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Auriculotherapy

In TCM, the ear can be seen as a micro-system of the body where many channels converge and pass through. Through the stimulation of these points, it is believed that we are able to regulate the state of health of the inner organs.

Meridians serve as network of communication between the interior and exterior environment. Under physiological circumstances, the ear is nourished by Qi and Blood, which are produced by the Five Organs.

What is Auriculotherapy?

TCM utilizes various methods, such as acupuncture, oral herbal prescription, cupping and therapeutic massage to promote harmony within one’s body.

Auriculotherapy, often used to complement the above mentioned methods, is another effective method used by TCM physician to treat and/or prevent diseases. ‘Auriculo’ refers to the ear, an orifice where many meridians pass through and is believed to represent the whole body in an inverted fetal position. The auricle (outer ear) contains numerous auricular points, which through stimulation, are able to regulate the state of health of the inner organs and systems.

How Does Auricular Plaster Therapy Work?

During a consultation session, a physician inspects the appearance of the ear to provide more insights of the health of the inner organs and chooses the specific points as denoted by the auriculotherapy chart.

A black vaccaria （王不留行） seed or metal bead attached to an adhesive tape is placed over corresponding points. Patient is advised to gently knead or press the points, 3 to 5 times a day, each time lasting about 1 to 3 minutes. Typically, the tape stays secured for up to five days. Patients are advised to return for a review, and if required, further treatment may be done on the other ear.

Benefits of auriculotherapy

• Convenient
• Continuous stimulation even when patient left the clinic
• Effective modality¹
• Inexpensive
• Non-invasive

Why use Auricular Plaster Therapy when body acupuncture can already address the medical issue?

In all treatment methods, we have this term called the therapeutic response. Body acupuncture is administered in the clinic by the physician, which usually last about 20-30 minutes. The therapeutic response peaks and then subsides in several hours. Nowadays, patients are busy and are unable to come into the clinic that often. Using auriculotherapy, patients go home with the ear seeds which they can stimulate and help to complement the effect of body acupuncture. It is convenient, cheap and is non-invasive and often yields positive results.

What conditions does it treat?

Auriculotherapy can be used for both treatment and prevention of many conditions including the following:

• Allergies
• Gastritis
• GERD
• Digestive
• Dizzy Spells
• Insomnia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Pain Management
• Stress & Anxiety
• Weight Management

¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3110838/