Auriculotherapy And Magnet Therapy
What is auriculotherapy? Auriculotherapy, also known as ‘Auricular Point Acupressure’ (APA), is a form of alternative medicine where the outer surface of the human ear (auricle) is exposed to certain stimulation in order to relieve conditions arising in other parts of the body. This stimulation can be brought about by the use of magnet therapy.
Auriculotherapy, as applied to magnet therapy, requires small magnet pellets (about 2 millimeters in width) which are then applied to a patient’s ear acupoints held down by small pieces of waterproof tape. Other forms of auriculotherapy may also use botanical plant seeds.
Many studies have shown the positive benefits of auriculotherapy on the improvement of pain. In fact, a more recent, quite impressive study found a ‘70% improvement in pain intensity … after a 4-week APA treatment with maintenance of improvement at 1-month followup.”
Microsystems in Acupuncture & Auriculotherapy
Microsystems are the underlying logic behind the proven practice of acupuncture, auriculotherapy, and magnet therapy. But what exactly are microsystems?
The body contains many microsystems. Microsystems are a mapping of the entire body into smaller areas. There are many recognized microsystems, the most famous is the homunculus of the brain taught in western medical school. The “homunculus” refers to a miniature “person” represented in each half (hemisphere) of the brain. The feet start at the top in the middle of the head and (in general) the parts of the body are inverted from there down to the sides.
Acupuncturists use microsystems of the ear (i.e. Chinese and French auricular acupuncture) or hand (i.e. korean hand acupuncture) for example. The use of acupuncture magnets is used widely in Japanese acupuncture and by Kiiko Matsumoto Sensei who I study with. In fact, a 2007 study used either magnets on ear points or press seeds and found that the acupuncture magnets had a significant positive effect on low back pain. It is a small study, but if it was carried out properly it indicates what I’ve felt. Save the seeds for cooking and use magnets on the ear.
George Mandler
Licensed Acupuncturist & Nutritionist Dietitian
Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, & Nutrition
Boston, Jamaica Plain, Brookline, Massachusetts