Auricular Acupuncture Information
January 24, 2011What is Microsystem Acupuncture?
Microsystems are a subset of Acupuncture Theory where the whole body is treated by using a single part. Ralph Dale from the United States discovered that every part of the gross anatomy can function as an energetic system for diagnosis and therapy. There are a number of established Microsystems of Acupuncture practiced throughout the United Kingdom. The most well known and widely practiced is Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture.
What is Auricular Acupuncture?
Auricular Acupuncture whilst originally based upon the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture, has its origins in Modern Europe. It was developed by Dr. Paul Nogier, a neurologist from Lyons in France in 1957.He noticed the correspondence of specific parts of the body to the ear based upon the concept of an inverted foetus. Dr. Nogier believed that pain and other symptoms in the body could be alleviated by needling, massaging or electronically stimulating the corresponding region of the ear.
Auricular Acupuncture is a specialized complementary therapy where acupuncture points on the outer ear are treated, using small needles to help relieve many chronic complaints.
There are over 200 acupuncture points on the ear, each point named after an area of our anatomy. The outer ear acts like a switchboard to the brain. Each acupuncture point being treated, triggers electrical impulses from the ear via the brain, to the specific part of the body being treated. Clinical Reports demonstrate that acupuncture
• Stimulates the production of pain modulators
• Regulates blood pressure
• Regulates seratonin
• Regulates the sympathetic nervous system
• Enhances the immune system
• Reduces the allergic response
How is Auricular Acupuncture used?
Auricular Acupuncture is widely used throughout the United Kingdom to treat people with a variety of conditions. It forms the basis of a number of protocols used in the treatment of Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Pain Management. It is also commonly known for the treatment of smoking cessation, weight loss, substance misuse, and alcohol cessation, and has been growing steadily since the 1970’s.
One of the significant advantages of Auricular Acupuncture treatment is that it is complementary to conventional acupuncture treatments.
Compiled by Inna Van Der Velden, BSc(Hons), Lic Ac, MBAcC
Oleson, T. (2003). Auriculotherapy Manual. Chinese and Western Systems of Ear Acupuncture. England: Churchill Livingsone
What is Auricular acupuncture and how does it work? (n.d.). Retrieved on February2, 2010 from the College of Auricular Acupuncture website http://www.auricularacupuncturecollege.com/index.php.
This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. Useful Traditional Chinese Medicine Articles →