How does Auricular Therapy work?
The principle of Auriculotherapy is based primarily on the somatotopic representation on the auricle of several somatic and visceral structures. It was discovered that some auricular points become hyper sensitive with some diseases, and then return to normal sensitivity with recovery. Paul Nogier established the principle that the shape of the ear is quite similar to the shape of a fetus with the head is at the bottom of the ear and the feet are at the top (the ear apex). In auriculotherapy, ear points can be stimulated by different methods such as inserting acupuncture needles, ear stapling, laser therapy, electro-puncture and ultrasound. In order for a stimulus to be effective it should be of adequate intensity. [Sator, Shlager]. Systemic release of endorphins (which are proven to be involved in human pain alleviation) after auriculotherapy was shown in several animal and human studies.
