Auricular Weight Loss Treatment

Doctors of Chinese medicine approach health differently than Western allopathic doctors, explains licensed acupuncturist Diane Joswick. When using auricular therapy, precise spots or "points" are stimulated in the ear to tone or drain the energy. Each of these points corresponds to a function within the human body, such as digestion, craving or metabolism. Several studies by western doctors seem to corroborate that weight loss may be enhanced by auricular therapy.

Shen Men Point

A 1998 study by D. Richards and J. Marley published in "Australian Family Physician" shows promising weight loss results based on the stimulation of the Shen Men point in the ear. This point corresponds to the vagus nerve in Western medicine, which relaxes you and helps you manage anxiety and stress. Joswick concurs, mentioning that she uses this point with many of her weight loss clients.

Stomach Point

Obese women in a 2003 Pheonix, Arizona study conducted by Abraham C. Kuruvilla, MD, and published in "Medical Acupuncture" used auricular points in conjunction with a dietary program. By stimulating the Stomach point in the ear, the women reportedly lost double the weight of the control group who did not use auricular therapy. In Chinese medicine, the Stomach point is believed to manage hunger and cravings, explains Joswick. Western doctors theorize that stimulating this point raises serotonin levels, which increases tone in the smooth muscle of the stomach, leading to appetite suppression.

Endocrine Point

Your endocrine glands secrete hormones, which tell the human body how to function, including setting your metabolism levels. A western doctor might prescribe hormone therapy, such as thyroid medication, to assist his patient in balancing their metabolism. Auricular therapists stimulate the endocrine point instead, in the belief that it reinforces the liver channel and aids in digestion and overall energy, Joswick explains.

Types

The points within the ear can be stimulated using several methods. Doctors of Oriental medicine are licensed to use acupuncture needles, which are very thin and only go into the ear a fraction of an inch. Acupressure specialists often carry a massage license since they use finger pressure, instead of needles, on the same points. Both types of practitioners may also use adhesive tacks or "acubeads" to create constant pressure on specific points. These stick on the ear like an adhesive bandage and fall off within a few days. The advantage is that users can occasionally press on them to relieve cravings. The Australian study used adhesive electrodes in a similar manner.

Considerations

Auricular acupuncture is a specialty within Traditional Chinese Medicine, and using this type of treatment may affect your current care under western medicine practices. Consult with your health care provider to map out the best care for you. Acupuncture is licensed in the United States; you can find a licensed Auricular specialist through the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.