Auricular Therapy in Medicine

By Brian Kramer, MS,L.Ac.,Dipl.Ac.

 

Auricular therapy is a system of medicine based on the diagnosis and treatment of illness through the ears. Asia and Europe have been using this form of medicine for many years from the acupuncture system. It is becoming more recognized in this country mostly due to the recognition and success seen in using it for addictions of drugs and tobacco. There are numerous U.S. states judicial systems requiring drug addicts to use auricular therapy in their rehabilitation.

 

The ears can be used as a diagnostic, as well as treatment area. Chronic conditions will create changes at the auricle either in shape, swelling, color, crevices, bumps, tenderness, or skin patches. Any of these changes will be a diagnostic feature in the development of illness in the corresponding area in the body. More acute conditions will be increased tenderness or color changes. A point detector checking for bioelectrical conductance is another method of detection.

 

There are more than 200 illnesses that can be treated using auriculotherapy. The scientific basis for this treatment modality is in the stimulation of nerves in the outer ear that have a direct connection with main cranial nerves. This nerve stimulation releases metabolic products to the target areas in the body for accelerated healing. In most cases, the response is immediate. The treatment is non-invasive and painless. Small pressure seeds are taped to acupuncture points in the ears whereby the patient then presses on them frequently throughout the day. A small electrical pulse or needles may also be used for treatment. The advantages of this therapy is in it's low cost, high patient compliance, good effectiveness, and noninvasive procedure.

 

Caution: Auricular therapy may not be appropriate for women who are pregnant.