Auricular Acupuncture Near Fort Lauderdale
Auricular Acupuncture also known as auricular therapy or ear acupuncture, is a system of acupuncture designed to treat the whole body from the ear. The ear is closest to the brain and one of the first parts of the body to develop in in-vitro. The makeup of the ear consists of;
Endoderm
Mesoderm
Ectoderm
What is Auricular Acupuncture?
Auricular acupuncture is a treatment that stimulates points in the ear. Unlike in body acupuncture where the tongue and pulse are used to diagnose, in auricular therapy, or ear acupuncture, we look at things such as discoloration in different areas in, on, or around the ear, flakiness, or dryness, and cracks. In return like with acupuncture, points on the ear that is pathological tend to be more tender than those that are not. Subtle things on the ear can indicate an imbalance and help to determine the root cause of the symptoms.
The fascinating thing about auricular is that it can be used for things that are in excess or deficient. For example, the point of hunger in the ear can be used to increase or reduce one's appetite. The ear directly corresponds to the whole body. What this means is that our whole external and internal selves are mapped out on the ear. From our head to our toes, to our vertebrae, to our internal genitalia, it is all there.
When we say that auricular is a more scientific way of identifying ailments, what we mean is that when a specific condition is relieved strictly using ear points it gives therapeutic proof of doing so. Some other great benefits include few side effects, it is clinically effective in most medical conditions, and relieves underlying ailments that you may not be aware of.
What Are the Treatment Techniques Used at Out Auricular Acupuncture Clinics in Broward County?
Acupressure – Putting pressure on the point using your fingers or a specific tool to stimulate the chosen point
Acubeads – Similar to acupressure the acubeads are strips that stimulate the upper earlobe that is associated with the head region in auricular therapy
Ear seeds – These are small “seeds” that are tack-like stickers that stay on the ear to stimulate the points. The benefit of these is that the patient can continue to press on the post-treatment until they naturally fall off, making the effects last even longer
Ear metal pellets – Similar to ear seeds with the difference being instead of a tack-like sticker these have tiny metal balls instead that stimulate the point long after the treatment is over. Like ear seeds, these can naturally fall off 3 to 5 days after the treatment
Acupuncture needles – In an auricular treatment with acupuncture needles, smaller ones are used. Usually, half-inch needles are kept in for about 20 minutes.
Electroacupuncture – Electroacupuncture is done with the use of acupuncture needles. Once the needles are in, the physician will hook up the electro stimulation machine to the points that they want extra stimulation by sending a current through to help further open and affect the point of insertion
Laser stimulation – using a low-intensity and non-thermal laser can have the same effect as acupuncture needles without breaking the skin, as well as the added bonus of less time on a point.
What Are Potential Side Effects of Auricular Acupuncture?
Auricular acupuncture has the ability to relieve pain, nausea, neuropathy, lower or regulate blood pressure, manage stress and anxiety, and so much more. Like with body acupuncture, the goal of auricular is to improve blood flow and circulation, while reducing pain and inflammation, and increasing the body’s ability to repair itself.
Like with any treatment, upon experiencing auricular a thorough diagnosis will be made, and all questions about your condition will be addressed. Because it is just the ears being treated, disrobing is not necessary. The only requirement is having your hair pulled back if it is long so that we have access to the full ear. A treatment will usually be done laying down but can be done in a seated position as well. The patient’s comfort is the most important thing. A treatment can last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish. Common side effects can include dizziness, pain at the site of insertion, nausea, and minor bleeding.
Contraindications for Auricular Acupuncture
Pregnancy
Epilepsy
Hemophilia
Having a pacemaker (this only includes the use of electrostimulation)
Metal allergies
Auricular Therapy N.A.D.A Protocol
What is the NADA Protocol?
N.A.D.A stands for National Acupuncture Detoxification Association
The NADA protocol has been shown to decrease significantly:
Craving for alcohol and drugs withdrawal symptoms
Relapse
Inpatient detoxification admissions
Anxiety, insomnia, and agitation
Relief from stress and emotional trauma
Patients are usually surprised to discover that regular acupuncture provides consistent relief of cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Acupuncture treatment for substance misuse has shown to be clinically effective, cost-efficient, free of side effects, compatible across cultures, and most importantly sustainable. N.A.D.A is usually done in group settings in a rehabilitation center or detox center. Though this is common it can also be done individually.
All patients using the N.A.D.A protocol is treated with the same exact point prescription in a group setting. This has been shown to give patients a sense of support and community. In this treatment, both ears are needled at the same time for maximum benefits and relief of symptoms. The patient will remain with the needles for 45 minutes which is a little bit longer than a typical auricular treatment. Patients who have experienced this treatment method have reported a greater sense of overall well-being.
Call us today to learn more about our Auricular Therapy Clinics in Wilton Manor and Plantation, Florida, as well as the details of N.A.D.A protocol. Here at Eastern Acupuncture and Wellness we are always accepting new patients and are more than happy to assist you with a complimentary consultation to address your healing needs.
