HEALTHY LIVING…AN EARFUL

Did you know that your ears could be the gateway to good health?

Have you ever tried Acupuncture? How about Auriculotherapy? Have you heard of this?
Auriculotherapy (or ear reflexology,) is a form of alternative medicine based on the idea that the ear is a micro-system and an external organ, which reflects the entire body, represented on the auricle, the outer portion of the ear. Ear reflexology can induce deep relaxation and help to reduce stress and anxiety There is also acupressure, which is non-invasive and does not require any needles, where ear seeds can be placed on specific points on the ear. There are more than 300 auriculotherapy points on the ear, and there are over 280 protocols that can be used with Auriculotherapy.

It was originally based on the ancient Chinese practices of acupuncture and acupressure, which are two ancient healing methods still currently in use. The more well-known practice is Acupuncture. This is an ancient Chinese medicine technique over 2,500 years old, that helps the life force known as Qi, (pronounced “chi”) get into balance in our bodies, to be in a state of homeostasis. It is believed that when there is illness or disease in the body, it is the consequence of an imbalance of these forces.

Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine and consists of inserting fine, hair-thin needles into specific points on the skin

Acupuncture is commonly used to treat a multitude of things like: neck pain, headaches, back pain, joint pain, neuropathy, infertility, weight loss, anxiety, PTSD, stress and helps to ease pain symptoms overall.

What Are Ear Seeds

Ear seeds are seeds placed on your ear to serve as tiny acupressure devices. They’re a type of auriculotherapy, a traditional Chinese medicine technique that focuses on areas in your ear. They’re thought to promote comfort and relaxation. People may use them to help with pain, insomnia, substance abuse, and mental issues ranging from anxiety to grief.

These seeds traditionally come from an herb called vaccaria but can also be made of ceramic or metal. They’re placed on the outside of your ear over certain acupuncture points. They’re usually held in place by waterproof tape and stay on your ears anywhere from 3-5 days and sometimes up to a week.

Ear seeds are safe for just about anyone. Some people use ear seeds along with acupuncture treatments. They may help the effects of acupuncture last longer between sessions.

How Ear Seeds Work

After cleaning your ear with an alcohol swab, a practitioner places the seeds on the outside portion of your ear. It doesn’t hurt, but you may feel some tenderness or warmth.

Once they’re in place, you massage them two to three times a day. To do this, apply gentle pressure to the seeds and move them in small circles.

Auriculotherapy is meant to promote the release of natural endorphins, “feel-good” chemicals in your body. Experts don’t fully understand why or how ear acupuncture or acupressure may help with certain conditions. But there’s some evidence that auriculotherapy can relieve symptoms.

Ear seeds cannot cure chronic pain or other conditions, but they may be a helpful addition to your health regimen, as it relates to alternative health options. It is non-invasive and does not require needles.

Some of the things that Auriculotherapy may help with are:

Substance abuse
Pain, numbness, and tingling from chemotherapy
Lower back pain
Insomnia
Weight loss
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Grief
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

If you are just learning about ear seeds and want to try them, here is a perfect beginner pack that comes with an e-book, which is a simple self-reference guide on how to place ear seeds for nineteen common conditions. It’s a great starting point for beginners on auriculotherapy using ear seeds.

If you haven’t tried Acupuncture or Auriculotherapy yet, make that call to your local wellness center or Acupuncture Physician and ask if they have an opening for you. Your future self will thank you!