Ear Acupuncture (Auriculotherapy) : How it works, Applications, Benefits, Cost and Side Effects

Ear acupuncture is a technique in which various types of needles are inserted into the specific points on the external parts of the ears to heal the diseases. It is also known as auriculo-acupuncture or auricular therapy which was developed in the mid 20th century by Paul Nogier, a French scientist. This technique is based on the principle of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which believes in the theory that our health is dependent on the energy (qi) present in our body.

According to TCM, a disrupted flow of qi could negatively impact the physical and mental health of a human being. Therefore, ear acupuncture restores the flow of qi by fixing the disruption. Ear acupuncture is helpful in improving the flow of energy (chi and qi) in our body. It maintains a balance between yin and yang (two opposing but complementary energies) within the internal organs. Ear acupuncture treats the problems such as Insomnia, stress, anxiety, constipation, headaches, depression, migraines, lower back pain, IBS, arthritis, weight loss, Fibromyalgia etc.

This treatment helps in increasing the HRV (heart rate variability). It is a variation in the time interval between the two heartbeats. Patient with low HRV can suffer from problems like congestive heart failure, diabetic neuropathy. HRV is mainly found in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Secondly, you can keep your heart hearty by treating yourself with auricular acupuncture. The other steps by which you can keep your heart healthy includes quitting smoking, reducing stress, balancing weight, taking complete sleep.

Weight loss: Ear acupuncture helps in increasing the metabolism of the patient’s body. It also increases the level of serotonin (hormone) which smoothens the muscles of the stomach and helps in reducing abdominal fat storage. You can lose upto 4-5 kilograms of weight by using this treatment for two to three days a week.

Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking is not an easy task. It involves treatment as well as emotional support. This therapy helps patients to get rid of the addiction towards smoking by curbing the craving. The treatment also helps in detoxifying the body and promotes relaxation.

Treating anxiety: According to the recent studies, it is found that ear acupuncture helps in treating depression, and general anxiety disorders. The scientists have found that procedure of acupuncture was enough to make patients relax. It was found that patients who were receiving acupuncture was experiencing a great change in their anxiety levels. The researchers also suggested that the patients who undergo surgeries must take acupuncture therapies to help them reduce stress and anxiety levels.

The acupuncturist will insert very thin needles on the external part of the ears. These needles are so thin that it might cause a little discomfort to the patient. Around five to 20 needles are inserted during the treatment. The patient might feel a little amount of pain while the needle reaches the exact depth. After the session is completed, the practitioner will smoothly move the needles from the ears. During the procedure, you can lie down and relax comfortably. During the removal of the needles, you will not feel any kind of discomfort.

It takes around five to 20 minutes to complete this therapy. There are over 200 acupuncture points present in the outer ear. As soon as the point is touched, it triggers an electrical impulse from the ear to the part of the body being treated.

The chances of having side effects are rare but possible.But here are few side effects that a patient can suffer from while having an auricular acupuncture therapy.

• Light-headedness
• soreness
• fatigue
• dizziness
• discomfort
• nausea
• minor bleeding

It is advised to take 10 to 12 sessions within two weeks. Each session should last for 30 to 90 minutes. The timings of the sessions depend on the severity of the problems as acute conditions require less time in comparison to severe ailments.

1. Take complete rest:

   Resting does not mean that you need to sleep or take a nap. It means that you just need to keep yourself comfortable. You can read books, medidate, lie down peacefully or do whatever you feel. But remember, it should not cause a lot of exertion or stress.

2. Perform light exercise:

   Many patients ask their doctors that can they do exercises after their acupuncture sessions. Exercising is good but remember to perform light exercises. Like for example, if you are a runner, try to have a walk if you have had a session of acupuncture.

3. Do not use alcohol and coffee:

   It is advised that a patient should not consume alcohol or coffee on the day they had taken auricular acupuncture therapy as it dehydrates the body. You must stay hydrated on the day of therapy because it releases toxins. Therefore staying hydrated will help it to flush the toxins out of the body.

4. Say ‘no’ to TV:

   Acupuncture brings peace and relaxation to the body and by turning on the TV, you will distract your mind and might lose focus. Therefore, it is advised not to watch television on the day of therapy and keep your mind calm and tranquilized.

5. Eat healthy food:

   Acupuncture helps in flushing toxins out of the human body. So, do not put them back by eating unhealthy and junk foods. It is advised to eat only healthy foods after acupuncture therapy.

The price of ear acupuncture varies between Rs 800 to Rs 1000 i.e. from $15 to $18 for a single session.

1. You must ask for a recommendation of a good doctor to the people you trust.
2. It is also advised to check the credentials of the doctor.
3. You must interview the doctor and ask him what is involved in the treatment.
4. You may also ask that how much will the session of the therapy cost or how will the auricular acupuncture will help your condition.
5. The most important question you may ask your doctor is that will the medical insurance cover the treatment?