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Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture

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What is ear acupuncture?

Auricular or Ear Acupuncture is a modality where the external surface of the ear is stimulated to alleviate conditions in other parts of the body.  Discovered by the ancient Chinese and further perfected by French physician Paul Nogier, auricular acupuncture can be used as a stand-alone treatment or used to complement a full-body acupuncture treatment.  In auricular acupuncture, the ear is treated as a somatotopic microsystem that mirrors the entirety of the human body. Imagine the ear as an inverted fetus–the ear lobe represents the head and face while the top of the ear represents the feet and lower extremities. 
 
During our ear acupuncture treatments in San Francisco, a rounded probe may be used to apply pressure to specific auricular acupuncture points that correlate to the patient’s chief complaint.  The points that correspond with the patient’s chief complaint are often extremely tender. A needle is then inserted to stimulate these points which leads to an improvement in the patient’s symptoms.
 

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Ear acupuncture has taken center-stage in the United States military. The most widely used military specific auricular acupuncture protocol is the battlefield acupuncture protocol.  This protocol is used for the treatment of pain among veterans. In the military, ear acupuncture, along with full-body acupuncture, is used to treat musculoskeletal pain, acute pain syndrome, chronic pain, insomnia, and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Many veterans report that ear acupuncture has reduced their use of medication, especially pain medications. As such, auricular acupuncture is an attractive alternative to prescription drugs as it is effective, affordable, and has minimal side effects.
 
Here at Optim Health and Acupuncture, our San Francisco auricular acupuncture treatments are often paired with traditional acupuncture, dry needling, and/or electroacupuncture to enhance treatment outcomes.


 

What are the benefits of ear acupuncture?

  1. Pain management: Auricular ear acupuncture in San Francisco is commonly used for pain relief. The ear contains numerous acupoints that correspond to different body parts and organs. By stimulating these points, auricular acupuncture can help alleviate various types of pain, including headaches, joint pain, and musculoskeletal discomfort.
     

  2. Stress reduction: Our auricular ear acupuncture treatments in San Francisco are often reported to be calming and relaxing. By targeting certain points on the ear, the treatment may help reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting a sense of well-being.
     

  3. Addiction support: Auricular acupuncture is frequently used to support individuals undergoing addiction recovery, especially for tobacco, alcohol, and drug addictions. It is believed to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it an adjunct therapy in addiction treatment programs.
     

  4. Insomnia and sleep disorders: Auricular acupuncture can be beneficial for improving sleep quality and addressing sleep-related issues. It can help regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle and promote better sleep patterns.
     

  5. Digestive health: Auricular acupuncture is used to address various digestive disorders, such as nausea, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Stimulating specific ear acupoints may help regulate digestive functions and alleviate symptoms.
     

  6. Emotional well-being: Auricular ear acupuncture in San Francisco can influence the body's emotional balance and promote mental well-being. It may be used to support individuals with anxiety, depression, and emotional imbalances.
     

  7. Weight management: Some practitioners use auricular acupuncture as part of weight management programs. Specific ear acupoints are targeted to help control appetite, reduce food cravings, and support healthy eating habits.

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