Who Might Explore Ear Seeding And Who Should Avoid Ear Seeding
Experts agree that ear seeds are safe to use for most adults. I use this technique for adults of all ages for a variety of complaints, says Blakeway. Kim agrees, saying anyone 18 years of age or older who has felt benefits from acupuncture before, or who wants to try a new approach to therapy, could consider ear seeding.
That said, younger people should refrain from using ear seeds. I dont use ear seeds on small children because they can go into the ear canal if they dislodge them, says Blakeway.
Additionally, Blakeway and Chu warn that people with latex allergies should avoid ear seeds. If redness and discomfort appear, the ear should be evaluated for signs of an allergic reaction, says Chu.
For a customized, safe approach to implementing ear seeds in your wellness routine, consult your professional healthcare provider and a licensed acupuncturist before you try it. Its usually helpful to have someone else with trained eyes and ears give directions and teach you how to do it yourself, Burns says. Most of my patients find that a licensed professional keeps them accountable and on track . But others are incredibly disciplined and self-directed and can figure it out themselves” with some guidance from her.
What Are Remote Reflexes
As with distal acupoints in body acupuncture, the auricular microsystem can be used to treat health conditions in distant parts of the body. Stimulating points on the ear not only can alleviate problems associated with nearby regions of the face and head but can also relieve pathological disorders in the chest, abdomen, lower back, and feet. According to microsystem theory, it is not that there are direct connections between the ear and the back or the ear and the foot. Rather, nerves from the ear connect to reflex centres in the brain which send neurological reflex pathways to the spinal cord and then to neurons going to the spine or to the foot.
Pressure Points For Earaches And Headaches
If you would like to try acupressure to treat a headache or earache, follow these steps:
Below is a list of pressure points, as well as a list of conditions each claims to treat.
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Ancient History Of Ear Acupuncture
Rudimentary forms of acupuncture which probably arose during the Stone Age have survived in many parts of the world right down to present day. Primitive sharp stones and bamboo were replaced by fish bones, bamboo clips and later various shapes of needles made of metal. When stones and arrows were the only tools of war, warriors wounded in war found that some diseases that affected them for many years were gone, as probably testify scars on the skin of the mummified body of Similaun, Italy. The Eskimos, are still using sharpened stones for treating their illness. The Bantus of South Africa scratch certain areas of their skin to allay the symptoms of many illnesses, while in Brazil there is a tribe whose method of treating illness is to shoot tiny arrows from a blowpipe to specific areas of the skin. The practice of cauterizing a part of the ear with a hot metal probe has also been reported among certain tribes in Arabia. This is probably a vestige of the acupuncture practiced in ancient Egypt and Saudi Arab.
Are Ear Seeds Safe
Ear seeds are a noninvasive treatment which is safe and effective. Since they dont require the use of needles, there is low risk of infection or bleeding. It is also a great way to introduce the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine to children or those with needle phobia.
If you have sensitive skin or a latex allergy, metal seeds or the adhesive tape may cause irritation. If you massage the seeds too frequently you may develop small sores around the seeds. This may also occur if the ear has not had enough time to rest before applying new seeds.
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What Is The History Of Auriculotherapy Or Ear Acupuncture
The earliest written records of ear acupuncture date back to the Yellow Emperors Classic of Internal Medicine, a compilation of acupuncture procedures that were in practice in 500 BC. Within this extensive text that covers a variety of acupuncture treatments, there is mention of specific acupuncture points on the external ear for the relief of certain medical disorders. However, the manner in which auricular acupuncture is practiced today in China is actually based upon more recent discoveries that occurred in France in the 1950s. The Traditional Oriental Medicine practiced in ancient China included just a scattered array of acupoints on the auricle for just a few health problems, whereas the current practice of auricular acupuncture shows a complete organisation of ear reflex points that can be used to relieve many health problems. In the West, the earliest references to ear treatments were referred to in medical records from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The complete descriptions of medical treatments through the ear were recorded in ancient Persia. A trail of evidence of the use of auricular stimulation for the treatment of sciatica back pain can be followed from these Persian records through medieval Europe to modern France. Since the 1950s, the use of specific ear points as a complete reflex system that can alleviate many health problems has been utilised by clinical practitioners in other parts of Europe, in Asia, and in North and South America.
Acupuncture Slows Parkinsons Disease
- 17 December 2012
New research reveals how acupuncture protects the brain in areas damaged by Parkinsons disease. Scientists at the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine have discovered two acupuncture points that prevent the breakdown of an important brain protecting enzyme, tyrosine hydroxylase. This enzyme helps the body to create L-DOPA, an important dopamine precursor and drug used in the treatment of Parkinsons disease. It is now known that acupuncture prevents decreases of the L-DOPA creating enzyme in the thalamic portions of the brain thereby improving the motor function that is destroyed by Parkinsons disease.
Loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra portion of the brain is a key pathology in Parkinsons disease and tardive dyskinesia. The World Health Organization scientists have discovered that acupuncture inhibits decreases of tyrosine hydroxylase in nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons thereby protecting dopamine neuron levels in the substantia nigra portion of the brain. Depletion of these neurons leads to Parkinsons disease and acupuncture stimulation of acupoints GB34 and LV3 prevents depletion by sustaining tyrosine hydroxylase levels.
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How To Use Ear Seeds
Though you can place the ear seeds on yourself, its always advisable to see a trained acupuncturist, especially if its your first time. Only a trained acupuncturist can go over the symptoms you want to address and help you find the right therapeutic ear points. They would also show you how to properly place the ear seeds in the future when the need arises.
However, if you still want to try using the ear seeds yourself, observe the following steps:
Clean your ear: Remember just like ear acupuncture, the ear seeds go on your auricular pavilion the cartilage outside your body and not in your ear canal. So, ensure your outer ear is clean and dry before the treatment.
Identify the right therapeutic ear points: While some ear seed kits come with charts showing the therapeutic ear points, some do not. A trained acupuncturist would be able to help you locate these points for the best treatment.
Apply the ear seeds: The next step involves applying the ear seeds to the therapeutic points on your ear. This is best done using tweezers. Most ear seeds come pre-attached to adhesive tape, so avoid touching the sticky side of the tape. Instead, gently press the tape to the right points and ensure the seed sticks well.
Massage the ear seeds gently: After placing and sticking the ear seeds onto the right points, massage them gently. Apply little pressure while rubbing and rub the seeds in a circular motion for about 1-3 minutes. Do this about 2-3 times daily.
redness
Dr Paul Nogier: The Father Of Ear Acupuncture
In 1957, Dr Paul Nogier a physician resident in Lyons, France, first presented his observations of the somatotopic correspondences of the ear. He is actually considered the Father of modern auricolotherapy. Dr Nogier originated the concept of an inverted fetus map on the external ear . He developed this theory after noticing that some patients attending his clinic had a small scar from a burn on part of their ear. On inquiring into this, he was told that a very small area of their ear had been cauterized by a certain Madame Barrin for treatment of sciatic paina treatment that they proved very rapid and effective. Later his first great insight was the recognition of the homunculus, the man in the ear, the representation and anatomical correlation of the inverted fetus in the ear. Points on the body, for example the knee, corresponded precisely with the fetal representation of the knee in the auricle. Auriculotherapy following Nogier’s theory uses the ear to help determine whether the right and left hemispheres of the brain are functioning as a dynamic whole, whether there are specific neurological, musculo-skeletal or organ systems that are in imbalance, and whether there are any blockages to treatment, such as scar tissue or emotional disorders and it should be a new diagnostic system too .
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Effects Of Acupuncture According To Updrs
We conducted a meta-analysis of the study results based on the UPDRS used to the effects of acupuncture plus conventional treatment versus conventional treatment alone .2). UPDRS I had no significant effect on PD symptoms in two studies ).2). UPDRS II had a significant effect on PD symptoms in 2 studies ).2). UPDRS III had a significant effect on PD symptoms in 5 studies ).2). UPDRS IV had no significant effect on PD symptoms in 2 studies ).2). In 7 studies that used the UPDRS total score to compare the effects of acupuncture plus conventional treatment versus conventional treatment alone, it was seen that combined treatment had a significant effect on PD symptoms ).
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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 doesnât 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 donât fully understand why or how ear acupuncture or acupressure may help with certain conditions. But there’s some evidence that auriculotherapy can relieve symptoms.
In one small study, researchers found that ear seeds made people more tolerant of pain. We need much more research, but these findings suggest that ear seeds might help people better deal with chronic pain.
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How Do You Put Ear Seeds On
The most important part of using Ear Seeds is making sure they are on the correct pressure point for the ailments you are trying to treat, but there are a few tricks to the trade when applying them and utilizing an ear acupressure points chart is a great first step.
How Can It Help In Parkinsons
Anecdotal evidence suggests acupuncture can improve some Parkinsons symptoms including tremor, walking difficulties, rigidity and pain. There is increasing evidence1,2 that acupuncture may help with non-motor symptoms3,4, such as sleep problems5 and anxiety.
