A growing trend in TCM concerns utilizing Auriculotherapy in the treatment of ailments. Obviously, the ear is at the focus of this field of treatment. I would say that this part of the human anatomy is very valuable in today’s TCM treatment plans. I use the Auriculotherapy often in the treatment of my patients.

But why? Why am I so adamant about the use of the ear in treating, let’s say, a person emotional condition. Without getting too technical, it is written in the Ancient Classics that the ear is to be looked at as an inverted image of the human body. You will often see “inversion” or “mirror-image” techniques discussed often in TCM.

The main area that Auriculotherapy is being used in the treatment of Mental/Emotional disorders. Now, I am talking here about the typical General Practitioner, like me. There are TCM practitioners that exclusively specialize in Auriculotherapy and use the ear as their focal point in treating ailments ranging from pain to digestive and respiratory disorders. I am continually amazed how these practitioners are so skilled in using such a small appendage to treat.

Because stress/anxiety is often associated with a physical ailment, I now will often needle a couple of points on the ear to help with this. Many times, patients don’t make appreciate how having a physical ailment, like pain, can produce unwanted side effects like stress/anxiety. Most often than not, needling these ear points can potentially not only supplement the main procedural protocol but even has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. That is a powerful statement, on-to-itself.

I have treated patients whose main issue is only some mental/emotional disorder. Along with needling some body points, there is an Auriculo-protocol that I always implement in such cases. The name of this protocol is the NADA protocol. I will devote a whole blog on this protocol. It is enough for you to appreciate that the Nada protocol encompasses 5 points on each ear.