The effectiveness of ear reflexology, and auriculotherapy in general, is a subject of debate for some in the scientific and medical community.
The journal "Autonomic Neuroscience" published a study on autonomic responses to stimulation of various parts of the ear, measuring responses corresponding to autonomic function of the heart and stomach. Their attempts to verify the mapping of the ear to correspond with certain anatomical systems was inconclusive, though they noted that some parts of the ear seem to evoke stronger autonomic responses in the the cardiac and gastric systems than others.
According to the Ohio State Medical Center, research on this age old healing practice has not been conducted on a scale large enough to be scientifically valid. Regardless, reflexology continues to have its devoted fans in the alternative health care field. Reflexology applies a structured pattern of pressure application to various parts of the body, the feet and hands being the primary areas addressed. Their belief is that by stimulating these reflex points they can address health issues vital to the function of the corresponding organs.
The Ear Lobe
Reflexologist Madeliene Turgeon states that the lobe, or fleshy area located at the bottom of both ears, contains master sensory points which affect the eyes, as well as the pituitary and pineal glands. The structure of the ear has also been described as correlating to an upside down version of the body, with reflex point in the lobe, or bottom of the ear, being especially associated with the head.
The Pinna
The pinna is located at the very peak of the ear. Turgeon addresses allergies and cold sores by treating this area, and states that it also corresponds to the lower region of body, especially the feet. Researchers at the School of Chinese Medicine in Hong Kong found that stimulation of this area corresponded to increased stomach pressure in anesthetized rats.
The Helix
The helix is the outer ridge of the ear, extending from the inner edge nearest the cheekbone, up to the top of the ear and down again to the lobe. The thickest part of the helix, known as Darwin's point, is stimulated to address pain in the limbs, says Turgeon. The ascending branch of the helix is associated with the intestines, as well as the nervous and endocrine systems.
"Autonomic Neuroscience" has published research revealing small increases in heart rate associated with manual stimulation of the tail of the helix.
References
- Ohio State Medical Center; Reflexology
- "Autonomic Neuroscience"; Investigation of Specificity of Auricular Acupuncture Points in Regulation of Autonomic Function in Anesthetized Rats; Gao XY, Zhang SP, Zhu B, Zhang HQ; February 2008
- Right-Brain Left-Brain Reflexology: A Self-Help Approach to Balancing Life: Madeleine Turgeon; 1994
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