What is auricular acupuncture (ear acupuncture)
You’ve probably heard of traditional acupuncture, which uses
small needles to stimulate points throughout your body, including your ears.
But there’s another type of acupuncture that focuses exclusively on your ears.
It’s called auricular acupuncture. This is a type of auriculotherapy, which
describes any acupressure or acupuncture treatment that’s limited to your ears.
In
traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture is based on the theory that
your health depends on the flow of qi (energy) in your body. This energy
travels along invisible pathways, known as meridians, that are found throughout
the body. According to TCM, a blocked or disrupted flow of qi can have a
negative effect on your physical and mental health. Acupuncture aims to restore
the flow of qi by resolving any blockages or disruption. Traditional
acupuncture does this by targeting points found throughout your body, including
your ears.
