What is Auricular Therapy (AT)?
Auricular Therapy (AT) is a type of Traditional Medicine that uses points on the ear to treat various conditions throughout the body. By stimulating specific points on the ear with tiny semi-permanent needles or seeds, AT can address physical, mental, and emotional health issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognize AT as a safe and effective method for pain and stress management.
Why AT?
- Pain & Stress Relief: Tiny needles are virtually painless and can help with conditions like fertility issues, depression, pain, PTSD, addiction, anxiety, and more.
- Additional Benefits: AT may also aid in improving insomnia, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and immune function.
Fun Fact: Our gold needles follow the Fibonacci sequence, mirroring the natural patterns found in the ear. Gold needles, interestingly, measure exactly π (3.14) when assessed.
Care Instructions
- Ear Care:
- We will clean your ear and the needle site. Always use clean hands when touching or stimulating these points.
- If any needles fall out, dispose of them properly. Avoid allowing pets to lick your ears after needle or seed insertion.
- Potential Risks and Side Effects:
- Infections are rare but possible. If you notice redness, pain, or heat, contact us.
- If you’re allergic to gold or silver, we use titanium needles instead.
- A “healing crisis” where symptoms temporarily worsen is normal and usually a sign that healing is underway.
- At-Home Care:
- Duration and Patience: Some individuals experience immediate relief, while others may require multiple sessions (6-12 or more). Chronic issues often take longer to resolve.
- Avoid Overexertion: Gradually return to normal activities and avoid overdoing it, as this may hinder the healing process.
- Ear Care: You can swim and wash your ears as usual, but be gentle when drying. It’s normal for some needles or seeds to fall out before others.
- Pain Management: Consider using pain plasters, magnesium baths, or DMSO for relief. Let us know if you need handouts with more options for managing anxiety and immune function.
Specific Instructions for Ear Needles:
- If ASP Needles are Discomforting:
- Wait 24 hours before removing them to allow your body to adjust. The longer they stay in, the easier they are to remove.
- Check your ears daily for signs of infection. If you have concerns, contact us.
- Stimulating Needles:
- Stimulate your needles at least twice a day by warming them with a hair dryer (18 inches away, 10-20 seconds), never facing the blow dryer directly to your ear canal. After warming, walk or gently stretch the affected area. Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques if needed.
- Removing Needles:
- Remove needles on the 5th day by rotating them clockwise and counterclockwise before pulling them out quickly. Discard them and apply pressure to the areas where the needles were to aid healing.
- Ear Cleaning: You will not be able to clean your ears in the same way while ASP needles are in place. We recommend that when you wash your hair, cup the suds around your ears and let them sit while you wash the rest of your body, then rinse at the end. This allows the soap to gently clean the area. Ear infections from acupuncture are exceedingly rare, but good hygiene is very important.
- Additional Sessions:
- If symptoms return after needle removal, or if needed, consider additional sessions. Contact us at (304) 634-9700 for further assistance.
Specific Instructions for Ear Seeds:
- Seed Care:
- Seeds should remain in the ear for 3-5 days. Mild soreness is normal for the first 24 hours; if it persists, remove them with soap and water.
- Stimulating Seeds:
- Stimulate the seeds 3-5 times per day to enhance their effects.
- Removing Seeds:
- On the fifth day, remove seeds using soap and water.
When you require new needles (sans manual therapy) try our Community Acupuncture!