, so it’s important to do your research and figure out which one will fit your needs.
Here are a few of the indicators that a point is “active,” or in other words, ready to receive treatment.
- Color Change: Inspect the skin for changes in color at the point you are examining. Is there increased redness? Lack of color? A different color than the surrounding skin? A dry or flaky patch? These are all indications of an active point.
- Skin structure abnormalities: Carefully look and feel for changes in skin structure. A raised bump or hard nodule, dryness, roughness or moisture may indicate the active point.
- Tenderness: Is the point tender to the touch? A mechanical point detector with a round probe tip is very useful for detecting tenderness in the auricle. The tip should be small and blunt—small so that you can locate a point easily, and blunt so that you do not cause damage to the ear with pressure. A rounded ball tip is the most comfortable. You can purchase one here.
For beginners, we recommend starting with a manual probe. It will help you locate points and leave a small indentation on the ear that will help you place the seed properly. You can purchase one here.
Electronic Location: If you’re a practitioner, high-quality auricular treatment devices have a measurement mode to electronically locate active points, and a treatment mode to treat the points once they are located. Active points will show lower electrical resistance than surrounding tissue. This is a more advanced process, but certainly worth it for those who are serious about auriculotherapy. The best microcurrent tool we’ve found is called the Pointoselect Digital. It has all the flexibility you need for advanced auricular work, like bipolar point detection and adjustable sensitivity. Treatment is just as flexible, giving you ultimate control over intensity, frequency, even pulse-width. If you’re serious about auriculotherapy, you can learn more about the Pointoselect Digital here: https://www.pointoselect.com
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
3. A Powerful Way to Treat the Points
Finally, you’ll need a tool to treat! In some instances, if you’re a practitioner, this tool may be the same tool you use to electronically locate the point, like the Pointoselect Digital. For anyone else who ISN’T a practitioner, don’t worry! You can still effectively treat auricular points with a nifty tool called “ear seeds” or “ear pellets”. Ear seeds are tiny seeds from the vaccaria plant backed with a bandage-like adhesive square that you place on ear acupuncture points. Ear pellets are small, stainless steel beads (sometimes topped with a crystal for a fun look) that have a clear, adhesive circular backing.
Ear seeds and ear pellets work because the spherical shaped vaccaria seeds or stainless steel beads stimulate the acupuncture points on which they’re placed with light but consistent pressure, which sends a constant signal to your nervous system.
Treating Auricular Points with Ear Seeds
Many people apply ear seeds or pellets to treat ear acupuncture points. The continuous stimulation offered by the seeds extends and boosts the treatment, even as you work, travel or sleep. This means that results may be more pronounced, and improvement may occur more quickly. Some people press on the seeds or pellets throughout the day to offer even greater stimulation for a short period of time.
Step-by-Step Ear Seed/Pellet Treatment
- For best results use the Auriculo 360 3D reference app to locate applicable ear acupuncture points for a given condition. You can do this right on your Android or Apple smartphone using the Auriculo 360 app.
- Then, treat the suggested points by placing Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds or pellets, using tweezers, on the points recommended by Auriculo 360 for your condition.
- Leave the seeds or pellets on your ear for up to a week, though they may come off on their own after a few days.
- Follow the instructions on the ear seed or pellet packages for application, and be sure to always clean the ear before placing seeds or pellets so they adhere correctly!
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
Weight Control Protocol: A Few ‘Points’ of Interest
1. ENDOCRINE (Master Point)
The Endocrine point is a Master Point. Master Points are points that are often electrically active; this means that your body is always in favor of you treating them. Master Points are often treated first because they can boost the effectiveness of other points.
According to traditional theories, the Endocrine point can help encourage hormone balance and proper thyroid function, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. It is also used to assist absorption and digestion functions and promote healthy fluid metabolism. It makes sense why this could be a valuable part of a weight management program!
2. Appetite Control Point
Appetite Control Point has been traditionally used to help relieve hunger, reduce food cravings and minimize compulsive eating. The purpose of treating this point is to make it a little bit easier to stick to your plan. Sounds great, eh? Best of all, it’s located in an open, easy spot, which makes for a simple treatment!
