Ear acupuncture is one of many forms of acupuncture, using the external ear like a representation of the body. The practitioner use pellets, seeds, magnets, electric impulses or needles. The ear is basically composed of cartilage and connective tissue with a minimal amount of the adipose tissue, but is supply we numerous nerves near this skin surface. For Traditional Chinese Medicine the Yangs meridians (Small Intestine, Stomach, Bladder, Gall Bladder and Large Intestine) have a direct contact with the auricle. And some other Yin meridians have contact with their secondary branches. The relationship between the ear, internal organs and the meridians was first report more than 2000 years ago in the book Huangdi Nei Jing (Chinese Canon of Medicine). The ear was described as a central location where numerous meridians meet. Hipocrates (IV BC) described the relations between fertility and some treatments in the external ear. Galeno (II Century) mentioned the use of bleeding and some manipulations of the ear to help patients with sexual problems. Dr. Paul Nogier, a french neurologist, observed the relation within chronic sciatica and ears scars. Patients improved from this chronic pain making pressure in specific points in the ears. In the 1950’s Dr Nogier mapped these points and the corresponding somatic representation in the body by developing and inverted fetus map of the external ear, similar to the somatosensory homunculus of the brain. In 1980 the UCLA University made a study about the use of the external ear and diagnosis. (Olesson and Kroegning).Between 1987 and 1990 the WHO organized meetings and defined the charts of different points between the Chinese and French Schools. In some situations the ear can change, presenting discolorations or tenderness with an internal damage or change of an organ. This explain why sometimes the ear could help in the diagnosis, giving important information about the patient’s condition. Ear Acupuncture help acute and chronic conditions: migraines, asthma, allergies, obesity, high blood pressure, back pain, etc. And not only physical illness, there is some studies that had showed the benefits of this treatments in anxiety, addictions, depression, and other emotional and mental imbalances. It is simply to apply, with minimal side effects, and often achieved good results. It can be an economic alternative form of patient care with broad applications.
Dr. Eduardo Barreto, Nature Doctors
www.thenaturedoctors.ca
http://drbarretointegralhealth.blogspot.ca/2014/03/auricular-acupuncture-or-ear-acupuncture.html?view=timeslide
