Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine that involves inserting hair-thin needles into targeted areas of your body, providing pain relief without needing addictive medicines. One of the primary focal points that our acupuncturists at Denville Medical target is an area of your body you use every day – your ears.

Ear acupuncture, also called auriculotherapy, has been used by people for generations to help treat a range of issues, including:

• Migraines
• Insomnia
• Chronic Pain
• Digestive Problems
• Substance Abuse
• Allergies
• More

In 1990, the WHO developed a standardized list of 39 auricular points in a person’s body – 10 of which are considered master points, which are often the focus of auriculotherapy. Only certified acupuncturists can perform ear acupuncture safely and effectively.

What are the Benefits of Auriculotherapy?

Promising research shows that auriculotherapy is very helpful for certain patients. In fact, a review from 2018 found that auricular acupuncture provided pain relief for people when it was used soon after their onset of pain. Some research even suggests that ear acupuncture can be helpful for substance abuse recovery. Some of the most common benefits of auriculotherapy include the following:

Migraine Relief

If you suffer from migraines regularly, you know first-hand about their debilitating and disruptive nature. Though there is no surefire cure for migraines, auriculotherapy has been shown to be effective at relieving the intense pain associated with migraines. Ear acupuncture can also be effective at reducing the frequency of migraines and may even help relieve post-surgery acute pain.

Insomnia

Do you find yourself wide awake when everyone else in your home is fast asleep? Insomnia is a big problem in the U.S. and can be incredibly disruptive for both you and your family. Fortunately, ear acupuncture may be able to help. Generally, acupuncture can help calm your mind and body and give you an overall feeling of relaxation. For insomniacs who can’t “turn off” their brain, auriculotherapy is a promising treatment.

Smoking Cessation and Substance Abuse

Acupuncture and auriculotherapy have been used for years to help people overcome substance abuse issues and addictions to smoking. In fact, multiple studies have been conducted that support the use of acupuncture to treat various forms of addiction. Ear acupuncture can help alleviate some of the most common symptoms of withdrawal (like insomnia and pain) while also giving the patient a sense of relaxation and calmness. These same benefits can also help cigarette and nicotine addicts quit the habit.

What Should You Expect During an Ear Acupuncture Session?

Unlike some pain clinics and rehab centers, acupuncturists at Denville Medical take a personalized approach to auriculotherapy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Rather than use a “one-size-fits-all” strategy, we focus on customized treatment sessions that address our patient’s unique goals while promoting holistic balance.

During your first auriculotherapy session, your acupuncturist will begin by reviewing the symptoms you need to address. To help understand the scope of your acupuncture needs, you can expect questions like:

• How are your diet and digestion?
• Do you have any mental health concerns?
• Do you get enough sleep?
• Are there any past or current medical problems contributing to your pain or discomfort?

Once we have a complete grasp of your goals, your licensed acupuncturist will begin auriculotherapy. Very thin needles are inserted into specific points in the ear and most patients report no side effects at all.

Restore Your Body’s Harmony with Auriculotherapy from Denville Medical

If you’re looking for an all-natural alternative medicine that can bring positive change in your life, auriculotherapy may be for you. As a trusted medical and sports rehab center, we’re proud to have Zelene Quiles as our primary auriculotherapy specialist. Unlike some practitioners, Zelene is licensed to practice acupuncture and herbal medicine and holds a Level 2 certification in Neuro-Acupuncture.

Are you ready to take the first step towards a rebalanced life with more energy? Our team will provide you with a unique treatment plan to help unblock the meridian pathways in your body, bringing more balance to your life.