Auriculotherapy: Complementary Therapy for Cancer Treatment and Symptom Management
What is Auriculotherapy?
Auricular Therapy or Auriculotherapy, also known as auricular acupoint pressure or ear stimulation, is a way of diagnosing and treating ailments by stimulating certain acupoints on the external ear with various types of needles, seeds, and magnetic balls.
Auriculotherapy, a kind of acupuncture, is regarded as a safe antiemetic method to control the side effects of chemotherapy.
Clinical evidence about Auriculotherapy
Auriculotherapy began as an Eastern Chinese holistic practice in the early centuries and is now regarded as an alternative kind of cancer treatment. It's frequently used in conjunction with more traditional therapies.
One of the uses of Auriculotherapy is to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). CINV usually arises within 24 hours- 4 days of receiving chemotherapy.
Acupuncture and Cancer Treatment
Benefits of Auriculotherapy
Potential Side Effects of Auriculotherapy
The most common adverse effect of auricular acupuncture is the piercing sensation that happens when needles are put into the ear surface or when intensive electrical stimulation is delivered to an ear acupoint.
How Auriculotherapy is Performed
Auricular point acupressure (APA), is a non-invasive technique that uses adhesive patches.
The patches contain hard, smooth, round objects (e.g., botanical plant seeds or metal/magnetic pellets) and are placed on the front and back surfaces of the ear.
The use of these patches on specific spots can stimulate the acupoints. Patients can be taught to manage their symptoms at home using APA.
Frequently Asked Questions about Auriculotherapy
While auriculotherapy is a type of acupuncture that focuses specifically on the ear, traditional acupuncture involves inserting needles into various points on the body. Both work on the principle of balancing the body’s energy, but auriculotherapy concentrates solely on the ear.
A typical auriculotherapy session lasts between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. Multiple sessions may be needed for long-term results, especially for chronic conditions or addiction treatment.
Yes, auriculotherapy is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and certified practitioner. The risk of serious complications is very low, but it’s important to work with a qualified professional to avoid any potential risks.
Some people use ear seeds for DIY auriculotherapy, following guidance from a practitioner. However, it’s recommended that a professional perform the initial treatment to ensure proper point selection and safety.
Auriculotherapy may be covered by some insurance plans, especially if it is performed by a licensed acupuncturist or used as part of a pain management or addiction treatment plan. Check with your provider for details.
Find a clinic offering Auriculotherapy
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