|
|
|
 |
DoctorGetWell's Monthly Column
|
|
Dr. Alex Tatevian has maintained a monthly acupuncture column in
the health section of the Federal Hill Gazette since 1999.
|
|
|
|
|
Federall Hill Gazette; October 2001
|
|
What is Ear acupuncture?
|
|
|
Ear acupuncture, or auriculopuncture, was known from antiquity in
different cultures all around the world and was used mostly for acute back
pain (sciatica) and toothache.
In 1950-s and 60-s ear acupuncture attracted attention of scientists.
Undoubtedly it was Dr. Paul Nogier in France who made the most significant
contribution to the advance of auriculopuncture. In 1957 he published the
article where he explored new ideas about auriculotherapy.
The human body
is a sophisticated biological system, and when exposed to any stimulus it
should react and respond even to small environmental changes. The automatic
part of the nervous system seems to be best adapted to cope with these small
but significant changes in the environment. This is the part of the nervous
system that, for example, allows us to digest food and breathe without
thought, and is called the autonomic nervous system.
Dr. Nogier has used this basic idea to develop a comprehensive system of
diagnosis and point selection for ear acupuncture: projection of all body
parts and internal organs on the ear. The organs are extrapolated not only
morphologically, but also functionally.
In 1969 he presented complete chart
of auricular points (about 150 of them).. Although this system of knowledge
is based on a concept, different from traditional Chinese ideas, Chinese
acupuncturists promptly accepted and incorporated this new development into
traditional acupuncture.
Ear acupuncture proved to be effective in the treatment of a wide range of
diseases, including difficult cases, and can be used in combination with
traditional acupuncture.
In the USA it is commonly used for smoking
cessation, weight control, substance abuse and other conditions.
|
| |
| |
|
This page last updated: 8-Sep-2010
|
|
|
|
|
