Why are you poking me in the ear??

If you’ve ever been curious about why acupuncture needles are sometimes placed in your ears, you’re not alone. Many people ask this question after experiencing ear acupuncture, which is why we thought it deserved its own dedicated post. 

In short, ear acupuncture — also known as auricular acupuncture or auriculotherapy — can help with nearly everything that full-body acupuncture can. The key difference is that it works on a much smaller scale, focusing on the ear as a microcosm (a miniature map) of the entire body.

So What Does This Mean?

In acupuncture, the ear, much like the hands, feet, and other body parts, is considered a “mini-map” of the whole body. Specific points on the outer ear are needled to influence corresponding areas in the body. Some ear points target specific physical ailments, while others help with more general experiences, such as high blood pressure or anxiety.

Here’s an approximate visual representation of how the body’s systems correspond to the ear:

a line drawing of an ear, with a line drawing of a baby superimposed over it, showing how the two shapes are similar

Because it can address any part of the body, ear acupuncture can potentially help any condition. But there are some particular issues that practitioners have found it especially useful for: 

Here are a few of our clinical favourites:

a drawing of an ear, with acupuncture points mapped onto it

Ear Apex: Helps reduce high blood pressure.

Shenmen: Alleviates pain, tension, sensitivity, anxiety, depression, and insomnia; also reduces cravings.

Liver: Supports detoxification, alleviates muscle cramping, and helps with depression, anger, and frustration.

Kidney: Regulates water metabolism, reproductive health, and energy levels.

Lung: Addresses skin and breathing issues; helps move grief and sadness.

Point Zero: Regulates digestion and the internal organs, promotes centeredness, and encourages overall homeostasis. 

A Holistic Approach

While ear acupuncture is an incredible tool at our disposal, in community acupuncture, we typically use a combination of ear, head, and limb points to create a more well-rounded treatment. By integrating ear points with other areas of the body, we ensure a comprehensive approach that supports both physical and mental healing, promoting balance and overall health.