3. Stomach Point
Another easily located point, Stomach Point has been traditionally used to bolster the body’s digestive processes and regulate hunger signaling. A great addition to your weight management program!
Get the Full Weight Control Protocol in the Auriculo 360 App!
For the sake of brevity, we’ll only share 3 points here. But there are hundreds more points and protocols waiting in the Auriculo 360 app!
We hope these three tiny points will make a difference in your journey.
Ear Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help the body heal and thrive, naturally. For non-life-threatening conditions and wellness care, it can be a powerful holistic addition to your at-home wellness routine, or a great adjunct treatment to add to your professional practice!
To learn more about ear acupuncture, check out this blog post.
Or, learn more about the Auriculo 360 reference app here.
Finally, check out Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds and pellets here, so you can treat yourself at home!
Thanks For Reading!
-The “Ear Acupuncture For” Team
References
https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/11/05/acupuncture-can-help-weight-loss
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34496677/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27457720/
Your Spine Deserves Some Love.
Have you ever thought about how complex your spine is? According to the American Chiropractic Association, “the back is a complicated structure of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. You can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks, and irritate joints, all of which can lead to back pain.”
Unfortunately, there are many things about modern society that fail to adequately protect and take care of the spine. Children and many working adults spend their days sitting in desks, hunched over books or computers. It’s also clear that many Americans don’t get the movement and exercise their spines crave, and may neglect stretching.
Taking care of your back is important. Back pain is one of the most common reasons why people miss school or work. Some experts estimate that over 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in life, and at least 20% of people deal with chronic, recurring back pain that can be debilitating.
Also concerning is the lack of effective treatment methods for back pain. NSAIDs and even opioids are often prescribed to manage the pain, but fail to address the underlying cause, and can even lead to dangerous addiction. In fact, drug overdose is the leading causes of accidental death in the United States, with opioids being the most common drug used.
But here’s the good news. There are many alternative options for back pain receiving attention in recent years, thanks to the failure of opioids, including acupuncture. In fact, Medicare and Medicade just added acupuncture to their list of insurance-covered treatments for back pain.If you’d like to learn more about ear acupuncture before you dig into using it for specific conditions, click here.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general information purposes only. If you have medical questions or concerns, you should always seek guidance from a licensed practitioner who understands your personal medical history.
What is Ear Acupuncture?
Ear acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine that works with the body’s own healing systems. It’s safe, effective, and free of harmful side effects. During ear acupuncture treatment, acupuncture points on the ear are stimulated with pressure, microcurrent, or light. Best of all, it’s something you can do safely for yourself, right from the comfort of your home.
Below, you can read 4 compelling reasons why you should try ear acupuncture for back pain!
1. Ear Acupuncture is drug-free, safe and effective.
That’s right, ear acupuncture is an excellent alternative to drugs. It’s not addictive, it’s totally safe, and it causes NO side-effects (well, at least not negative ones!) Pretty much the worst thing that could happen with ear acupuncture is getting an uncomfortable ‘zap’ from a microcurrent device if the person using it hasn’t read the instructions. Though a zap may not feel very nice, it won’t cause any real harm! And the good news is, the electric current is so low on beginner devices, it would be almost impossible to cause pain.
As far as side-effects go, there are a few things you’ll want to watch out for, like…..Feeling better overall. Healthier mood. Happier hormones. Clearer thinking. Better sleep. Any of those sound too bad? We didn’t think so.
If you’re looking for alternative pain management, ear acupuncture is an amazing place to start.
2. Ear Acupuncture stimulates endorphin release.
Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. They are released in response to both positive and negative experiences, either to increase the pleasure of a moment, or to decrease or mute the pain. Natural endorphins are mood-boosting, pain-relieving, regulating hormones that help us cope with difficult and painful situations.
Ear acupuncture has been shown in numerous studies to incite the release of endorphins in the brain. Unlike a drug, endorphins are natural chemicals, and they are non-addictive and free of side-effects. Natural means of encouraging endorphin release may help decrease immediate pain, and may even lead to increased quality of life, healthier mood, and better mental health overall.
