Are you looking for support to quit smoking? Do you want to lose weight but struggle to resist snacking? Or are you curious about what ear acupuncture can do for pain or mood fluctuations?
Auriculotherapy is used to address a wide range of complaints, including fatigue, restlessness, insomnia, and mental-energetic issues such as burnout or depression. During an auriculotherapy session, tiny needles are inserted into the ear, which is why it is also called ear acupuncture.
Our ears are like a map of the body, with countless reflex points corresponding to organs, senses, and brain functions. When a point is stimulated, it sends an immediate signal to the body through the nervous system. A needle in the right spot can provide almost instant relief, for example, from musculoskeletal pain.
Some points have an endocrine function, influencing glands and the hormonal system, while others affect the psyche and are used for mood disorders or addiction support.
A widely used protocol (NADA) is applied to treat trauma, with an effect similar to that of EMDR.
I often use auriculotherapy as a complement to my acupuncture sessions. By placing needles (or gold colored pellets) in your ear, the effect of the treatment can be extended. The tiny needles are almost imperceptible, covered with a small plaster, and can remain in place for several days up to a week. At home, you can easily remove them by taking off the plaster.
It is a subtle, yet deeply effective form of acupuncture.
Ear Acupuncture for Pain and Addictions
An auriculotherapy session can provide immediate relief from pain, often noticeable right after the needles are placed.
If you want to overcome an addiction whether nicotine, alcohol, sugar, or other substances, motivation is the first step. Ear acupuncture supports this process by reducing the stress of cravings. Retention needles are placed on points that help ease withdrawal symptoms or agitation.
There are also points that can reduce feelings of hunger. Throughout the treatment, I carefully monitor your needs, whether that means calming nervousness, reducing irritability, or providing extra perseverance.
Auriculotherapy is applied for many conditions, such as fatigue, stress, insomnia, and mental-emotional imbalances. During a session, we work together to determine what is most appropriate and what will have the greatest effect on your recovery.
Indications for Auriculotherapy:
- Pain relief
- Addiction issues
- Musculoskeletal problems
- Digestive complaints
- Lung and skin conditions
- Various allergies
- Headaches or other head complaints
- Nervous system issues
- Mental-emotional disturbances
- Cardiovascular problems
- Gynecological and obstetric issues
- Urogenital problems
The Ear as a Mirror of Your Health
Compared to traditional Chinese acupuncture, auriculotherapy is a relatively young therapy. It was developed in the 1950s by French neurologist Dr. Paul Nogier. His patients reported being helped by a local healer who treated back pain by pricking the ear with a heated needle, a technique called cauterization, which I do not use.
Because this method showed clear results, Nogier investigated the mechanism and systematically mapped the ear’s reflex zones for the first time. While Traditional Chinese Medicine only included a few ear points, Nogier developed a detailed system reflecting the entire body in the ear, forming the basis of modern auriculotherapy.
VAS The Pulse as a Guide
In auriculotherapy, I use the VAS (Vascular Autonomic Signal) as a diagnostic tool. The VAS is a subtle change in the pulse that occurs when a specific point on the ear is stimulated. This reaction, originating from the autonomic nervous system, provides information about what the body needs at that moment.
By carefully feeling this subtle change in the pulse, I can determine which points on the ear are relevant for your treatment. The VAS allows the treatment to be even more precise and personally tailored to you.
Make an Appointment
Many complaints can be effectively treated with auriculotherapy. I use this method as a complement to acupuncture and always take the time during a session to explain what I do and why.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, you are very welcome.
