Ear-acupucture

The treatment method of ear-acupuncture, in contrast to the traditional acupuncture as one of the forms of treatment of Traditional Chinese Medicine, is much more recent. In 1950 Dr. Paul Nosier in the city of Lyon, France noticed a strange scar on the edge of the antihelix in the ears of patients. This scar has been caused by cauterization in order to treat sciatica and the results of it were remarkable.

Over the next few decades, extensive scientific research has led to the final mapping of acupuncture points in 1980. According to the French School of Acupuncture, on the ear’s helix and antihelix, a type of image of the human body as a whole is represented. More specifically, this representation resembles an embryo during the intrauterine life (an explanation similar to Microsystems). The similarity to Korean Acupuncture (Su-Jok) is obvious, as in the latter we have an illustration of the human body on the palm of the hand and sole of the foot (the same occurs in reflexology).

Diagnosis at the French School of Ear Acupuncture is based on palpation in order to detect painful spots with the help of detection devices. When the individual is diagnosed with a specific condition, zones of increased sensitivity are detected in the area of ​​the ear auricle.

In contrast to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the French School of Ear Acupuncture is based on scientific data related to neurophysiology and neuroanatomy of the ear. At the same time, since 1888 there have been reports of organ representation in the ear. During the mid 1950’s, Chinese ear acupuncture starts to take place based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (meridians, five elements, energy balance).

Ear-Acupuncture and Medical Acupuncture

At the Orasis Acupuncture Institute we follow the rules of diagnosis and treatment based on the principle of the five elements and the energy balance. We apply ear acupuncture treatments in combination with body acupuncture aiming for the most effective result.

The indications of Chinese ear acupuncture are similar to those of body acupuncture. Electric transdermal acupuncture, ear massage, metal microspheres or other materials such as rice grains or semi-permanent microneedles are all used for the purpose of treatment. The application of the previously mentioned techniques helps to achieve continuous irritation and stimulation of the spot.

It is a form of treatment that in combination with body acupuncture has excellent results in treatments of various forms of addiction (alcohol, smoking, bulimia, drug addiction such as benzodiazepines).

Perhaps the most well-known form of ear acupuncture treatment (in which the Head of our scientific department Dr Panagiotis Drimalas is certified) is the NADA protocol with the use of three to five needles in both ears. It has to be highlighted that our therapy involves the placing of needles on one ear at the time. The NADA protocol was developed over a period of time to deal with the excessive use of opioids but eventually evolved into a therapeutic tool. It is a form of group therapy, mainly non-verbal, so large groups of population can regain their mental health. It is most often used after natural disasters, acts of terrorism and so on.

In recent history, it has been used extensively, with very positive results, to treat victims of devastating earthquakes, tsunami waves as well as the destruction of the twin towers in the U.S.A.