Although allopathy has gained fame globally because of its numerous benefits and practices, there are also other old types of therapies which are practiced in corners of the world to keep the human body healthy. Similar to the types of ancient Chinese medicine like acupressure and acupuncture, auriculotherapy has also gained widespread fame in the Asian as well as European countries. The process involves using needles to stimulate specific organs in the body by making use of the external portion of the ear. In recent times, instead of needles the points on the ear are stimulated by means of lasers, ear pellets and magnets to apply manual pressure on specific points.
Ancient records point to the use of this method in 500 B.C. in China. The importance of this therapy was found by a Frenchman, Dr. Paul Nogier who found out that the points on the outer portion of the ear has connections with the internal organs. He compared the ear to be that of an inverted fetus with head representing the lower ear lobe, the rest of the body in-between and feet at the top of external ear.
Although considered as a part of alternative medicine, it works best when used with other types of medicine like acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic manipulation etc. It is used to effectively relieve body problems like stress, pain and tension. As in allopathy, body pain is controlled by use of painkiller tablets which have endomorphins, acupressure, acupuncture and auriculotherapy stimulate, balance and regulate the inner energy in the body which make the body release or generate endomorphins to relieve pain. A normal session would take between thirty minutes to one hour for the body to release endomorphins. These therapies balance the energy in the body by correcting reflex centers in brain thus reducing pain.
Auriculotherapy has been approved as a safe and effective treatment by the World Health Organization and is being used in recent days to treat addiction related to drugs and smoking. No side effects have been reported and it is considered as an alternative to acupuncture. To prevent smoking in addicts, the practitioner used different frequencies by means of micro stimulation device to stimulate the surface of the outer ears. The success rate related to this therapy is 80% as it reduces the withdrawal symptoms and craving of nicotine in smoking addicts.
As in all other ancient treatments, one needs proper training under the guidance of a professional to use this treatment if they have to practice themselves.
Auricular Therapy to Lose Weight
Auricular therapy fact files reveal that the treatment can help most people to lose weight. It has much in common with the oriental form of treatment – acupuncture. Many healthcare facilities in the US offer this goal-oriented therapy for patients who may be health or figure conscious. Those who are not comfortable with medications or invasive techniques may find this simple and non-complex procedure most welcoming.
Ear Stimulation to Reduce Food Craving
Auricular therapy focuses on the pressure points or nerve endings of the ears that are directly connected to the brain. By stimulating these pressure points, one can reduce food craving and this in turn curtails excessive dietary intake. Instead of using needles that can be painful and discomforting, mild electrical stimulation intercepts and blocks brain signals that demand more food.
Auricular therapy has a high rate of success among individuals who take the therapy seriously with determination and a strong will to lose weight. Some may lose weight faster than others while others could experience a gradual but steady reduction. Exercises and regular workouts can help boost metabolism, and shed excess pounds faster. Most facilities allow patients to schedule treatment. This makes it all the more convenient and easy for those who have a hectic schedule.
The treatment is provided on an outpatient basis and takes only about 30 minutes. In most cases one or two treatment sessions are all that is required to lose weight. Even people with food addiction who have undergone the therapy have found it extremely effective in controlling their urge. They have been able to overcome lethargy and lead a more active and healthy lifestyle.
Therapy with Immediate Benefits
Auricular therapy helps to lose weight with immediate benefits. The treatment, which has been relied on for over 35 years, is quite safe with no side effects or complications. On the contrary, it can provide added benefits to the body by improving the circulation of the blood; it stimulates brain functioning, relieves stress and relaxes nerves, stimulates the immune system and treats a number of common health conditions such as sleep disorders.
Auricular therapy is based on western and Chinese theories relating to the ear – that various points on the surface of ear (auricle) have connection with the central nervous system and corresponds to different anatomical parts of the body. By identifying these nerve endings in the external ear and stimulating them by massage and cauterization, it is possible to produce therapeutic effects on those parts of the body which are prone to diseases. This technique is now utilized to produce results in weight loss treatments also.
Auricular medicine originated in China and has since then been developed in Europe to attain its present state. The treatment consists of analyzing the external ear and treating problems associated with different parts of the body. After years of careful observation, Chinese medical professionals have charted more than 200 sites on the ear associated with various diseases.
The technique applied in achieving weight loss with auricular therapy is that it is possible to apply treatment to the brain thereby demanding the body to reduce its intake of food, which results in diminished craving. It is this unique bio-energetic and biomechanical treatment approach with auricular therapy, which plays a key role in effective weight loss.
The treatment is similar to acupuncture, which applies pressure to specific points in the patient’s body leave in, but the difference is that here in auricular therapy, no needles are used. Instead mild electrical stimulation is applied at multiple acupuncture points. For the treatment to be fully effective, the patient should observe a controlled calorie diet along with increased physical activity.
Having its roots in the acupuncture system of treatment and research, auricular therapy is the ‘westernization’ of the Chinese treatment of acupuncture. The benefit of auricular therapy in treating weight loss is that the treatment has no side-effects and most patients experience instant weight loss with one or two treatments.
Quit Smoking With Auricular Therapy
Smoking is the main reason for numerous diseases affecting your respiratory system. It has become an addiction in the youth, and as a result chain smokers suffer from all kinds of health problems. Auricular therapy is an ideal treatment option for those who wish to quit smoking. You can quit smoking with auricular therapy because it not only treats the psychological aspect of the individual, but focuses on the reduction of your body’s desire for nicotine as well. It is a safe and pain free treatment of the auricles at several acupuncture points which are induced with mild electrical stimulation.
Auricular therapy can be considered as the most successful way to quit smoking and many people have benefited by this. Auricular therapy applies light stimulations to exact points on the external ear. It is a form of acupuncture treatment with a difference that needles are not used, and so there is no chance of experiencing pain. Auricular therapy is successful only if the person is ready to quit smoking and should also have the right determination and will power which helps to bring your mind under control.
The tendency to smoke is caused when the nicotine level drops in your body and the brain gets the signal to light up. This cycle of addiction persists until you smoke the next cigarette. Auricular therapy causes interruptions to the request of the body to the brain for nicotine. The stimulations given at the exact points of the outer ear helps to interrupt the signals sent by the body to the brain demanding more nicotine and are deviated to some other tasks. This helps you free yourself from being an addict of smoking.
When you quit smoking with auricular therapy, you don’t have to face any withdrawal symptoms. Auricular therapy is advantageous in the sense that one can complete the treatment within a short span of time. So if you are a chain smoker, decide as early as possible to quit smoking with auricular therapy, and lead a healthy and wealthy life.