Principles of Auricular Acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture is, simply put, applying acupuncture to only the ears of a person. The outer ear corresponds to the entire human body, and can be used to treat ailments and health problems such as stress, insomnia, chronic pain, stomach trouble, and allergic reactions.

According to auricular acupuncture practitioners, there are points in your ear that connect to each major organ. By stimulating these points, the acupuncture needle sends electrical impulse messages to the brain, which are then thought to stimulate other areas of the body. In this way, auricular acupuncture can relieve pain in the joints and muscles, stimulate the organs and the brain itself, and achieve a number of other therapeutic effects.

Auricular acupuncture is thought to be effective in treating mental/emotional disturbances including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It is also used to treat physical pain such as back pain, migraine, headaches, arthritis, and sciatic pain. Through the  stimulation of corresponding points in the brain and body, auricular acupuncture can also be used as a therapy to treat digestive problems such as colitis and indigestion, as well as respiratory and sinus problems like asthma, allergies, hay fever and sinusitis. Auricular acupuncture may also be used to treat obesity, pre-menstrual syndrome, and addiction to drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.

If you’re interested in receiving auricular acupuncture from one of our trained specialists, call us today at 619-800-7000.

Original Post

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body consists of a series of interconnected channels called your “Qi”, through which energy flows. If you are suffering from depression, your “Qi” energy will be blocked at one or more of these channels. Any impairment in the flow of Qi can affect many other physiological activities, such as memory, digestion, and sleep. Therefore, it is important to maintain a dynamic energy flow throughout the entire body.

Based on a holistic approach, acupuncture treatments for depression use very fine needles to stimulate the body’s flow of energy and functionality, enabling the mind and body to heal. According to the Western view, acupuncture works by stimulating the central nervous system to release endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving hormone. Endorphins stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms to restore its normal mood and increase energy levels.   This is why acupuncture treatments can have such calming, mood-elevating effects.

Acupuncturists also perform what is called auricular acupuncture, in which the outer ear lobe is pierced to help balance and regulate different neurotransmitters. This form of acupuncture is commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder as it helps the mind to relax.  This form of therapy is even more effective when complemented with other treatments such as meditation, yoga, and art therapy.

Acupuncture is a good alternative for women who are pregnant and do not want to take antidepressants. Acupuncture can relieve many psychological issues and physical problems women experience during pregnancy, while also ensuring the optimal health of the mother and the developing fetus.

If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or other emotional difficulties, making changes in your lifestyle can help to balance your mind. Consider integrating a regular exercise program and/or studying a form of meditation to learn how to control and relax your mind. These practices in conjunction with acupuncture treatments can provide the foundation for a positive change in your life.

Research on Acupuncture & Depression

In 1998, the NIH’s Office of Alternative Medicine funded a study at the University of Arizona. Working with acupuncturist Rosa Schnyer, John Allen PhD devised a 16-week trial on 34 seriously depressed women. First the study devised a standard treatment plan that targeted certain “depression points” on the body. Then they devised a dummy treatment calling for needles in nonspecific places. The acupuncturists administering the treatment had no idea whether they were using the real plan or the dummy plan. Following the treatment, the depression-specific groups experienced a 43 percent reduction in their symptoms compared with a 22 percent reduction for the dummy group. More than half no longer met the criteria for clinical depression.  This research marked the first U.S. randomized, controlled, double-blind study of acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating depression. The NIH funded study concludes, “ Acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones in a good way.”

Precautionary Note: Severe clinical depression is a serious disorder. If you believe that you may be severely depressed or have difficulty working and maintaining your daily routine, consult with a medical doctor who is trained in the diagnosis and treatment of depression.

I came to see Kirk and was welcomed into his beautiful office. His gentle and fun way put me instantly at ease.

He was able to reduce my pain after just one treatment.

The whole experience gave me such a feeling of well being , I am looking forward to many happy returns.

Thanks Kirk! -Alex

Heike (65 yo tax preparer – Jul 14, 2009)

note:  The balance method is just one of the many acupuncture styles employed by Kirk, point selection is based on pattern differentiation and constitutional client type.

After dealing with the nightmare for half a day, and taking medications that did not work. I contacted Kirk and thought I would give his acupuncture a try, he was able to move things around and see me that day!

I had never had acupuncture before, as I am a “needle-phobe”. I was willing to try anything at that point. Kirk’s demeanor is very relaxing and he was able to find the problem spots very quickly, I actually could have stayed on the table all evening. After an hour of his treatment I was able to put my shirt back on by myself, lifting my arms over my head, with minimal discomfort.