Many people find that acupuncture increases energy levels, induces relaxation, improves appetite, mood and sleep, as well as an overall sense of wellbeing. There is also evidence that acupuncture reduces stress levels through the release of endorphins.
The effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving pain has been conclusively demonstrated and is now acknowledged worldwide. A national expert panel of the United States National Institutes of Health concluded in 1998 that there is clear evidence that needle acupuncture treatment is more effective and has fewer side effects for certain symptoms than conventional treatments.6
Carers may also benefit from increased energy levels, improved sleep, enhanced relaxation, and an overall sense of wellbeing. An acupuncture session can be an ideal time to switch off and relax.
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What Does Ear Seeding Cost
Price may also be something to consider. At-home ear seeds range anywhere from $5 to $50 per packet, whereas professional sessions can range anywhere from $25 to $100 per session, depending on location and other factors, Kim says.
Burns says price ranges by practitioner, but her practice starts at $125 for ear seeding applications.
What About Ear Piercing
The jury is still out on this, but the experience of many senior acupuncturists is that there is a very slim chance that ear piercing may result in a negative effect on the body. For example, on very rare occasions piercing the eye point on the lobe has caused a sudden deterioration of that personâs vision. To avoid any problems, we suggest
- Having the ears pierced by an experienced professional to minimise any damage to the ear
- Using earrings that are of a high quality metal . One client found that the only earrings she could use were 18 carat gold plated.
- Not having many piercings. For example, we find a very high incidence of lower back pain in clients with many earrings around the rim of the ear.
- Donât use heavy earrings that could stretch or damage the ear.
In the hands of an experienced therapist, auricular acupuncture points can be powerful tools to relieve pain and resolve health disorders, and as you can see the range of conditions that can be treated is very extensive. We are here to help, so if you have any questions about ear acupuncture or any health issue you may have, please feel free to get in touch.
Valued at $120, your Assessment will help to uncover:
- What is going on with your body
- What is working properly and what is not working properly
- What is causing the problem, and
- The best way to get it sorted out
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How Many Points Are There
There are more than 200 acupuncture points in the ear.
In 1990, the World Health Organization created a standardized list of 39 auricular points. Of these 39 standard points, 10 master points are often used in auricular acupuncture treatments.
Some of the most commonly used points in the ear include:
- shenmen, also called ear shenmen to differentiate it from another point on your wrist
The Best Electro Acupuncture Points For Relaxation
Thebest electro acupuncture points for relaxation? Look no further, its the Kidney 6. Also known as the valium analog point, kidney 6 is renowned for its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress. In addition, electro-acupuncture at this point has been shown to be particularly effective in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality.
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How Long Is A Typical Treatment Session
While the first auriculotherapy session requires greater time for an intake evaluation and patient history, a typical auriculotherapy treatment lasts 15 to 30 minutes. With auricular acupuncture, four to six acupuncture needles are inserted and left in place for approximately 20 minutes. In transcutaneous auricular electrical stimulation, each ear reflex point is first detected then stimulated for 10 to 30 seconds, requiring a total of 20 minutes for successively treating six to twelve points on each ear.
Ear Acupressure Points Charts For Effective Pain Relief
Do you want to try and manage your pain in a new way? Are you tired of feeling down or popping an Advil every morning? Acupressure points may provide you the relief you are looking for. Below, we laid out three ear acupressure points charts and their health benefits.
Acupressure is a method utilized heavily in China for centuries. It is based on the same principles as acupuncture, which is used to promote relaxation and sometimes even treat disease. Traditional Chinese medical theory believes that the body has invisible channels of energy running throughout it, called Qi
This energy flow begins in the fingers, flows to the brain, and then throughout the body to connect your system of organs. These channels can get blocked or become out of balance, and you can develop ailments. Acupressure uses specific points in the body to help restore alignment and balance in this energy flow. A great place on the body to bring balance back to your Qi is the ears.
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Data Sources And Search Strategy
For English publications, data were gathered from four separate electronic databases, including Medline , Embase , the Cochrane Library , and PubMed. For Chinese articles, online databases such as the China National Knowledge Infrastructure , China Biology Medicine disc, Chinese Scientific Journals Full-Text Database , and Wanfang Database were searched. Searches were confined to publications in the English and Chinese languages. No restrictions were imposed on publication years. The reference lists of the included studies were also manually searched to identify relevant articles. The obtained studies were further evaluated by review of titles and abstracts to exclude those not meeting the criteria, and the full text was then read to determine eligibility. Detailed search strategies are described in Appendix 1.