3. Ear Acupuncture helps with muscle tension.
Muscle tension is a common cause of back, neck and shoulder pain. It can be rooted in stress, poor posture, occupation, lack of movement or exercise, and structural issues.
Ear acupuncture has been used for centuries to help with muscle tension and pain, and this is perhaps one of its better-known applications. By easing muscles into relaxation and release, back pain may resolve, and the results may last longer than with pain relievers alone.
4. Ear Acupuncture helps balance your body’s energy, encouraging total-body wellness.
According to Chinese Medicine, there are many channels of energy that run through our bodies. These channels are interconnected and dependent upon each other. When one channel is out of balance, the other channels suffer. Imbalances lead to symptoms.
Therefore, the aim of an acupuncturist is to help restore balance to the body so that the energy can flow correctly again. Acupuncturists believe that when energy is flowing properly, the body has the innate ability to heal and thrive.
A thorough ear acupuncture treatment has been shown through energy graphing techniques to balance the energy in the entire body. Balanced energy may lead to greater health in all aspects of life, and may even address the underlying cause of back pain, and bring longterm relief.
In the below picture, green bars represent balanced channels, while the other colors indicate imbalance. Notice the change after just one comprehensive ear acupuncture treatment!
How Do I Treat?
Okay, now that you know that ear acupuncture is a valuable ally against seasonal allergies, you’re probably starting to wonder… how do I treat these points? And with what?
You’re on the right track! There are a few vital components to effective, accurate ear acupuncture.
1. A Good Reference Guide
The first thing you’ll need in order to treat the ear is a really good reference guide. Something that will show you WHAT points to treat, and WHERE the points are in an understandable, accurate picture. The only problem is, there are acupuncture points in all the nooks and crannies, including on the back of your ear. It would be pretty hard to see them all in a 2D image.
That’s why the best reference tool in the business is Auriculo 360. Check out the GIF below – as you can see, Auriculo 360 gives you a fully 3-dimensional ear that you can rotate, spin, turn and drag. You can also zoom in, toggle between left and right ears, and overlay the Nogier frequency zones (well-studied frequencies for different areas of the ear).
Finally, Auriculo 360 is complete with over a hundred pre-made protocols for common ailments, along with a database of hundreds of individual points. Protocols can be modified as needed to fit your treatment style! It’s an absolute no-brainer for anyone interested in learning and using auriculotherapy.
The best part is Auriculo 360 was designed to be incredibly affordable, with options less than $11 per month when paid annually.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
2. A Way to Locate Points Accurately
Naturally, a reliable way to locate points comes next! There are many methods for point location that range from manual probes, to powerful devices that locate acupuncture points electrically.
These location tools range in price from ~$6 to ~$600, so it’s important to do your research and figure out which one will fit your needs.
Here are a few of the indicators that a point is “active,” or in other words, ready to receive treatment.
- Color Change: Inspect the skin for changes in color at the point you are examining. Is there increased redness? Lack of color? A different color than the surrounding skin? A dry or flaky patch? These are all indications of an active point.
- Skin structure abnormalities: Carefully look and feel for changes in skin structure. A raised bump or hard nodule, dryness, roughness or moisture may indicate the active point.
- Tenderness: Is the point tender to the touch? A mechanical point detector with a round probe tip is very useful for detecting tenderness in the auricle. The tip should be small and blunt—small so that you can locate a point easily, and blunt so that you do not cause damage to the ear with pressure. A rounded ball tip is the most comfortable. You can purchase one here.
For beginners, we recommend starting with a manual probe. It will help you locate points and leave a small indentation on the ear that will help you place the seed properly. You can purchase one here.
