Are you struggling with pain or other health issues? If so, have you ever considered the ancient practice of auriculotherapy? Over 70 years old, auriculotherapy is an alternative medicine therapy that works by stimulating certain points in the ear to restore balance and improve overall health. By supporting the body’s natural healing ability, auriculotherapy can potentially help relieve many conditions, from headaches to allergies and even depression. In this article, we tell you how auriculotherapy works, what it can treat, and why it might be right for you!
What is the principle of auriculotherapy?
Auriculotherapy, also known as auricular acupuncture, is an alternative medical practice that involves stimulating the auricle or outer ear to diagnose and treat health conditions. It goes back to the French acupuncturist and homeopath, Dr. Nogier Paul, who considers that the ear is a microcosm of the whole body and that it is connected to each organ by energy pathways. The principle of auriculotherapy is that disease and pain can be relieved by stimulating key points in the outer ear. These points are believed to correspond to various parts of the body, including organs, systems, muscles, and bones.
Auriculotherapy: How does it work?
Needles are the main tool used in auriculotherapy. These needles stimulate specific regions of the outer ear to correct imbalances in the body’s energy flow and relieve physical symptoms. This practice can be used to treat a wide range of conditions ranging from headaches and joint pain to digestive problems and anxiety. Some practitioners also believe it can be beneficial for healing addictions, weight loss, stress relief, etc.
Besides traditional acupuncture needles, other forms of stimulation are used in auriculotherapy, such as:
- Pellets or seeds placed on specific pressure points in the outer ear.
- Electrical stimulation.
- Moxibustion (burning of a Chinese herb on the stitches).
- The magnets.
- The lasers.
- Infrared light therapy.
- Heat therapy.
- Cold therapy.
- Herbs placed directly on balloons inserted at specific locations in the inner ear canal. All of these techniques have been used with varying degrees of success in the treatment of various diseases.
The exact mechanism by which auriculotherapy works has yet to be determined, but scientists believe it could be endorphins – hormones responsible for pain relief – and neurotransmitters – chemicals found in our bodies. which participate in communication between cells – which are released when certain areas of the outer ear are stimulated.
How can we measure the effectiveness of auriculotherapy?
The results of auriculotherapy have been measured and documented by official studies published by INSERM, the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research. This type of therapy has been shown to be effective in managing preoperative stress, postoperative pain, and chronic pain.
For example, a study conducted by INSERM found that people who received auriculotherapy before surgery reported lower levels of stress, less need for pain-relieving drugs such as opioids after surgery, and reduced postoperative pain. In addition, patient groups have also reported that auriculotherapy helps them reduce their chronic pain levels.
On the other hand, there is currently no evidence to suggest that auriculotherapy is effective in treating addictions such as smoking cessation. Although more research needs to be conducted on this topic, it appears that this form of therapy is not appropriate for the treatment of certain types of conditions at present.
Overall, the results of auriculotherapy are promising when it comes to managing preoperative stress and reducing postoperative pain or chronic pain symptoms. It is a safe treatment method with few side effects, making it a suitable choice for those seeking alternative forms of pain or anxiety relief.
Are there any contraindications to consider?
As with any medical treatment, there are certain contraindications to consider when considering auriculotherapy.
First of all, patients should be aware that auriculotherapy is not recommended if there is infection or inflammation in the ear canal or any part of the body near the ear. Patients with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis should also avoid auriculotherapy, as it could potentially worsen their condition. Also, patients with heart conditions, diabetes, and high blood pressure should not receive auriculotherapy without consulting their doctor first.
Patients with a pacemaker or any other type of implanted medical device should also avoid auriculotherapy; since magnets are often used during this treatment, they could interfere with the operation of these devices. Finally, pregnant women should exercise great caution when considering auriculotherapy, as it can affect hormone levels and lead to complications during pregnancy.
