Auricular Acupuncture

Auriculotherapy is a therapeutic technique that involves stimulating the external surface of the ear (the auricle) to help treat conditions in other parts of the body. While it draws on the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture, the concept of mapping specific body areas to corresponding points on the ear was first developed in modern France. This approach combines both Chinese and Western methods of auriculotherapy.

How Auricular Acupuncture Works

Auricular acupuncture, as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), typically involves inserting fine needles into specific acupuncture points on the ear, as well as on the body. Stimulating these points on the ear alone can be an effective treatment for various conditions. Many find ear acupuncture to be a faster and more effective method for pain relief and treating conditions like substance abuse, compared to traditional body acupuncture.

What Auricular Acupuncture Treats

From anxiety issues to IBS, from menstrual disorders to sexual dysfunction, there are a great number of conditions that ear acupuncture can improve.

Ear acupuncture is beneficial for a wide range of conditions, including:

Weight control
Drug detoxification
Shoulder Pain, frozen shoulder
Tennis elbow
carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist pain
Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sciatica
Facial paralysis
Migraine headaches
Sinusitis
Trigeminal neuralgia, facial neuralgia
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Insomnia
Jet lag or circadian rhythm dysfunction
Stress and strain
Anxiety
Depression
Irritability
Memory problems, poor concentration
Nervous exhaustion
Nightmares, disturbed dreams
Blurred vision, poor eyesight
Conjunctivitis
Eye irritation, Stye
Ear infection, earache
Dizziness, vertigo
Allergic rhinitis, runn
Hoarsness
Nose bleeding
Sneezing
Acne, eczema, itching, dermatitis
Anemia
Hypertention, hypotention
Circulation problems, cold hands and feet
Asthma, cough, bronchitis
Hiccups, whooping cough
Indigestion, constipation
Diarrhea, IBS, dysentery
Hemorrhoids
Nausea, vomiting
UTI, frequent urination, bladder control
Liver disfunction
Gall stones, gall bladder inflamation
Dysmenorrhea, irregular period
Menopause
Common cold, influenza

Frequency & Duration

I recommend a minimum of 6 weekly sessions for optimal results. After completing the initial treatment course, regular monthly treatments can help maintain overall health and well-being.

Treatments are provided in my treatment room in East Ham, London, UK.

Side Effects:

The most common side effect of auriculotherapy is a brief piercing sensation when the needles are inserted into the ear or when electrical stimulation is applied to the acupoint. For more sensitive individuals, ear pellets or ear seeds may be used instead of needles. Post-treatment, some patients may experience tenderness around the ear, but this usually subsides quickly. Additionally, it’s common for patients to feel drowsy after a session. This sedative effect is due to the release of endorphins, which can promote relaxation.

Overall, auriculotherapy is a safe and effective way to treat various health conditions, with minimal and temporary side effects.