Electronic Location: If you’re a practitioner, high-quality auricular treatment devices have a measurement mode to electronically locate active points, and a treatment mode to treat the points once they are located. Active points will show lower electrical resistance than surrounding tissue. This is a more advanced process, but certainly worth it for those who are serious about auriculotherapy. The best microcurrent tool we’ve found is called the Pointoselect Digital. It has all the flexibility you need for advanced auricular work, like bipolar point detection and adjustable sensitivity. Treatment is just as flexible, giving you ultimate control over intensity, frequency, even pulse-width. If you’re serious about auriculotherapy, you can learn more about the Pointoselect Digital here: https://www.pointoselect.com
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
3. A Powerful Way to Treat the Points
Finally, you’ll need a tool to treat! In some instances, if you’re a practitioner, this tool may be the same tool you use to electronically locate the point, like the Pointoselect Digital. For anyone else who ISN’T a practitioner, don’t worry! You can still effectively treat auricular points with a nifty tool called “ear seeds” or “ear pellets”. Ear seeds are tiny seeds from the vaccaria plant backed with a bandage-like adhesive square that you place on ear acupuncture points. Ear pellets are small, stainless steel beads (sometimes topped with a crystal for a fun look) that have a clear, adhesive circular backing.
Ear seeds and ear pellets work because the spherical shaped vaccaria seeds or stainless steel beads stimulate the acupuncture points on which they’re placed with light but consistent pressure, which sends a constant signal to your nervous system.
Treating Auricular Points with Ear Seeds
Many people apply ear seeds or pellets to treat ear acupuncture points. The continuous stimulation offered by the seeds extends and boosts the treatment, even as you work, travel or sleep. This means that results may be more pronounced, and improvement may occur more quickly. Some people press on the seeds or pellets throughout the day to offer even greater stimulation for a short period of time.
Step-by-Step Ear Seed/Pellet Treatment
- For best results use the Auriculo 360 3D reference app to locate applicable ear acupuncture points for a given condition. You can do this right on your Android or Apple smartphone using the Auriculo 360 app.
- Then, treat the suggested points by placing Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds or pellets, using tweezers, on the points recommended by Auriculo 360 for your condition.
- Leave the seeds or pellets on your ear for up to a week, though they may come off on their own after a few days.
- Follow the instructions on the ear seed or pellet packages for application, and be sure to always clean the ear before placing seeds or pellets so they adhere correctly!
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
Back Pain Protocol: A Few ‘Points’ of Interest
1. Thoracic Spine
This group of points has traditionally been used to treat pain or dysfunction of the upper, middle and lower back, and the shoulder. It’s a great area for general back pain. If your back is actively hurting, you are very likely to find active points in this region, which represents the spine.
2. Lumbago
This point is for just what you’d expect—lumbago! (Or in other words, back pain). This point is specific to the lower back and may help ease muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve function.
3. Point Zero
This point is used to bring the whole body to homeostatic balance. It is traditionally understood to balance the nervous system, energy, hormones and brain activity. Additionally, it may support the action of other points and make the treatment more effective overall. This is a wonderful point to bring peace and calm to the mind of someone suffering with back pain, and to kick the body into gear to initiate healing, and release natural pain-reliving chemicals!
Get the Full Back Pain Protocol in the Auriculo 360 App!
For the sake of brevity, we’ll only share 3 points here. But there are hundreds more points and protocols waiting in the Auriculo 360 app!
We hope these three tiny points will make a difference in your journey.
Ear Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help the body heal and thrive, naturally. For non-life-threatening conditions and wellness care, it can be a powerful holistic addition to your at-home wellness routine, or a great adjunct treatment to add to your professional practice!
To learn more about ear acupuncture, check out this blog post.
Or, learn more about the Auriculo 360 reference app here.
Finally, check out Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds and pellets here, so you can treat yourself at home!
Thanks For Reading!
-The “Ear Acupuncture For” Team
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29262202/
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/low-back-pain-fact-sheet
https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/What-is-Chiropractic/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics
https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-decision-memo.aspx?NCAId=295
www.miridiatech.com/news/2018/07/the-pointoselect-digital-my-new-favorite-auriculotherapy-tool/
Anxious? You’re Not Alone.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States. It affects about 18% of the adult population—more than 40 million adults. Additionally, it affects about 25% of teenagers. Unfortunately, the majority of anxiety sufferers are not receiving treatment.
However, there is some good news. There is growing evidence that Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) techniques, including acupuncture, may be very helpful in managing stress and anxiety. Ear acupuncture (also called auriculotherapy) is a specialized form of acupuncture that can be performed at home, without needles. It also shows great promise as a co-treatment for anxiety. If you’d like to learn more about ear acupuncture before you dig into using it for specific conditions, click here.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content is for general information purposes only. If you have medical questions or concerns about stress and anxiety, you should seek guidance from a licensed practitioner who understands your personal medical history.
