Auricular acupuncture is the treatment of physical, emotional, and hormonal conditions through the ears, which are but one of several micro-systems. The eyes, feet, hand and even teeth are others. Micro-systems are based upon established relationships between the part (an organ) to the whole (the body) for purposes of diagnosis and treatment. Auricular/ear acupuncture is the most researched of all micro-systems, particularly for addiction.
Auricular acupuncture is very effective in treating psycho-emotional disorders like depression, anxiety, anger, food and sexual cravings, which is why it is effective for a many types of addiction. It is also very effective in treating various types of back, neck and muscular pain. It can also treat the pain from disorders of the gall bladder, inflammation in the organs of excretion and digestion. It can also treat non-pain related disorders like insomnia and impotence.
The ears are commonly treated in ways other than the needle. Microstim is a way to direct micro-volts of stimulation to electrically active points on the ear. Ear seeds are a form of acupressure wherein tiny seeds attached to a small piece of adhesive are taped to active spots in the ear. They are perfect for homecare because the patient can wear the seeds for a few days after treatment as a means of extending the therapeutic effect.