What is Auriculotherapy?

Auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture) is a therapeutic technique where specific points on the ear are stimulated to influence different parts of the body. The ear acts as a microsystem—a small map of the whole body. This concept was formalised by French physician Dr Paul Nogier, who described the ear as resembling an inverted foetus, with each area corresponding to organs, muscles, and systems.

How does Auriculotherapy work?

When points on the ear are stimulated (using needles, ear seeds, pressure or electric pulse), it activates cranial nerves, especially branches of the vagus nerve. This creates effects in the body such as;

• Shifting the nervous system into a calm, parasympathetic state
• Influencing pain pathways in the brain and spinal cord
• Regulating stress hormones (like cortisol)
• Supporting release of neurotransmitters (endorphins, serotonin)

What can it help with?

We use Auriculotherapy as an adjunct to Acupuncture to support conditions such as;

• Pain relief (musculoskeletal, headaches, chronic pain)
• Stress, anxiety, and mood regulation
• Sleep issues
• Addictions and cravings (e.g. smoking, sugar)
• Digestive and hormonal imbalances

What is an Auriculotherapy treatment like?

There are several ways which auricular therapy is used in our clinic:

• During an Acupuncture treatment: Small needles may be inserted into point in the ear during your regular Acupuncture session
• As non-needle therapy: Electro-simulation device called the PREMIO 20 can be used to stimulate very specific needles in the ear. Great for those with needle phobia, allergies or sensitivity.
• At home: It could also be part of your at home treatment where either small seeds on plasters or ASP (auricular semi-permanent studs) are placed on specific ear points. These may stay in place for several days to provide ongoing stimulation. Great for when you are going away.

Why our practitioners use Auriculotherapy?

Although there are many reasons why a practitioner may utilise auriculotherapy our favourite use is for take home care, by placing in seeds or ASP (auricular semi-permanent studs) your treatment may continue long beyond the time at the clinic.

Is there an evidence base for the use of Auriculotherapy?

Auriculotherapy is an evidence-informed therapy that works through the nervous system—particularly via stimulation of cranial nerves such as the vagus nerve. Clinical research shows promising results for pain, stress, and overall regulation, making it a valuable complement to acupuncture and holistic care.

Clinical & Scientific Reviews

• Asher, G. N., Jonas, D. E., & Coeytaux, R. R. (2010).
  Auriculotherapy for pain management: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
  Pain Medicine, 11(12), 1827–1843.
  • Found significant pain reduction across multiple conditions.
• Yeh, C. H., et al. (2014).
  Auricular point acupressure to manage chronic pain: A systematic review.
  Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
  • Supports effectiveness for chronic pain and self-administered ear seeds.
• Li, X., et al. (2019).
  Auricular acupuncture for insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
  Sleep Medicine Reviews, 45, 1–12.
  • Demonstrates benefit for sleep quality and insomnia symptoms.

Neurological & Mechanism Research

• Peuker, E. T., & Filler, T. J. (2002).
  The nerve supply of the human auricle.
  Clinical Anatomy, 15(1), 35–37.
  • Shows ear innervation by vagus, trigeminal, and cervical nerves (key mechanism basis).
• Frangos, E., Ellrich, J., & Komisaruk, B. R. (2015).
  Non-invasive access to the vagus nerve via the ear.
  Brain Stimulation, 8(3), 624–636.
  • Demonstrates auricular stimulation activates vagus nerve pathways in the brain.
• Mercante, B., et al. (2018).
  Auricular neuromodulation: The emerging concept beyond the needle.
  Neurological Sciences, 39(5), 773–779.
  • Explores neuromodulation effects including autonomic regulation.

Mental Health, Stress & Addiction

• Wang, S. M., et al. (2001).
  Auricular acupuncture as a treatment for anxiety.
  Anesthesia & Analgesia, 92(2), 548–553.
  • Shows reduction in perioperative anxiety.
• Kim, K. W., et al. (2011).
  Auricular acupuncture for insomnia and mental health.
  Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
• Black, S., Carey, E., Webber, A., Neish, N., & Gilbert, R. (2011).
  Determining the efficacy of auricular acupuncture for substance abuse.
  American Journal of Public Health.
  • Supports use in addiction and withdrawal support (NADA protocol).

Pain & Musculoskeletal Applications

• Usichenko, T. I., et al. (2007).
  Auricular acupuncture for postoperative pain control.
  Anesthesia & Analgesia.
  • Reduced analgesic use and pain scores.
• Michalek-Sauberer, A., et al. (2007).
  Perioperative auricular acupuncture reduces pain and anxiety.
  Anesthesia & Analgesia.