What is Ear Acupuncture?
Ear acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine that works with the body’s own healing systems. It’s safe, effective, and free of harmful side effects. During ear acupuncture treatment, acupuncture points on the ear are stimulated with pressure, microcurrent, or light. Best of all, it’s something you can do safely for yourself, right from the comfort of your home.
Below, you can read 4 compelling reasons why you should try ear acupuncture for anxiety!
1. Ear Acupuncture Promotes Relaxation
A 2001 study indicates that ear acupuncture may help with anxiety by promoting a sense of relaxation. Conventional acupuncture has been well-studied for this affect. This study provides evidence that ear acupuncture may be similarly effective.
One of ear acupuncture’s most popular uses is for preventing and dealing with anxiety and stress. Daily ear seeds may prevent anxiety and panic attacks by providing constant pressure to ear acupuncture points known to mitigate anxiety symptoms.
2. Ear Acupuncture has been shown to decrease anxiety, stress, AND depression.
In various studies, ear acupuncture has been found to decrease anxiety, stress and depression simultaneously. Many people who suffer from anxiety also deal with depression and excess stress. Ear acupuncture may decrease the occurrence and severity of all these issues, leading to a greater quality of life over time.
And, in other good news, ear acupuncture doesn’t come along with a laundry list of side-effects, unlike many other treatments for mental illness. Documented side effects of ear acupuncture are all positive—better mood, increased sense of well-being, better sleep, and better digestion are just a few!
3. Ear Acupuncture stimulates endorphin release.
Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. Also called “feel good chemicals” they are released in response to both positive and negative experiences, either to increase the pleasure of a moment, or to decrease or mute the pain. Natural endorphins are mood-boosting, pain-relieving, regulating hormones that help us cope with difficult and painful situations.
Ear acupuncture has been shown in numerous studies to incite the release of endorphins in the brain. Unlike a drug, endorphins are natural chemicals, and they are non-addictive and free of side-effects. Natural means of encouraging endorphin release may help decrease immediate pain, and may even lead to increased quality of life, healthier mood, and better mental health overall.
4. Ear Acupuncture may lead to an overall sense of calm and connectedness.
There are dozens of ear acupuncture points that have been traditionally used for thousands of years to promote a sense of grounded tranquility and calm. Ear acupuncture has been shown to promote nervous system balance, encouraging activity of our “resting and digesting” state, and decreasing the constant “fight or flight” response.
Because ear acupuncture doesn’t require needles, is it a gentle option for anxiety sufferers who many feel uncomfortable with needles. It’s also great for kids. You can stimulate ear acupuncture points for days on end by applying pressure to ear seeds, which may extend the benefits of treatment and encourage relaxation, peace, and a sense of calm for days on end.
Over time, the neurotransmitters produced in the brain in response to ear acupuncture may help bring balance to an anxious brain, leading to fewer anxiety symptoms in the longterm.
Okay, now that you know that ear acupuncture may be a powerful option for anxiety, you’re probably starting to wonder… which points do I treat? How do I treat them? And with what?
You’re on the right track! There are a few vital components to effective, accurate ear acupuncture.
How Do I Treat?
Okay, now that you know that ear acupuncture is a valuable ally against seasonal allergies, you’re probably starting to wonder… how do I treat these points? And with what?
You’re on the right track! There are a few vital components to effective, accurate ear acupuncture.
1. A Good Reference Guide
The first thing you’ll need in order to treat the ear is a really good reference guide. Something that will show you WHAT points to treat, and WHERE the points are in an understandable, accurate picture. The only problem is, there are acupuncture points in all the nooks and crannies, including on the back of your ear. It would be pretty hard to see them all in a 2D image.
That’s why the best reference tool in the business is Auriculo 360. Check out the GIF below – as you can see, Auriculo 360 gives you a fully 3-dimensional ear that you can rotate, spin, turn and drag. You can also zoom in, toggle between left and right ears, and overlay the Nogier frequency zones (well-studied frequencies for different areas of the ear).
