Auriculotherapy involves the stimulation of the “auricle” of the external ear for the treatment of health conditions in other parts of the body.
It applies the principles of acupuncture to specific points on the ear, and can be done with less cost without the need for full treatment tables or private sessions.
It known as ear acupuncture or auricular acupuncture when the stimulation is achieved by the insertion of acupuncture needles. There is evidence that the ear is particularly sensitive to the release of endorphins when stimulated, which may explain its ability to reduce pain and more, such as helping people with compulsive/addictive behaviours like excessive eating and smoking.
Specific points can also be stimulated by manual pressure, referred to as auricular acupressure or ear reflexology. This pressure can be facilliated with ear seeds or pellets that are secured by medical tape. Ear points can also be stimulated with infra-red laser or electricity, which are analagous to aculaser and electroacupuncture therapies for acupuncture points on the body.
