Definition, Uses & Health Benefits

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Auricology also known as auriculotherapy, ear acupuncture, or auricular acupuncture, is an alternative medicine practice that posits the ear as a microcosm of the body, where stimulation of specific points on the outer ear can treat various physical, mental, or emotional conditions. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

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• What it is:
  Auriculotherapy is based on the idea that the ear, specifically the auricle (outer part), reflects the entire body. Specific points on the ear are believed to correspond to different organs, tissues, and body regions, and stimulating these points can help treat ailments.
   

• How it works:

Practitioners use various techniques, such as applying small needles, seeds, or pressure to specific points on the ear to stimulate them. 

 

• Scientific evidence:

While auriculotherapy is a popular alternative medicine practice, it's important to note that the mappings used are not based on or supported by scientific evidence and are therefore considered pseudoscience. 

 

• Other similar practices:

Similar mappings are used by several modalities, including the practices of reflexology and iridology. 

 

• Potential benefits:

Some practitioners and proponents claim auriculotherapy can be effective for treating conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, stress, and other health issues. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of the practice for these conditions. 

 

• Neurology:

Auriculotherapy in neurology is considered an evidence-based medicine, but the evidence is limited, and further studies will be required to better assess the role of auricular acupuncture in the treatment of patients with neurological disease. 

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​Auriculotherapy is indicated to help treat:

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• Acute pain, caused by fractures, surgeries, sprains, contractures or muscle strains

• Chronic pain, causes cases of rheumatological diseases, neuropathy, migraines and osteoarthritis

• Difficulty sleeping due to insomnia.

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Auriculotherapy can be indicated as a complement to conventional medical treatment but should not replace the medications prescribed by the doctor.

 

Can help you lose weight?

It is believed that auriculotherapy can promote weight loss as it can help to control appetite and anxiety.

Possible health benefits

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Auriculotherapy may be recommended for the treatment of:

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• Anxiety or depression

• Weight loss

• Hormonal disorders and PMS symptoms

• Fluid retention

• Urinary tract infection

• Respiratory problems, such as allergies, asthma, bronchitis or flu

• Heart problems, such as high blood pressure and palpitations

• Digestive problems, such as constipation

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How is performed

Before starting auriculotherapy treatment, it is important to consult an auriculotherapy specialist to determine the main symptoms and organs to be treated.

Then, the doctor or therapist selects the most appropriate points and applies pressure to the point. The pressure can be applied using:

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• Filiform needles: applied to the points for 5 to 10 minutes

• Intradermal needles: placed under the skin for approximately 7-10 days

• Metal spheres: glued to the skin for approximately 7-10 days;

• Mustard seeds: heated or not, and glued to the skin for 7-10 days.

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Sometimes, the doctor or therapist may also apply pressure with their fingers or stimulate the area with laser or electricity, using a specific device.

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In addition, auriculotherapy can be used to diagnose and prevent the emergence of other diseases by applying pressure to specific points and monitoring for changes. 

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