This morning when I awoke, knowing I had 3 important appointments, I then realized I had ZERO pain, and no side effects or discomfort whatsoever.
I am no longer a “needle-phobe”, and will be a regular client of Kirk’s when the need arises in the future.

Glenn Burch, age 40

1/21/10,  Hillcrest. CA

Brian Downum L.Ac.,

Jade Mountain Medicine

To whom it may concern,

As a licensed Acupuncturist practicing in the San Diego area,

I have been using Su Wu Herbs as my primary pharmacy over the past several months.

This pharmacy supplies more than 90% of my Chinese herbal needs for both my Mission Valley and Solana Beach offices.

The increased compliance and greater effectiveness of this company’s product has allowed for excellent medical results for my patients.

Furthermore, as a practitioner in North San Diego County, there are no Chinese herbal pharmacies so my patients have very few other options in herbal medicine.

Su Wu Herbs supplies a superior product,

Justin provides a fast availability for prescriptions

and conducts business in a professional manner.

To order your custom herbal formula from Su Wu herbs,

call  Justin at 563-580-9432

All granular herbal prescriptions at Acupuncture San Diego are formulated with Su Wu herbs.

When aggravated it can cause difficulty walking, numbness in legs and arms and severe pain. Often times my stenosis would require me to take extended time off from work due to the intolerable pain. In the past my doctors treated me with a combination of anti-inflammatory or pain medication and on severe instances with back injections.

I started seeing Kirk because there just wasn’t anything more the doctor could do for me.

I’d never had acupuncture but I was in such pain and discomfort that I was willing to try anything.

I found Kirk and Uptown Acupuncture San Diego, using my insurance directory for optional treatment. Then I read his reviews on Yelp and felt he would be the one for me. My doctor told me that because of the stenosis I would always have some sort of pain. So I wasn’t sure what to expect but hoped acupuncture could at the very least make the pain manageable.

What I got was much more than I could have ever imagined.

Within a few treatments not only was the pain gone but also I could feel all my fingers and all my toes again.

My doctor told me I probably wouldn’t ever get that feeling back. In addition to helping the stenosis his treatments helped me sleep better at night, which made me feel more energized during the day. I had a history of poor sleep. So much so I would dread the night because I knew it would be another struggle to fall asleep. Now I just LOVE sleeping and look forward to it everyday.

I’m feeling so much better that recently I started working out again.

Something I had been terrified to do because it would only be a matter of time before it would aggravate the stenosis and I’d be back to my pain pills and back injections. Thanks to my regular acupuncture appointments, pain pills are a thing of the past.

I cannot say enough about Kirk’s treatments; he has absolutely changed my life!

I’m more active and energetic and feel healthier and stronger than I’ve ever felt. The whole experience has left me feeling renewed and revived. The only side effect I know of is that I can’t tell when it’s going to rain anymore. And that’s a side effect I can certainly live with. He has such a fun personality that I look forward to and enjoy our sessions. He will walk you through the entire process so you are comfortable and at ease.

I highly recommend Kirk and Uptown Acupuncture San Diego to anyone considering acupuncture.

Dina Muller

El Cajon, CA

2/2010

I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive at first because I was skeptical that it would actually work.

And there was also the whole thing about having needles placed all over my body that caused me to not be too excited.

I play the piano and after years of beating up my hands I was at a point where I was experiencing constant pain and could barely make a fist. Kirk immediately put me at ease and made me feel very comfortable. He explained the entire process and answered all on my questions. He also gave me a lot of good everyday advice I could follow to help elevate my pain.

The process itself was effortless.

He had soft music playing and after he had placed all the needles in the right spots to move my energy around, I simply closed my eyes and relaxed. After he came back in the room and removed the needles I instantly felt relief. I knew immediately that this was a wise decision.

I played the piano the next day at church and I was able to play some awesome chords and do some really quick runs that I hadn’t been able to play in years.

With a few more treatments people might mistake me for Liberace – now I just need the frilly outfits and off the Vegas I go

Thank you Kirk. I am looking forward to coming back and continuing my treatment. I really appreciated your genuine concern for me and for helping me to experience to benefits of acupuncture.

Jeff Hall 44, 2/2010

At Uptown Acupuncture San Diego, we take great pride in facilitating a great first experience for our clients. We know the idea of having needles placed in the body can be unnerving for some people. The fact that our first timers stay with us and continue treatment is just another reason why you should give acupuncture a try at Uptown Acupuncture San Diego!

Acupuncture is an invaluable resource for anyone dealing with pain. At Uptown Acupuncture, liberating people from pain is our specialty. No matter if it is a sports injury or chronic low back pain, we will be able to diagnose and treat accordingly to provide maximum relief in the fewest visits possible.

Stress