Acupuncture

Auricular Therapy

Auricular Therapy is the treatment of “nerve reflex points” on the ear to stimulate the nervous system and other parts of the body. The actual method involves placement of sterile, single-use thin needles onto the external surface (outer) of the ear. Generally a selection of points (normally 2 – 5) are used, and are often combined with specific body points during treatment.

Ear points may be stimulated for a longer period of time by the use of seeds or ear tacks. Ear seeds are small seeds from the Vaccaria plant. These seeds are held in place on the ear with a small piece of adhesive tape. Ear seeds may be left in the ear for a few days or up to two weeks. Ear tacks are very small needles with an adhesive backing. Ear tacks are inserted into the ear and left in the ear for a few days or up to one week.

Auricular Therapy stems from thousands of years of Chinese Acupuncture, and half a century of European medical research, with great modifications by the discoveries of Dr. Paul Nogier. It is a therapy that utilises fundamental modern medical science (primarily based on neurophysiology / neurology) and concepts of traditional acupuncture.

As with body acupuncture, auricular acupuncture releases natural endorphins in the body which helps in pain relief and relaxation. Infection is almost never heard of and if a patient is afraid of needles, auricular electrical stimulation is the preferred treatment.

Auricular Acupuncture is one of the "holographic" systems which theorises that the entire body can be represented in miniature within the body itself. (There also exists others micro-systems for the scalp, abdomen, hands and feet).

This ancient treatment advanced when in the 1950`s this French physician Dr Nogier noticed that there was a distinct change in the amplitude and dimension of the pulse when certain points on the auricle were stimulated. Dr Nogier called it the Vascular Autonomic Sign or VAS. Being able to detect the VAS on the radial pulse of (generally) the patients left hand enables the practitioner to precisely determine the location of a point, whether there is a pathology in the region of the body that relates to specific points, and whether certain substances (foods, medicines, herbs etc) are appropriate.

Auricular Therapy is also used to help determine whether right and left hemispheres of the brain are in balance, whether there is any scar tissue affecting the normal flow of energy in the body and whether there are specific neurological, musculo-skeletal or organ systems that are out of balance.

A Brief History

No one knows the origin for sure but all ancient civilizations have used it. Written records appear around 200 B.C. Over its history, more reflex points have been added as they were discovered and ultimately in the 19th century it was westernized.

Ancient - ear acupuncture was used in Ancient Egypt for female contraception, India and Greece for male contraception, Scythia and Arabia for high blood pressure and lower back pain.

Modern - although 5 different charts of ear reflexes exist, the French and Chinese charts are the most consistently used and researched.

The French chart was first published in 1957 by Dr. Paul Nogier a neurosurgeon and acupuncturist from Lyon, France. He documented a map on the outer ear that closely reflected anatomically the human body in the foetal position. In China the Nanking Army Ear Acupuncture Research Team verified Nogier’s chart in 1960. They also discovered a second map similar in some ways but also distinctly different from the French chart.

Over 200 foci or reflex points have been found in the ear. Both researchers discovered Master Points and Functional Points on the ear; the Chinese discovering 20 more Functional Points. The Chinese, despite having worked on the ears for longer, consider Nogier to be the Father of Auriculartherapy.

The ‘WHO’, World Health Organization in 1982, standardized thousands of ear reflex points because it is so safe and effective bringing rapid results.  All disorders ending in ‘itis’ can be treated simply using the ear reflex points. Anyone can use ear acupressure to alleviate symptoms from pain and suffering.

How does it work?

There are many theories about how acupuncture works, however, auricular acupuncture is an exception – its' effectiveness is known and well researched. When the auricle is stimulated, either with needle (considered more effective) or laser (less, but still effective), the body will release endorphins (natural pain relieving biochemicals).

Endorphins are secreted by the pituitary gland and certain parts of the central nervous system (CNS). Auricular Acupuncture has been shown to influence the blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of endorphins.

The other factors involved in Auricular Acupuncture are those associated with a sense of calmness and relaxation. This happens because of the release of the before mentioned endorphins and stimulation produced analgesia. This analgesic effect of Auricular Acupuncture occurs due to activity produced via reflex stimulation within the periaqueductal gray (PAG), hypothalamus, thalamus, and somatosensory and prefrontal cortex. This allows the withdrawal symptoms or anxiety, restlessness, stress, and other physical cravings to be successfully treated.

What is involved in a treatment?

Treatment will normally involve a full assessment of the individuals' condition through various diagnostic means. One particular method of assessment that practitioners will apply is the checking of laterality dysfunction. Laterality is the state of harmonious interaction between the two cerebral hemispheres of the brain. The dominant hemisphere (i.e. left side in a right handed person and vice versa) must first be established in order for proper point selection to be made. Laterality disorders may result from any physical or emotional trauma that has occurred during the patients' life, it may occur at any time.

Laterality dysfunction may present itself through learning disorders, behavioural problems, or productivity problems. It has been seen, clinically, that Auricular Acupuncture is the best and quickest method to treat such disorders.

Laterality Dysfunction is often the cause for many acupuncture treatments not being as effective. In actuality, laterality dysfunction can be seen as a blockage to therapy, and therefore must be assessed and treated first.

Following the above, practitioners will either use the Vascular Autonomic Signal or VAS) to determine which of the points on the auricle are most “active”. Protocol based laser therapies may not be as effective in assisting the patient.

Indications:

Almost all psychological and physiological disorders can be treated with auriculartherapy. In particular it can be used for:
• muscular-skeletal complaints
• pain relief
• psychological problems
• headaches and migraines
• to extend the reflexology stimulus at home in-between sessions

Are there any side effects?

Generally there are no side effects. However with some patients there may be slight tenderness or inflammation of the ear.
It is not advisable for the following
First trimester pregnancy
First two months of homoeopathic treatment
Patients with pacemakers
Babies under a week old

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