Articular acupuncture, or ear acupuncture, is a treatment that focuses majorly on your ears. Read this article to learn more about how articular acupuncture can help with health issues and how to get started.
How Does It Work?
Acupuncture is derived from a traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory that your health is based on the flow of qi (energy) in your body.
According to TCM, a blocked or disrupted qi flow can negatively affect your physical and mental health. Acupuncture can restore the qi flow by removing any blockages or disruptions.
What Are The Potential Benefits?
You can use articular acupuncture to treat different medical issues, including:
● Anxiety
● Insomnia
● Chronic pain
● Weight loss
● Depression
● Allergies
Is There Any Research Supporting the Benefits of Articular Acupuncture?
There’s limited evidence that articular acupuncture could treat medical conditions independently. However, promising research shows it could be effective once combined with other treatments. Its effectiveness can be seen in the following reports:
Pain Relief
According to a 2017 research review, articular acupuncture can give you relief when used within 48 hours from when the pain started. However, high-quality research is still needed to support these findings.
Substance Use Disorder Discovery
In a 2017 study examining 100 people in treatment programs who received ear acupuncture, those who had at least two articular acupuncture sessions biweekly during treatment reported less alcohol use after 3 to 6 months, improved quality of life, and increased energy.
The participants also had a higher chance of getting a job after the treatment ended.
How Many Points Are There?
There are over 200 acupuncture ear points. In 1990, the World Health Organisation (WHO) created a standardized list of 39 points, with 10 of these being master points used for articular acupuncture treatments.
Some commonly used points include:
● Ear shenmen
● Point zero
● Kidney
● Sympathetic
Is It Safe To Try?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, acupuncture is fairly safe when performed by a trained and experienced acupuncturist.
However, you might experience mild side effects after an acupuncture session, including:
● Dizziness
● Nausea
● Pain or tenderness in the treatment areas
You should also avoid acupuncture if you:
● Are pregnant, as some points can induce pregnancy
● Have a pacemaker, which could be affected by the mild electric pulse that comes from acupuncture needles
● Take blood thinners
Conclusion
Acupuncture is an alternative health treatment that can help you treat common health issues such as chronic pain and digestive issues.
You should consult your doctor if you’re interested in trying alternative treatments or want to add articular acupuncture to your treatment options.
