Types of Auricular Therapy

Many therapists use acupuncture needles placed in the chosen acupuncture points and manipulated.

The therapist may pass a tiny electric pulse down the needles. No pain is felt and patients usually find the treatment relaxing. Electrical stimulation may also be given without needles. The patient holds a metal rod which is attached by wire to an electrical stimulator. Another wire leads from the stimulator to a pen-shaped electrode held by the therapist. He places the tip of the 'pen' on the chosen area and a mild, stimulating current is passed into the relevant point.

A third method - for very young children and people who are afraid of needles - is the use of a laser. Stimulation is carried out by the electrical frequency of the light source, and patients experience no sensations at all.

Patients who cannot get to their practitioner regularly can treat themselves by using press needles, or semi permanent needles as they are called. These are mainly used to treat conditions such as anorexia and heavy smoking. Press needles are very fine pins with heads like drawing pins. Or they may resemble pointed studs.

The needles are fitted by the practitioner and left in place for several days at a time, covered by a small piece of plaster to keep them clean. To stimulate the pressure points, the patient simply presses the heads of the needles gently. In cases of addiction, the needles should be pressed every hour and whenever the craving comes on. Otherwise, they should be pressed once every hour, especially in cases of painful joints and certain forms of arthritis.