What is ear acupuncture and what is it used for?

• Ear acupuncture is a type of acupuncture that focuses on using acupuncture points found on the ears. Although there are many different acupuncture points on the ears that treat many different conditions, there are certain ear points that have been found to be very effective and helpful in treating PTSD, anxiety, and relieving symptoms of withdrawal from addiction. I use these points, including the 5 needle (NADA) protocol, for PTSD, anxiety and smoking cessation.

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How does acupuncture work?

• Well, this question actually has (at least) 2 answers. The first is from a Chinese or East Asian perspective: in this understanding of the body, there is an energy, called Qi, that flows throughout the body along pathways called meridians. These meridians can be likened to a river or creek. When water flows freely through a river, it not only sustains the life within the river, but also brings nourishment and sustenance to the land and life found all along the river, including the far reaches of the river. However, when there is a major obstruction in a river, the water in that area can become stagnant and boggy, and less healthy for the life in that part of the river. If left untreated, this can eventually affect the health of the river downstream, upstream, or both. And so it is with the human body. If Qi becomes obstructed in the body or mind, this can cause discomfort, pain, and or ill health. Acupuncture uses incredibly thin, sterile, needles to affect the flow of Qi within the body. Needles are inserted into particular locations, called acupuncture points, that are found along these meridians, sometimes in order to move Qi from a particular area, and sometimes to guide it to a certain area. This is done in order to balance Qi within the body so that it may flow as free and smoothly as possible.

From a Western medicine perspective, acupuncture and how it works is still a bit of a mystery. We do however understand some of what is happening physiologically during acupuncture. According to one very thorough article on how acupuncture works from a scientific perspective: "acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, balances the autonomic nervous system, influences hormonal release, and induces neuroplastic changes in the brain." To break that down, acupuncture causes the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers, as well as neurotransmitters that act as mood regulators and help regulate our response to stress. It balances our nervous system, and allows for the release of other hormones that provide a calming effect, help improve cognitive function, and enhance feelings of both physical as well as emotional well-being.

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​​​What is hospice and palliative care acupuncture?

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• This is acupuncture for people who have terminal illnesses and/or are near the end of life. These treatments focus on making patients more comfortable during chronic and terminal illness (helping minimize nausea, helping to relax the body so that breathing can be easier and pain can be lessened) and helping to lessen mental, emotional, and spiritual distress so that the end of life transition can be as peaceful as possible.

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