Finally, Auriculo 360 is complete with over a hundred pre-made protocols for common ailments, along with a database of hundreds of individual points. Protocols can be modified as needed to fit your treatment style! It’s an absolute no-brainer for anyone interested in learning and using auriculotherapy.
The best part is Auriculo 360 was designed to be incredibly affordable, with options less than $11 per month when paid annually.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
2. A Way to Locate Points Accurately
Naturally, a reliable way to locate points comes next! There are many methods for point location that range from manual probes, to powerful devices that locate acupuncture points electrically.
These location tools range in price from ~$6 to ~$600, so it’s important to do your research and figure out which one will fit your needs.
Here are a few of the indicators that a point is “active,” or in other words, ready to receive treatment.
- Color Change: Inspect the skin for changes in color at the point you are examining. Is there increased redness? Lack of color? A different color than the surrounding skin? A dry or flaky patch? These are all indications of an active point.
- Skin structure abnormalities: Carefully look and feel for changes in skin structure. A raised bump or hard nodule, dryness, roughness or moisture may indicate the active point.
- Tenderness: Is the point tender to the touch? A mechanical point detector with a round probe tip is very useful for detecting tenderness in the auricle. The tip should be small and blunt—small so that you can locate a point easily, and blunt so that you do not cause damage to the ear with pressure. A rounded ball tip is the most comfortable. You can purchase one here.
For beginners, we recommend starting with a manual probe. It will help you locate points and leave a small indentation on the ear that will help you place the seed properly. You can purchase one here.
Electronic Location: If you’re a practitioner, high-quality auricular treatment devices have a measurement mode to electronically locate active points, and a treatment mode to treat the points once they are located. Active points will show lower electrical resistance than surrounding tissue. This is a more advanced process, but certainly worth it for those who are serious about auriculotherapy. The best microcurrent tool we’ve found is called the Pointoselect Digital. It has all the flexibility you need for advanced auricular work, like bipolar point detection and adjustable sensitivity. Treatment is just as flexible, giving you ultimate control over intensity, frequency, even pulse-width. If you’re serious about auriculotherapy, you can learn more about the Pointoselect Digital here: https://www.pointoselect.com
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
3. A Powerful Way to Treat the Points
Finally, you’ll need a tool to treat! In some instances, if you’re a practitioner, this tool may be the same tool you use to electronically locate the point, like the Pointoselect Digital. For anyone else who ISN’T a practitioner, don’t worry! You can still effectively treat auricular points with a nifty tool called “ear seeds” or “ear pellets”. Ear seeds are tiny seeds from the vaccaria plant backed with a bandage-like adhesive square that you place on ear acupuncture points. Ear pellets are small, stainless steel beads (sometimes topped with a crystal for a fun look) that have a clear, adhesive circular backing.
Ear seeds and ear pellets work because the spherical shaped vaccaria seeds or stainless steel beads stimulate the acupuncture points on which they’re placed with light but consistent pressure, which sends a constant signal to your nervous system.
Treating Auricular Points with Ear Seeds
Many people apply ear seeds or pellets to treat ear acupuncture points. The continuous stimulation offered by the seeds extends and boosts the treatment, even as you work, travel or sleep. This means that results may be more pronounced, and improvement may occur more quickly. Some people press on the seeds or pellets throughout the day to offer even greater stimulation for a short period of time.
Step-by-Step Ear Seed/Pellet Treatment
- For best results use the Auriculo 360 3D reference app to locate applicable ear acupuncture points for a given condition. You can do this right on your Android or Apple smartphone using the Auriculo 360 app.
- Then, treat the suggested points by placing Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds or pellets, using tweezers, on the points recommended by Auriculo 360 for your condition.
- Leave the seeds or pellets on your ear for up to a week, though they may come off on their own after a few days.
- Follow the instructions on the ear seed or pellet packages for application, and be sure to always clean the ear before placing seeds or pellets so they adhere correctly!
