Here is a great article that discusses points in the ear and how they can control pain and illness.

Quite amazingly the whole body and can be treated by applying pressure to acupuncture points in the ear.

The basis for this strange notion is the concept of the inverted foetus, and idea developed by Dr. Nogier about the acupuncture map of the ear. Due to the development of his thoughts and studies auricular acupuncture made its debut.

Ameliorates The Pain And Illness

Quite simply acupuncture points in the ear are shown to be able to reduce pain throughout the body by a reticular formulation through the parasympathetic nervous system.

Chinese acupuncture has long been used as the treatment for various conditions and diseases such as addiction, psychological disorders such as depression, pain control, obesity and a wide range of other chronic conditions.

Ear acupuncture, also known as auricular acupuncture, relies on the traditional approach to Chinese acupuncture. The ideas and principles behind the use of acupuncture points in the ear stretches way back in time yet the ideas are extremely applicable to modern acupuncture.

When an acupuncturist inserts needles into acupuncture points in the ear endorphins are released throughout the body. These chemicals and hormones produce a feel good factor and a sense of well being to the patient. Basically auricular acupuncture is extremely good for treating certain conditions.

There are approximately just over 200 acupuncture points in the ear and each of these points has its own name. And expert acupuncturist will know all of these points. The locations of these points will be well known to him. These acupuncture points in the ear are all related to different parts of the body.

When acupuncture needles inserted into these points a electrical impulses begin their passage towards the brain and then on to the relevant area of the patient’s body. In this sense you can see that the ear operates something like a telephone switchboard. You stimulate one point in the ear and quite amazingly another part of the body is also stimulated.

So you needn’t be surprised when you visit your acupuncturist complaining about pain in the ankle that he begins to insert acupuncture needles into acupuncture points in the ear. You will be pleasantly surprised when the pain in the ankle begins to subside even though that area has not been directly treated.

Surprisingly the ear lobe itself has its own particular set of acupuncture points that are stimulated in order to treat parts of the head, strode, tonsils, sinuses, throat and many other parts of the anatomy. Then concha of the ear is also used to treat major organs throughout the body in particular: lungs, heart, liver and other organs.

It is well known by the professionals and experts that the ear and the associated acupuncture points in the ear are perhaps the most potent acupuncture points in the body. In fact it is estimated that the chances of success are as high as 95% for successful treatment. In this means that acupuncture points in the ear are most worthy of mention.

About The Author

Peter Wellington writes for http://www.acupunctureaid.com, a website providing a comprehensive archive of free information and guides on the ancient art of Chinese Acupuncture.

The foundation of acupuncture therapy is the relevance of an individuals chi in maintaining bodily and mental health. It is believed that chi is present in every living creature, and flows through specific pathways in the body. Health problems arise when the flow of chi on the body is blocked. As a result, a person may feel persistent headaches, muscle pain, fever, weakness, or in the worst case, becomes afflicted with more serious health conditions.

A Deeper Explanation of Acupuncture Therapy

Acupuncture has its origins in ancient Chinese philosophy and practice. More than ten thousand years ago, during the Old Stone Age of China, stones were fashioned into knives for medical purposes. After several years, during the New Stone Age, these stones were eventually made into needles intended for the same therapeutic end. These accounts are further evidenced by unearthed stone needles found to be of the same types used during the New Stone Age.

There are basically 14 pathways throughout the body where chi flows continuously. These are called the meridian points. In order for chi to course through the body unobstructed, there has to be a balance between the strengths of yin and yang. In ancient Chinese philosophy, yin and yang represent the forces of the universe- yin is for feminine, while yang is for masculine. Every single thing in the universe is believed to contain both yin and yang for harmony.

When the yin and yang are not balanced, chi cannot stream through the body liberally. Therefore, the meridian points through which chi courses through need to be stimulated. This is done by the insertion of hair-thin, disposable needles in specific areas on a persons body to induce bodily harmony and bring about healing.

A certified and trained acupuncturist will be able to carry out an excellent therapy session for the patient. Trainings for acupuncturists are given in order for them to obtain their licenses. A poor practitioner may not be proficient enough with the practice and could end up jeopardizing the results of the entire procedure. Nowadays, it is wise to verify on a practitioners credentials to ensure a safe and effective acupuncture treatment.

What This Ancient Method Does

One of the foremost effects of acupuncture therapy on the body is relaxation. Stress is frequently pinpointed as the main precursor for a host of physical ailments. There are particular points all over the body that direct the flow of harmony and relaxation and when these are enthused, the patient becomes more at ease.

Another positive effect of this alternative therapy is increased pain control. During a session, a patient will usually feel very minimal pain as the thin needles are being inserted gradually. However, the needles are deliberately placed in varying depths, depending on the health requirements of the patient. When the needles reach the right depth, the patient will feel deeper pain, although the entire procedure is not necessarily painful.

It is also recommended for relief from chemotherapy fatigue as well as chemotherapy-related nausea. It has also been found to be largely effective for back pains, migraines, menstrual cramps, and as a pain controller for patients after undergoing surgical operations.

Variations of Conventional Acupuncture

Auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture is one of the variations of conventional acupuncture. In this practice, it is believed that the ear provides a map for all the major bodily organs. A specific area or point on the ear corresponds to a particular organ, such as the heart, kidneys, or liver. Thus, the needles are placed in particular points around the ear and on the ear cartilage.

Staplepuncture is a method used in smoking cessation, wherein staples are placed for a certain period anywhere on the ear area to provide stimulation.

Indeed there is growing evidence that this traditional Oriental practice can rival any modern forms of treatment. If you are one of the many people who are looking for a widely recognized and time honored therapeutic practice, acupuncture may just be the alternative treatment for you.