Auricular Acupressure

Based on an ancient Chinese healing technique, auricular acupressure uses pressure points in or behind the ear to stimulate various bodily functions and organs. Ear acupressure may be helpful in treating conditions, such as pain, anxiety, substance abuse and insomnia. Products for ear acupressure also claim to help people lose weight by suppressing the appetite.

Definition of Acupressure

Acupressure is an ancient healing practice in which pressure is applied to various points on the body. These points, known as acupoints, correspond to different internal organs and bodily functions. Acupressure teaches that stimulating acupoints promotes the flow of energy in the body, helping to restore any imbalances and engage the body's natural healing abilities. Acupressure is closely related to acupuncture, but instead of needles, acupressure uses fingers, knuckles or dull objects to apply pressure.

History

Though auricular acupressure is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, modern techniques for stimulating ear acupoints were developed by Dr. Paul Nogiers in France in the 1950s. Several of his patients reported that their sciatic pain had been healed by a woman who cauterized a small area of the ear. Nogiers began investigating points in the ear and their corresponding health effects. He later developed a theory that relates the ear to an inverted fetus, with acupoints in the ear corresponding to body parts of the fetus. The Nanjing Army Ear Acupuncture research Team in China later confirmed his research.

Pressure Points in Ear

The ear contains more than 120 acupoints that correspond to various parts of the body. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that all major meridians, or energy pathways in the body, pass through the ear, making auricular acupressure effective in treating a variety of ailments throughout the body. Points in the inner ear generally relate to the abdomen, while points on the earlobe correspond to different areas of the head and mouth.

Benefits

Studies have shown auricular acupressure to be beneficial for pain relief, anxiety, substance abuse and insomnia. A 2003 study by the University of Vienna in Austria found that patients who received ear acupressure during ambulance transport reported decreased pain and anxiety. A study conducted by the New Mexico State University in 2006 used auricular acupressure in addition to regular substance abuse treatment. Patients who received ear acupressure showed a significant reduction in cravings and emotional stress. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, auricular acupressure may help improve sleep quality and alleviate insomnia. Pressure points in the ear that relate to the stomach may help control the appetite and help with weight-loss efforts.

Technique

Modern practitioners of auricular acupressure may use laser treatments, magnets, beads or electrical currents to stimulate precise points on the ear. According to Chinese Holistic Health Exercises, rubbing or gently pulling on the ears can help ease stress and promote a state of relaxation. Acupressure ear beads are designed to be placed on appropriates points on the ears with adhesive tape and pressed or squeezed as necessary to curb hunger.