Auricular Acupuncture to Support Treatment
Auricular Acupuncture, or Ear Acupuncture, is having its heyday on social media – though I’m sure it has had many similar moments over the past few hundred, or even thousand years. This therapeutic treatment is as accessible as it is effective for many health concerns. link
At Kundalini House, we often use it as an adjunct to Acupuncture and herbal medicine. Very small vaccaria seeds or tiny ball bearings are placed on specific Acupuncture points on the external ear. These can be gently pressed or massaged, or simply left in place for up to 10–14 days, continuing to gently stimulate the points between treatments.
I particularly like using them for mental health support. They offer a gentle, non-invasive way to calm the nervous system and support vagal tone. The vagus nerve has branches that innervate parts of the outer ear, and stimulation of this nerve can support parasympathetic activation. This helps reduce stress, calm inflammation, slow heart rate, support digestion, and encourage the body to shift into a more restorative state. By placing small seeds or ball bearings on these areas, we can gently stimulate the vagus nerve and support overall wellbeing.
Even simple ear massage can be helpful – especially if you focus on the tragus and the cymba concha (see below). These areas correspond to some of the most commonly used points for calming the body and mind. So if you’re feeling anxious or stressed, try gently massaging your ears for a moment. Notice your body and your breath, and allow your Autonomic Nervous System to gradually settle and regulate.
Or, in Chinese Medicine terms, to calm and settle the Shen.
Kundalini House offers Auricular Acupuncture and Acupuncture treatments in Melbourne with an experienced team of Chinese Medicine Acupuncturists and Herbalists. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, or would like support with other health issues, please speak with one of our practitioners.
By Dr Pip Atherstone-Reid
Chinese Medicine
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