***Important Disclaimer: If you are not a licensed practitioner, you should not use a microcurrent device on anyone other than yourself.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
Anxiety Protocol: A Few ‘Points’ of Interest
1. Anxious Point
This point is specific for emotional and mental disturbances, including anxiety, stress, depression and feelings of nervousness. As the name suggests, it has been traditionally used to decrease symptoms of anxiety and stress, and to boost mood.
2. Tranquilizer Point
Tranquilizer point is used for general sedation of the nervous system and overall relaxation. It may help with chronic stress and promote a sense of wellbeing and calm. This would be a fantastic point to stimulate throughout the day, or whenever feelings of anxiety arise.
3. Master Cerebral
This point is used by acupuncturists to address the pre-frontal lobe of the brain, which is the area of the brain that determines social behavior, advanced cognitive thought and decision-making, and personality expression.
Traditionally, this point is understood to help with anxiety, fear, worry, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, irritability and trouble focusing. It may also promote deep, restful sleep.
Get the Full Anxiety Protocol in the Auriculo 360 App!
For the sake of brevity, we’ll only share 3 points here. But there are hundreds more points and protocols waiting in the Auriculo 360 app!
We hope these three tiny points will make a difference in your journey.
Ear Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help the body heal and thrive, naturally. For non-life-threatening conditions and wellness care, it can be a powerful holistic addition to your at-home wellness routine, or a great adjunct treatment to add to your professional practice!
To learn more about ear acupuncture, check out this blog post.
Or, learn more about the Auriculo 360 reference app here.
Finally, check out Auriculo 360 brand ear seeds and pellets here, so you can treat yourself at home!
Thanks For Reading!
-The “Ear Acupuncture For” Team
References
https://adaa.org/finding-help/treatment/complementary-alternative-treatment
https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics
Welcome! We’re Glad You’re Here.
Welcome! We’re so glad you’re here, and we hope you’re excited to learn more about the power of ear acupuncture. If you’re reading this post, you’ve probably heard about ear acupuncture, and maybe you’re curious about what it is, how it’s performed, and whether it works.
You’re not alone! This complementary medicine technique, used for thousands of years in Asian cultures, isn’t just well understood by the Western medical world. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of its benefits! In this post, we’ll teach you what ear acupuncture is, what it does, and why it’s worth giving a try for symptoms, ailments and conditions ranging from a skinned knee, to anxiety, to headaches. Read on!
What is Ear Acupuncture?
Ear Acupuncture, or auriculotherapy is the technique of using points on the skin of the auricle (external ear) to diagnose and treat pain and medical conditions of the body. Also referred to as auricular medicine, auricular therapy and sometimes auricular acupuncture, practitioners all over the world use this therapy to treat pain, dysfunction, addictions and internal disorders with excellent results. Whether used in conjunction with another treatment or by itself, auriculotherapy is often effective when other treatments have failed. Best of all, it is safe, non-invasive and has no known side effects.
Ear acupuncture has been used as a form of health care for thousands of years in multiple countries worldwide. Ancient records from China, Egypt, Greece, Rome and Persia all indicate its use for a variety of problems. Whether the custom of wearing ear rings originated as a form of decoration or a form of health care is still an interesting and open question.
Ear acupuncture is a natural complement to many types of healthcare practice, including acupuncture, chiropractic, western allopathic medicine, naturopathy, physical therapy and psychotherapy. It offers the advantages of being relatively easy to learn, quick in practical application, and helpful for many health conditions, both physical and mental. It is clinically convenient because it does not require a patient to disrobe or lie down, and in fact can be applied in nearly any setting or situation. Because any body part can be treated from the ear, even inaccessible body parts can be effectively addressed. For example, a limb that is in a cast can be treated without direct access to the limb.
How Does Ear Acupuncture Work?
Ear Acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system via nerves located on the outer ear. As with acupuncture, different points or areas of the ear are connected to different parts of the body. The entire body is represented on the outer ear.
In 1957, a French Physicist named Dr. Paul Nogier first discovered the electrical changes that occur in the body in response to ear acupuncture point stimulation. Based on his research, he created a model that depicts which points on the ear correspond with which body parts. It’s called the Inverted Fetus model. In this model, a fetus lays with within the ear with his head pointing downward toward the ear lobe.
