Auricular or ear acupuncture essentially follows the principles of conventional acupuncture, except it is focused solely on points on or around the earlobes. People considering acupuncture in Palm Harbor may opt for it as a stand-alone treatment, or else use it to supplement other healing techniques like cupping and massage. How exactly does ear acupuncture work?

Auricular AcupunctureThe Point of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is based on the belief that qi, or the life energy that flows within every living organism, can be blocked by stress, trauma, or illness. Acupuncturists aim to restore this flow by stimulating the body’s reflex points where the energy might be stuck, using needles.

Pressure Points in the Ear

The body is full of components that are interconnected with each other. Triggering electrical impulses in one part can affect another part in an entirely different area. Your local acupuncturist knows that within the structure of your ears are pressure points that can connect to everything from your heart to your brain—as well as your pancreas, bladder, knees, liver, eyes, and mouth.

A Treatment for Disease

An article on WiseGeek.com states that auricular acupuncture can help treat various illnesses and conditions, or at least ease their symptoms:

Auricular acupuncture is thought to be effective in treating mental/emotional disturbances including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It is also used to treat physical pain such as arthritis, back pain, migraine, headache, tendonitis, and sciatic pain. Through stimulation of corresponding points in the brain and body, auricular acupuncture is also used as a therapy to treat digestive problems such as colitis and indigestion, as well as respiratory and sinus problems like asthma, hay fever and sinusitis.

How Often to Get Acupuncture

Though auricular acupuncture is a viable option if you want to ease your stressed muscles and joints, you might want to consult a medical professional first before getting continuous treatment. You should also remember that not all acupuncturists will perform this treatment exactly the same way, so it is best to ask for information on the treatment you are about to receive.

A reliable acupuncturist in Palm Harbor like the one at East West Healing Solutions should be able to customize your treatment based on your needs.

(Article Excerpt and Image from What is Auricular Acupuncture?, WiseGeek.com)