We have to face the fact that a lot of ear disorders such as tinnitus, gradual hearing loss, Meniere’s disease, deafness, etc. can be difficult to cure or even treat. For people suffering from these conditions, this can be very frustrating. However, they can find some hope of remedy or even cure from acupuncture treatments.

The inclusion of electro-acupuncture to conventional treatment is one way we can boost the treatment of ear disorders. Electro-acupuncture is a safe and easy mode of therapy to add to your treatment protocol. There are however, a few basic acupuncture techniques and principles that may need to be understood and implemented before electro-acupuncture can effectively work for the treatment of ear disorders.

First, it is important that we choose the acupuncture points that will be used for electro-stimulation. Most acupuncturists choose the Shuigu or GB 8 found one cun above the ear’s apex and the Tinggong or SI 19 acupoint situated anteriorly in the depression of the tragus of the ear. Both acupoints possess the indications and functions to address ear disorders. According to Western medicine, both acupoints can treat and stimulate problems of the auricular and temporal blood vessels, local muscles, facial nerves, auriculotemporal, and trigeminal nerves. Interestingly, the GB 8 is found on the center of the horizontal four-centimeter “Auditory Line,” that is one and a half centimeters directly above the ear’s apex in the Scalp Acupuncture (Jiao’s Style) and used frequently for treatment of all kinds of auditory disorders. Some acupuncturists may alternate from Tinggong (Sl 19) to Yifen (SJ 17) that facilitates needle insertion.

We should then next closely observe the needling techniques of these two acupoints. For a normal adult, a depth of one cun on SI 19 should be applied since a shallower depth may not produce the desired effect. After the needle has been inserted, slowly push it to the appropriate depth to avoid discomfort. The needle should be removed and reinserted at a slightly different angle if a sharp sensation is felt. This may also mean that the insertion point is wrong. For GB 8, in order to get optimum effectiveness, we need to adhere to the needling procedures used in scalp acupuncture. The needle should be inserted to a depth of one cun towards the ear’s apex at a 15 to 30 degree angle. The tip of the needle should come into contact with the galea aponeurotica layer, areolar tissues, and the subcutaneous connective tissues. A strong uncomfortable sensation can be felt if the needle is retained in these superficial layers.

We can then attach the electro-stimulation device after the needles have been inserted. First, connect to the GB 8, the positive clip and to the Sl 19, the negative clip. Choosing the type of wave will depend on the length and severity of the disease. For deficiency or chronic disorders an intermittent wave should be used while in excess or acute disorders a dense-sparse wave is recommended.

Raise the power very slowly when turning on the machine. This is important especially for the first treatment. Closely observe the facial expression of the patient. Talk to the patient and ask him/her when they feel the stimulation that can be sensed as a slight tap at each needle. Oftentimes, the positive clip can produce an initial strong stimulation; to be effective however, both needles need to have stimulation. If either needles or just one needle produces pain, the electricity needs to be turned off and the angle or depth of the needle needs to be slightly adjusted. Try raising the electricity if only one point is being stimulated. The depth or angle of the needle should be adjusted as well if one point becomes too strong, and there’s no stimulation going to the other. If this situation prevails, try switching the negative and positive clips.

The main goal is to provide a stimulation that is both relaxing and soothing to the patient. After three to five minutes, you may need to check with the patient to see if he/she suffers from any pain or discomfort. The stimulation may be increased slightly if the patient has adjusted to the stimulation and is ready to handle a slight increase. The reason for this is to give the patient the most effective results. Along with the standard acupuncture treatment, retain the electro-stimulation for about 20 to 25 minutes.

After 8 to 12 sessions, most patients will start experiencing positive results. These results may also depend on the magnitude of the problem, drug use, age, and the overall health of the patient.

Harmony Wellness Center
110 N Orlando Ave
Maitland, FL 32751
(407) 234-6454
https://www.harmonywellnesscenter.com/