Auricular Therapy

Ear acupuncture is an alternative medicine treatment in which specific points on the ear are stimulated in order to promote healing in other areas of the body. As with the type of acupuncture practiced in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), hair-thin needles inserted into the skin often are used. However, ear acupuncture also can be performed with lasers, electricity, heat, magnetic balls, seeds, or finger pressure.1? Although based on the ancient principles of TCM, ear acupuncture is quite modern, having been developed in the mid-20th century by French physician Paul Nogier. Since then it has been shown in studies to be useful for an array of medical issues, including substance abuse, insomnia, smoking cessation, various types of pain, and more.