We’ve spent the last couple of weeks talking about some new therapeutic bodywork options at Stream Point Wellness and how they work to balance the energy in the body. This week, we’re going to switch gears a little but keep on the same track and talk about the ear, and why you should try some auricular acupuncture or ear seeds!
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the ear is a fascinating thing. In 5 Element theory, the ears are the sensory organs that associate with Water and the Kidneys; and the Kidneys are considered the “central hub” of your Qi and your constitution. As such, much information about your health can be ascertained by the ear (like the tongue) but in addition to its purpose as a diagnostic tool, it can also be used as a treatment tool! Like Reflexology, the ear functions as a microsystem, which means that your entire body and mind can be influenced by stimulating specific areas of the ear. There are points for each organ, points for allergies, body parts, hormonal imbalances, and more! In fact, there are close to
There are 2 ways to stimulate the ear with Traditional Chinese Medicine. The first way is called Auricular Acupuncture, which is simply acupuncture done in the ear only the needles are just barely tapped in. Auricular Acupuncture is generally incorporated into regular treatments to enhance and complement the needles used on the body, but it can be used as a standalone treatment, which I’ll discuss in a moment.
The second way to stimulate the ear is through ear seeds or tacks, which can be used for up to a week at a time. With ear tacks, very tiny (even smaller than acupuncture needles) tacks are taped onto the ear in order to stimulate a specific area for a longer period of time. While very effective, the ear tacks can be a little irritating, especially for you side sleepers! Which brings us to option 2:
Ear Seeds are very small compacted herbal pellets made from the Vaccaria Plant, which are taped on to auricular points and can be left there for up to a week. We advise most of our patients to massage the seeds a few times a day to stimulate the Qi in the area, thereby maximizing the benefits from having them there! As a fan of “3’s” I usually massage my seeds in circles 30times, 3 times a day 🙂
So what can ear seeds treat? Well, because the ear is a complete microsystem it can be used to supplement any condition, however there are a few popular conditions:
1. Addition & Trauma Relief: there are a collection of 5 points on the ear known as the NADA Protocol. These points collectively work together to balance out the autonomic system, promote detoxification, and calm the spirit. They are being increasingly used in settings working with substance abuse, behavioral health, and trauma relief. We’ve seen great results using these points for helping people quit smoking and other substances, find relief from anxiety, depression, and even severe emotional trauma. To learn more go to www.acudetox.com.
2. Weight Loss: these selections of points will vary from practitioner to practitioner, but the same general points are used: shen men, spleen, stomach, endocrine, sympathetic, and hunger. Collectively they aim to curb cravings, boost metabolism, and promote healthy digestion to encourage weight loss. However, simply using the ear seeds is not enough. In order for them to work effectively, you must also practice proper nutrition and exercise 🙂
3. Battlefield Acupuncture: while we don’t really use this in the clinic, it’s something that I find very special and therefore feel compelled to share! Our military has opened its horizons to integrative medicine, and as a result, has incorporated ear tacks into helping alleviate pain on the battlefield. It can be implemented in clinics for various types of chronic pain as well, and to learn more go to www.battlefieldacupuncture.net.
So, if you haven’t tried out auricular acupuncture or are curious about using ear seeds as part of your treatment, let Hardin or Andrea know during your next session to see if it’s right for you!
