Most chronic complaints can be treated effectively and simply with Auricular Acupuncture. Success rates can be as high as 95%. Here are just some examples:

• Anxiety                                                            
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Back Pain
• Colitis
• Depression
• Hay Fever
• Addictions, e.g. Alcohol, Drugs etc.
• Insomnia
• Migraine
• Obesity
• P.M.S.

• Sciatica
• Shingles
• Sinusitis
• Stopping Smoking
• Tendonitis
• Tennis Elbow
• M.E.

Although ear acupuncture originated in China and dates back some 3,000 years, much of the recent  medical discoveries of it can be attributed to researchers from Europe ( and more recently the United States). Some people often say ear acupuncture is a more Western therapy than Chinese!

History of Auricular Acupuncture

In 1957 a French physician Dr Paul Nogier developed a map of the ear which showed it as being shaped like an upside down embryo. His work was brought to the attention of Chinese doctors prompting them to look further into this fascinating art and revive ear acupuncture. By the late 1950's the Chinese recognised the significance of Dr Nogier's work and had already adapted their own foetus representation. Further research was carried out into ear acupuncture and over 200 points on the ear have been discovered. Numerous scientific experiments have been carried out both in China and Europe that shows there are close physiological links between specific areas of the ear to specific areas of the body.

There are different methods of practising ear acupuncture. With the discovery that points on the ear have a local electrical resistance, electro-acupunctoscopes were developed and have been used for the last 30 years to successfully treat ear points. Needles are also used, as are herbal seeds and magnets.

 Auricular Acupuncture in the Treatment of Addictions

The use of ear acupuncture in the treatment of substance abuse began in Hong Kong in 1972. Dr H.L Wen made a positive discovery whilst administering acupuncture anaesthesia to a heroin addict that his withdrawal symptoms were diminished. Further studies and research were conducted and it was found that cravings, anxiety and depression almost disappeared and that patients were very relaxed after ear acupuncture treatment.

In 1974 ear acupuncture was first used as a detoxification treatment in the Lincoln Clinic in New York. By 1985 it was discovered that the same methods of treatment could be adopted for cocaine addicts too. The use of ear acupuncture in the treatment of nicotine addiction has been popular for the last 20 years. Reduced cravings, withdrawal symptoms and anxiety are all symptoms that ear acupuncture can help with.
 

What is Auricular Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture is an ancient art form of healing. To understand Auricular Acupuncture imagine that the ears are a switchboard that is connected to the brain. When acupuncture points on the ears are stimulated electrical impulses are sent to the brain. The brain processes these impulses and transmits them to the targeted anatomical area. It has been recognised that auricular acupuncture treatment is very successful in treating substance misuse, in both acute and chronic cases. In Traditional Chinese Medicine terms when an acupuncture point on the ears is treated we are moving 'Qi' (Chi) energy around the body with the aim of trying of balance Yin and Yang.

Benefits of Auricular Acupuncture

ü offers no side effects
ü is a non-addictive treatment
ü helps reduce cravings and withdrawal
ü can help reduce anxiety and depression
ü calms the nerves and rebalances the body's energy
ü only works in a therapeutic way so cannot harm  healthy
       parts of the body

What does a treatment involve?

A treatment involves placing 5 small, fine needles into each ear acupoint for between 20 - 45 minutes whilst resting quietly. Breathing techniques are used whilst the needles are being inserted. The specific points in detoxification treatment correspond to specific organs including the lungs, liver, kidneys and nervous system. Small magnets or press seeds may be applied after auricular acupuncture to enhance and prolong the effects of the treatment.

What will it feel like during the treatment?

Initially you may feel a slight tingling sensation which usually passes once the needles have be inserted. Your ears may feel warm or tingle. Some people fall asleep during treatment; whilst others don't feel much. Even if you do not feel much you are still receiving benefit from the treatment. Occasionally clients may react to the treatment by being a little tearful, coughing or laughing.

Is the treatment safe?

Yes, very safe. The treatment is rebalancing the body and helping the body to heal itself. The needles - which bear no resemblance to hypodermic ones - are sterile and disposable. They are only used once and never re-inserted.

How will I feel after treatment?

Following treatment it is advisable to drink a glass of water, fruit juice or green tea as it has a strong detox action and you may feel thirsty. You should feel relaxed and calmer. The treatment may also help you to feel more positive and gradually cravings should lessen.