Auriculotherapy is a treatment method in which stimulation of the auricle of the external ear is utilized to alleviate health conditions in other parts of the body. While originally based on the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture, modern auriculotherapy was first developed in modern France.
Auriculotherapy is practiced by many different types of health care providers. Acupuncturists, Chiropractors, Dentists, Medical Doctors, Naturopathic Doctors, Nurses, Osteopathic Doctors, and Psychotherapists all have used auriculotherapy for treating different conditions.
As Chiropractors, we use auriculotherapy for the management of acute and chronic pain, reduction of muscle spasms, the facilitation of spinal adjustments, and many other conditions.
Like acupuncture, auriculotherapy does not simply reduce the experience of pain, which is the more immediate effect, but also assists the natural healing processes of the body. It is important to treat the deeper, underlying condition, and not just the symptomatic representation of the problem. Auriculotherapy can affect deeper, physiological changes.
We utilize microcurrent electrical stimulation of auricular points to facilitate treatment. Electrical stimulation of these ear points tends to produce more effective pain relief than does needle stimulation of the ear. We do not use needles in our office.