Ear acupuncture

A method of treatment that involves the needling of specific points of the ear. In a wider sense, it also includes massage, medicinal injections, and the application of pressure to seeds or metal balls at specific points.

When needling ear points, the needle is inserted and rotated for a few seconds. The needle may be retained for 30–60 minutes, during which time the needle may be rotated at intervals. Needles may also be implanted.

Ear acupuncture has broad applications. The action of each point is usually indicated by the name. Points named after organs or parts of the body are used to treat diseases of those organs or parts. For example, the anus point is used to treat itching anus, splitting of the anus, hemorrhoids, and prolapse of the rectum; the toe, heel, ankle, and knee points are used to treat pain and stiffness in those areas.

Points named after diseases or therapeutic actions treat those diseases or have those therapeutic actions. Thus, the allergy point treats allergies, whereas the panting-calming point relieves coughing and panting. A small number of points are named by their position on the auricle. These include helix points 1–6, which all treat disease of the tonsils and the apex point, which abates heat, reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure, and resuscitates.

Some ear points can be used in acupuncture anesthesia.