Your ear is one among several reflex systems your body has.  A reflex system is a system where your whole body is mirrored in a certain part of the body.  They are also known as “microsystems” and are considered two-way communication systems.  They mirror a problem existing in a certain part of your body and also has the ability to treat it.  Foot and hand reflexology are the two most familiar reflex systems.  Auricular acupuncture is the examination and activation of the auricle (outer ear) for the diagnosis and resolution of health problems occurring in other parts of the body. 

Auricular Acupuncture also called Auricular acupuncture, auriculotherapy, or ear acupuncture has been used by early Chinese doctors for over two millennia. They utilized the ear for diagnosis and treatment.  Hippocrates treated sciatica and impotence by bleeding sensitive points behind the ears.  Medical recorded during the Middle Ages in Europe discussed the use of the ear for the sciatica treatment.  In France, Dr. Paul Nogier came up with a comprehensive map of the ear in 1956, exposing it as a reflex system.  He designed a model using the basic image of an inverted fetus.  Physicians all over the globe have validated his work.  In 1973, Dr. Michael Smith developed in New York a standard protocol for chemical abuse withdrawal by stimulating five acupuncture points on the ear. He established the most commonly used detox procedure in the US, the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol, which is used for the treatment of chemical addiction.

Auricular acupuncture in Jacksonville is one of the lesser known treatments used by psychologists, massage therapists, chiropractors, doctors, acupuncturists, and other health care providers despite being one of the more extremely effective alternative healing modalities around. Acupoints on the ear can be stimulated using ear acupressure pellets, magnets, lasers, needles, or manual pressure.  Auricular acupuncture implemented minus needles can be as effective as traditional body acupuncture. The World Health Organization in 1990, said “Auricular acupuncture is perhaps the best scientifically documented and most developed of all acupuncture’s microsystems and is the most widely used because of its practicality.” 

Auricular acupuncture’s most surprising aspect is perhaps its effectiveness for practically almost any type of condition.  When this is included in the treatment plan, it can enhance the treatment of menopause, headaches, arthritis, anxiety, addictions, insomnia, stress, pain, and many other conditions.  Auricular acupuncture is often used as an adjunct to other types of treatment and is not intended to replace other appropriate forms of clinical care. 

Studies done regarding auricular acupuncture in China has shown that it works well in 85 percent of cases and can be used to treat more than 200 disorders and diseases.  The Pain Management Center of UCLA in 1980 performed a double blind study to validate the scientific veracity of auricular diagnosis. It showed a 75 percent rate of accuracy in diagnosing painful musculoskeletal conditions through palpation and observation of the ear.  In South Australia, a study done at the Adelaide University examined the effectiveness of Auricular acupuncture in weight loss.  It saw that Auricular acupuncture can inhibit appetite.  The amount of weight lost and the number of individuals who lost weight was markedly higher in the group treated with Auricular acupuncture.

All these studies reveal one outstanding wellness health healing therapy that is focused on the ears.