Auricular Therapy

Auricular therapy is a healing practice of the third century wherein the practitioner uses needles at acupuncture points on the outer ear that correspond to specific parts of the human body. This technique is a particularly effective treatment for many conditions, including addictions, mood disorders, obesity, pain, and musculo-skeletal and central nervous system disorders.

Auriculotherapy, or auricular therapy, or ear acupuncture, or auriculo acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine based on the idea that the ear is a microsystem which reflects the entire body, represented on the auricle, the outer portion of the ear. Conditions affecting the physical, mental or emotional health of the patient are assumed to be treatable by stimulation of the surface of the ear exclusively.

 

Auricular Acupuncture

Your ear, is a microsystem of your body. Therefore, auricular acupuncture, along with reflexology and Sooji which are hand and foot microsystems, may be utilized to treat a wide variety of conditions. Each modality can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.

 

Mapping the Ear

The map on the ear is in form of an inverted fetus with all the fine details of the anatomical, physiological, and emotional body represented. The tissue of the ear is unique and has functions in addition to our sense of hearing. The ear is the first organ to develop to its full size and become fully functional about 18 weeks after conception and is one of a few anatomical structures composed of tissue from each of the 3 primary types (endo, ecto, mesoderm) in the developing embryo.

Ear Seeds

This non-invasive technique can help manage stress, pain and a variety of other symptoms. Using special adhesive dots, the practitioner attaches small and inconspicuous metal beads to stimulate specific points on your outer ear. By pressing these ear seeds, you can stimulate your own acupuncture point for up to two weeks.

Tei shin (needle-free acupuncture)

Tei shin is another, needle less alternative for children and adults uncomfortable with needles. The practitioner manipulates acupuncture points on your body or ear with a specially designed, slender probe. No needles.

History

Ear acupuncture has proven to be an efficient method of treating a wide variety of conditions, from headaches and allergies to addictions and pain disorders. Although acupuncture evolved in the context of Asian medicine, the specialty of ear acupuncture was developed in western Europe. It’s foundations laid by Dr. Paul Nogier, a neurologist working in France in the 1950’s, it was deepened and expanded by Frank Bahr M.D. and physical medicine specialists in Germany over the following decades.

The earliest use of ear acupuncture, like body acupuncture, dates back to ancient China. Auricular acupuncture as we know it today however is largely the outgrowth of work begun by Dr. Paul Nogier, a neurologist trained in acupuncture. He found that the ear holds all of the acupuncture points of the body plus more detailed physiological and anatomical correspondences and found that stimulation of these points were very effective in alleviating pain and other symptoms. When an auricular acupuncture point on the ear is “active” it expresses as increased tenderness on stimulation and a higher electrical conductivity. This indicates pathology in the corresponding body tissue or function and makes auricular acupuncture a useful form of assessment of ailments. The texture, colour, skin changes, veins, etc., in different areas of the ear can be indicators of the state of health.

The use of ear acupuncture in trauma and disaster

Auricular trauma “Community-style” acupuncture is well suited to group treatment conditions faced in disaster settings. Treatment is easily integrated into a wide range of settings: hospitals, outdoor clinics, on a curbside, etc. The volunteer group, Acupuncturists Without Borders, provided support to both relief workers and victims in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan in the fall of 2001. Treatments are easily given while people are fully clothed. A set protocol developed for use in addiction treatment programs through the National Acupuncture Detox Association (NADA) is an effective way to help people facing enormous stress, anger, depression, fatigue and other emotional and physical pain. It has been used in thousands of programs around the world. Those receiving treatment do not have to wait to feel its impact, as relaxation generally occurs within minutes. Survivors of traumatic events report ear acupuncture to be useful in alleviating symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder. Recipient surveys show increased mental clarity, ability to cope, alertness, ability to sleep, reductions of pain and muscle spasm, depression, anxiety, and intrusive recall. These simple acupuncture treatments can have a calming and transformative effect without requiring the traumatized client to talk. They can be in a state of extreme dissociation and still benefit.

AMCC offers a bright career as a Naturopath

Medicines and practices other than allopathy have recently become quite popular. One of the reasons for the same could be the western culture adopting alternative ways of treatment. Although Naturopathy was always a part of Indian ancient culture, with time it was losing its sheen. But seems the wind has changed his directions. Various celebrities in India and abroad are soon turning towards naturopathy. Even our country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faith in Naturopathy. This is exactly why he recommended this alternate treatment method to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Looking at the current trend, Naturopathy is becoming a rage among people. More and more number of people is depending on Naturopathy. This only means that there will be an increase in the demand of Naturopaths in near future. And even then, this trend will continue for long. Alternate Medical Council Calcutta (AMCC) offers various certified courses in Naturopath.

On the contrary to general public notion, Naturopathy works with and not against the standard allopathic medicines. But unlike them, Naturopathy has no side effects. . Treatments are natural and non-invasive and include herbal remedies, lifestyle changes, dietary modifications and in some cases other complementary techniques including massage, acupuncture or aromatherapy. A career in naturopathy is lucrative and knowledge enriching. In India, as of now there are only a handful of institutes offering dedicated courses in Naturopathy and AMCC holds a prowess in offering the Naturopathy related courses by incorporating an extensive curriculum, taught by an experienced faculty. 

There are many job avenues open in Naturopathy and to top it, a qualified naturopath can start its own venture. They are paid pretty well, especially in developed countries like The USA and The UK where a naturopath earns nothing less than $15000-20000/annum.