Auriculotherapy
What is it
Auriculotherapy is a therapeutic technique, similar to acupuncture, which consists of applying small, very thin needles, mustard seeds or magnetic spheres, to specific points on the external part of the ears, or auricle, to establish the body's energy balance, helping to treat health problems such as anxiety, migraines or binge eating, for example.
This type of therapy has its origins in traditional Chinese and French medicine, and is based on the idea that the human body can be represented in the ear, in the shape of a fetus, and, therefore, each point refers to a specific organ. Thus, when this point is stimulated, it is possible to treat problems or alleviate symptoms in that same organ.
Indications
Auriculotherapy is indicated to assist in the treatment of:
Pain due to sprains, contractures and muscle strains;
Sciatica pain;
Anxiety or depression;
Insomnia;
Migraine or headache;
Binge eating;
Weight loss;
Hormonal disorders;
PMS or menstrual cramps;
Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis
Flu or cough;
Smoking;
Liquid retention;
Urinary infection;
Respiratory problems, such as allergies, asthma or bronchitis;
Heart problems;
Digestive problems;
Temporomandibular disorder.
Furthermore, auriculotherapy can also be used to treat high blood pressure, vertigo or palpitations, for example.
Benefits
In short, the benefits of auriculotherapy are the improvement of the symptoms treated, especially pain. Therapy also helps to alleviate emotional symptoms associated with various diseases, and can even act directly on problems such as depression and anxiety.
Contraindications
There are no absolute contraindications to auriculotherapy. It is important to carry out local disinfection before inserting needles with 70% alcohol, particularly before inserting an ASP (semi-permanent needle). At-risk patients, such as those with AIDS, diabetes, immunocompromised patients, patients using anticoagulants, and active infections, should be treated with caution. During pregnancy, the uterus, ovary, pituitary and genital points may be contraindicated, although there is controversy as to whether these points would actually harm pregnant women.
How is done
Before starting treatment with auriculotherapy, it is very important to consult an acupuncturist or a therapist specialized in acupuncture to identify the main symptoms and which organs may be affected.
After that, the doctor or therapist selects the most suitable points and puts pressure on the point. Pressure can be applied using:
Filiform needles: are applied to the points for 10 to 30 minutes;
Intradermal needles: are placed under the skin for around 7 days;
Magnetic spheres: are glued to the skin for approximately 5 days;
Mustard seeds: can be heated or not, and are stuck to the skin for 5 days.
The stimulation of specific points in the ear to relieve pain or treat various physical or psychological problems, such as anxiety, migraines, obesity or contractures, for example.
Furthermore, auriculotherapy helps to diagnose and prevent some diseases by observing specific points in the ear that are altered.
Peridity
The number of sessions necessary for the patient to enjoy the expected benefits will depend greatly on each case. Milder conditions may begin to show improvement from the first application, while others will need greater stimulation to promote the expected effect.
In general, up to 10 sessions can be recommended, depending on the method chosen. The professional can also advise the person to undergo therapy periodically every six months or a year, depending on each person's needs.
Care
Auriculotherapy is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that stimulates specific points on the ear to treat pain, anxiety, insomnia, and various body imbalances. Small seeds or spheres are applied with adhesives to prolong the effect between sessions.
Do not handle or press the stimulated points, as this may interfere with the therapeutic stimuli and cause discomfort or local inflammation.
Avoid intense physical activity for the first 4 hours, allowing the body to calmly respond to the treatment.
If you experience headache, drowsiness, or changes in sleep or mood, understand that these are common and generally positive responses to energy regulation.
Note any unusual reactions, such as persistent pain or redness, and inform your therapist at the next session so that the stimuli can be adjusted.
Comments
Main points of auriculotherapy
French auriculotherapy and Chinese auriculotherapy, despite consisting of the same technique, are very different, as each country has created a different map of the ear with the specific points to be stimulated.
The points in the ear refer to a specific organ in the body, and therefore auriculotherapy can help treat various health problems, and should always be carried out by a doctor or other professional specialized in acupuncture, after analyzing the symptoms and defining what type of material can be used to stimulate the specific point.
Estimated time
60 minutes