During his research, he also discovered that certain electrical frequencies are more effective for stimulating certain parts of the ear. You can see a map of the frequency zones below. Because ear acupuncture is based on bioelectric nervous system signaling, electrical treatment is extremely effective.
Ear Acupuncture’s Claim to Fame
Auriculotherapy is used quite commonly in treating addiction. It has received considerable press attention in this venue. In fact, many addiction treatment programs incorporate auriculotherapy as a cornerstone of treatment. Whether the addiction is to alcohol, street drugs, prescription medications, nicotine, or food, auriculotherapy is often helpful and occasionally miraculous. Behavioral addictions like sex, theft, gambling and thrill seeking are also successfully treated with auriculotherapy.
Though ear acupuncture may be most widely known for treating addiction, that it by no means its only application. It shows promise in affecting pain, allergies, weight, anxiety, mood, hormone balance, immune system function, and more. To read about our top 10 favorite conditions to treat with ear acupuncture, click here!
Ear Acupuncture for Pain Relief
Thanks to the efforts of retired Col. Richard C. Niemtzow, MD, PhD, MPH, the U.S. military has taken an increased interest in auriculotherapy for rapid pain relief in emergency situations. Dr. Niemtzow’s Battlefield Acupuncture technique is a quick, efficient and simple protocol used with great results since its inception in 2001. Increasing numbers of military doctors are now trained and using this auriculotherapy technique, and ongoing scientific studies are investigating its applications.
Is it Safe?
Needle-free ear acupuncture is considered extraordinarily safe, as long as you follow the directions on the device you use to treat. You can learn more about how to perform ear acupuncture by clicking on the link below.
How to Treat: Ear Acupuncture for Home Users>>
Manual Stimulation: As a general guideline, if you’re using a form of manual point stimulation like ear seeds, beads, or a manual probe, it would be near impossible to cause accidental harm.
Electrical Stimulation: If you’re using a microcurrent device like the Stimplus Pro, it’s important to double-check your frequencies and settings before treating.
Keep in mind, electrical stimulation should not be used in certain situations, including for people with implanted electrical devices such as pacemakers. Please read and follow the instructions from the manufacturer of your electrical device for proper safety precautions. Never use an electrical stimulator in a manor inconsistent with the labeling or manufacturer’s instructions.
What about side effects? The only known side effects of auriculotherapy are all positive: enhanced mood, better sleep, decrease in non-related symptoms and better treatment compliance. Even better, there’s no danger of overdose or addiction—which means ear acupuncture it safer than most over-the-counter drugs!
Is it Effective?
The short answer is, absolutely! Over the years, hundreds of studies have taken place that indicate ear acupuncture’s effectiveness for dozens of conditions. Perhaps even more indicative of its true power is its widespread use by thousands of practitioners worldwide, and their personal experiences with its clinical success.
But the truth is, you’ll never know how effective ear acupuncture could be for you until you try it for yourself.
Auriculo 360: A Tool for the Masses
Now, if the thought of learning a whole new healing system is a little bit intimidating, we totally get it.
There are hundreds of acupuncture points on the ear, and they’re TINY! It’s really hard to locate a minuscule point on a 3D, human ear, especially when you’re using a 2D chart as your reference. And once you know how to find a point, how do you know which ones you should use to address your complaint?
That’s why we designed Auriculo 360, a highly intuitive, simple, and useful software database to show you what points to treat for a wide variety of conditions, and help you locate them accurately. Auriculo 360 includes powerful ear acupuncture protocols for hundreds of conditions and ailments, along with an extensive library of ear acupuncture points. These protocols are based on the best combination of classical points, modern points, and recommendations from auriculotherapy experts.
The best part is Auriculo 360 was designed to be incredibly affordable, with options less than $11 per month when paid annually.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
Try it Today!
Whether you’re a professional looking to add ear acupuncture to your arsenal of treatment approaches, or a mom who wants to treat your kids, Auriculo 360 is the first step to get you started.
Get a FREE TRIAL of Auriculo 360 right now:
Want more tips on how to get started with ear acupuncture? Check out the post below!
How to Treat: Ear Acupuncture for Home Users >>
Thanks For Reading,
-The EAF Team