To treat the ear is to treat the brain . . .

— Dr. Bryan L. Frank, M.D.

Auricular medicine is a complete system of diagnostic assessment and treatment, which uses the ear. It is supported by extensive research involving functional MRI studies connecting mapped ear points to areas of the brain. And so, treating the ear with acupuncture stimulates the brain, and in turn, the corresponding physical, physiological and psycho-emotional problems of the body.

The earliest use of ear acupuncture dates back to ancient China. However, ear or auricular acupuncture as we know it today is largely the outgrowth of work begun by Dr. Paul Nogier, a French neurologist trained in acupuncture. He found that the ear holds all of the acupuncture points of the body plus more detailed physiological and anatomical correspondences, and found that stimulation of these points were very effective in alleviating a wide variety of conditions, from headaches and allergies to stress, addiction and trauma, and even pain disorders such as lower back pain. 

When an auricular acupuncture point on the ear is “active” it expresses as increased tenderness on stimulation and a higher electrical conductivity. This indicates pathology in the corresponding body tissue or function, and makes auricular acupuncture a useful form of assessment of ailments. The texture, color, skin changes, veins, etc., in different areas of the ear can be indicators of the state of health.

All signals induced by ear acupuncture travel through a specific part of the brain, the diencephalon, to the corresponding body parts. The body strictly obeys these commands because they come straight from the brain. Thus ear acupuncture takes advantage of the body’s own control center, the brain. 

Recently, ear acupuncture has drawn the attention of the United States Air Force. Under the direction of Dr. Richard Niemtzow “Battlefield Acupuncture” has emerged as a safe and extremely effective alternative to narcotic pain management. It works without side effects, and without compromising a service-members’ ability to function in the field.

Ear acupuncture is also often used in conjunction with full body acupuncture to help reinforce the session. One technique that allows patients to continue their treatment at home is the use of ear seeds. These seeds are traditionally vacarria seeds (which resemble poppy seeds) and are on small bandages that hold them in place. Leaving these seeds on for a few days allow the benefits of treatment to continue after the patient leaves the clinic. We encourage our patients to learn the location of these ear points and to use them for their self-healing needs.

Video #1: Ear Acupuncture in Hawaii Lava Flow Relief Effort

Ear Acupuncture Chart