Auricular Acupuncture
By Pauline Ronson

The specialised art of Auricular Acupuncture is where acupuncture points on the outer ears are treated using needles or electro-acupuncture machines to help relieve many complaints and conditions. According to Auricular Acupuncture the ears represent the whole human body in the inverted or upside down position. On each ear there are approximately 200 acupuncture points.

Each of these points relates to a part of the body: e.g. heart, liver, lungs, nose, eyes, shoulders, knees, etc. and therefore we can treat every part of the body through the ears alone. Therefore if we look at the ear, all the acupuncture points relating to the head and face are positioned on the ear lobe, all the points relating to the internal organs are in the 'concha' or centre of the ear and all the points relating to the lower limbs are at the top of the ear.

So for example, when the 'liver' acupuncture point is treated on the ears, we are directly treating the liver. The practitioner sends the right signals through inserting fine needles into various acupuncture points which in turn aids the natural healing mechanism of the body and helps to rebalance it. In some case electro-acupuncture machines are used in place of needles which is a non-invasive method of treatment.

Either way Auricular Acupuncture's approach to recovery is an holistic one, not just treating one particular illness but helping the whole body.

The ear is made up of cartilage, fat and connective tissue and has the enviable advantage of having a rich supply of blood vessels, nerves and lymph glands irrigating it, just millimetres under the skin surface.

Auricular Acupuncture is a unique complementary therapy that originated in China 3000 years ago. Over the years auricular acupuncture has always been popular as a method of treatment in China but it has had a great revival since the Communist Revolution in 1949. However much research and development of Auricular Acupuncture has been carried out in Europe over the past 50 years. Therefore it encompasses both Oriental and Western Medicine.

Auricular Acupuncture can be administered quickly, economically and can help many illnesses and complaints. During treatment most patients feel relaxed and have a sense of well being. Sometimes the patient can experience heat sensations on the corresponding part of the body that is being treated.

It can be helpful for many illnesses and complaints, such as: relieving pain, nervous disorders, allergies, digestive disorders and addictions including anxiety, stress, depression, insomnia, pre-menstrual syndrome, obesity, drug, alcohol and tobacco dddiction, arthritis, sciatica, frozen shoulder, hayfever, asthma, sinusitis, collitis, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)indigestion, hiatus hernia, migraine and headaches.

It has a high success rate for helping these complaints and many more for instance, we see a success rate as high as 90% for migraine and hay fever ailments.

To obtain the best therapeutic results from Auricular Acupuncture it is important to seek the help and advice of a qualified Auricular Acupuncturist who will ascertain if you are suitable for treatment and administer the correct prescription.

Clinical efficacy will only be obtained if accurate location and treatment of the Auricular Acupuncture points is carried out. To find your nearest practitioner contact The Society of Auricular Acupuncturists on or email Alternatively visit the web site at www.auricularacupuncture.org.uk