Ear Acupuncture Application
Ear acupuncture, a micro-system acupuncture method, is widely utilized in two primary forms. In China and its neighboring regions, the “Chinese Ear” micro-system acupuncture is prevalent, whereas in Europe, the method developed by Paul Nogier, known as the “French Ear,” is more commonly practiced. These varying models of ear acupuncture have laid the foundation for modern auriculotherapy.
In Nogier’s model (also referred to as the “French Ear”), the anatomy of the ear is envisioned as an inverted fetus, with specific regions of the ear corresponding to various organs and body parts. This mapping is employed for both diagnosing and treating diseases or functional disorders.
In certain conditions, ear acupuncture alone may suffice, while in others, a combination of body and ear acupuncture is more effective. The choice of treatment is determined based on the specific ailment. When both methods are applied together, after treating the body and ear, permanent seeds or millimeter-sized needles may be left in the ear. The duration these needles remain varies depending on their type; standard needles and seeds typically stay for about a week, whereas ASP ear needles are left until they naturally fall out, usually between 5 days to 2 weeks.
All materials used are sterile and single-use, minimizing the risk of infection. The selection of needles is tailored to the purpose of application, as well as the condition of the disease and the patient.
Body Acupuncture Application
In body acupuncture, various parts of the body such as hands, arms, and back can be utilized depending on the disease and the body’s needs. Treatments involving acupuncture needles, electro-acupuncture, or laser therapy stimulate nerve pathways to send signals to the brain, aiming to activate the body’s self-repair mechanisms. This improvement occurs proportionally to the restored energy balance achieved through acupuncture.
Laser application employs concentrated light beams as a method. It can be used in conjunction with needle acupuncture for certain diseases or, at the patient’s request, as an alternative. Laser and electro-acupuncture are particularly preferred for children.
Sessions typically last around 20 minutes, during which patients often rest in a lying position. In some cases, needle therapy is combined with other methods to enhance effectiveness.
General Information on Acupuncture
Why Acupuncture?
Primarily, acupuncture is a method that offers treatment options with minimal side effects, addressing both symptoms and underlying causes. It can be used alone in the treatment of diseases or to enhance the effectiveness and success of other treatments. In many conditions, acupuncture is applied to increase drug efficacy and reduce side effects. Additionally, it supports healthy living and can be used to maintain well-being. This method, free from side effects, is also a preferred choice for patients who wish to avoid medication.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method used to correct the body’s functions and facilitate self-healing without the use of drugs. This technique can be applied using fine needles, as well as through heat application, electrical stimulation, or laser on specific points.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
According to traditional Chinese medicine, our body contains various energy channels through which energy flows in a regular pattern across deep and superficial tissues. These channels, known as meridians, have the function of cleansing and nourishing tissues. When there is a blockage in energy flow, it can lead to symptoms in the organs or tissues along the meridian.
From a modern medical perspective, the reaction caused by acupuncture needles is explained as follows: stimulation of specific points in the nervous system leads to the release of various enzymes in muscle, brain tissue, and the spinal cord. These enzymes activate the body’s self-regulating defense system, enabling natural self-repair, alleviating pain and discomfort, and promoting physical and emotional well-being.
What Are the Applications of Acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture applications can be categorized into three main areas:
- Disease prevention
- Enhancing health and well-being
- Treatment of various diseases
While acupuncture is commonly known for pain control, when performed by trained practitioners, it can be used to treat a wide range of diseases. Additionally, acupuncture can be employed alone in treatment strategies or to support and enhance the effectiveness of other medical treatments.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a report listing various medical conditions where acupuncture is used for treatment. Some of these conditions include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Muscle pain, swelling, stiffness
- Tendonitis
- Sprains
- Urinary incontinence
- Attention deficit
- Concentration issues
- Infertility
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Menstrual problems
- Menopausal issues
- Hemorrhoids
- Acute and chronic gastritis
- Reflux
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Allergies
- Rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- Recurrent lung infections
- Bronchitis
- Asthma
- Headaches