What Is Auricular Therapy?

Auricular therapy or auricular acupuncture is a healing process whose origin can be traced back to the third century. The practitioners at that time used needles at acupuncture points located on the outer ear and correspond to particular parts of the human body. The ear is considered as a microsystem of the body. Auricular therapy can be used with conventional treatments to manage several different conditions such as weight loss, treatment of anxiety, treatment of chronic pain and, most importantly, smoking cessation. Other than these, it is very effective for overcoming addictions, mood disorders, pain, obesity, and central nervous and musculoskeletal system disorders.

How Does It Work to Stop Smoking?

Nicotine addiction is one of the most difficult addictions to overcome. An individual needs emotionalsupport to successfully quit smoking, which is why the treatment should focus on more than just managing physical symptoms. St. Louis, Missouri auricular therapy can help patients overcome their smoking addiction by suppressing their cravings and restlessness. Also, it can detoxify the body and promote relaxation.

The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) has recommended the five-point auricular acupuncture therapy for nicotine cessation. Once the therapy is done, small pellets are taped on the acupuncture points of the ear. The patient can gently massage these points by pressing the pellets whenever they crave for a cigarette. According to the patients who have used this therapy to quit smoking, the smell and taste of cigarettes become unpalatable after attending a few sessions.

General FAQs

Are there any side effects of auricular therapy?

Patients have rarely faced any side effects, but there are some possibilities. Some may feel ill before recovering because of the increased nervous sensitivity that activates the medical ailments which were previously dormant. However, the condition is only temporary until the self-healing capabilities of the body kick into action. Auricular therapy may also cause soreness, fatigue, and light-headedness temporarily.

What is an acupoint?

An acupoint or acupuncture point is a specific point on the ear that corresponds to specific organs or joints. Some points could be specific to certain diseases.