Acupuncture on the ear | Acupuncture – What is it? Does it help?

Acupuncture on the ear

Ear acupuncture has been performed for several thousand years. But it was only through the French doctor Dr. P. Nogier that it was further developed and published in 1965 in Marseille. Since then the so-called auriculotherapy has been an independent form of acupuncture.

It is based on somatotopia (soma = body, tops = place), i.e. that different ear regions represent certain body organs. The background of this principle lies in the development of the embryo, because the ear is created from a bulge in the brain. This means that the auricle represents the entire body.

The regions are the same for each person, but nevertheless each ear must be considered and treated individually. If there is a functional disorder, e.g. in one organ, the corresponding acupuncture point reacts sensitively and is usually painful for the patient. Auriculotherapy is therefore also suitable for precise diagnosis.

In the meantime, more than 200 acupuncture points on the ear that are located close to each other are known, including the antidepression point or the antiaggression point. By stimulation with needles, transmitters are released in the brain, which activate regulatory mechanisms in the body to remedy disorders. Furthermore, the pinna is directly connected to the central nervous system.

Acupuncture on the ear is therefore particularly suitable for pain and addiction treatment. But it is also recommended for the treatment of allergies, neurological or gastroenterological diseases. For birth preparation, acupuncture is started from the 36th week of pregnancy with 1-2 treatments per week.

A session costs on average 20€ and lasts about 20 minutes. The costs are not covered by health insurance. Nevertheless, 1/3 of pregnant women now use acupuncture.

It has been proven that preparatory acupuncture shortens the time of birth. The following acupuncture points are punctured on both sides: those on the outer side of the little toe, in the area of the inner ankle of the foot, on the upper lateral calf, and below the knee. The puncture supports the cervix and the cervical os in their maturation, so that the contractions can act on the cervix more specifically and effectively.In addition, a special head point can be stimulated, which has a calming effect and can release fears. Other pregnancy-related problems, such as morning sickness, incorrect positioning of the child or sleeping disorders can also be positively influenced.