Auriculotherapy or auricular acupuncture in Cleveland, more popularly known as ear acupuncture, originated in China. This form of therapy has been practiced in Asia for over two millennia and for almost a century in Europe. In the United States, it has been used for about five decades. Auricular acupuncture is grounded on the belief that the imbalance in the flow of energy is the cause of illnesses in the human body. Acupuncturists are trained to locate and identify the ley lines or energy channels along the body. The use of needles inserted into specific points along the lines of energy can rectify the imbalance.

The functions of the body are mapped on the external ear or auricle. To stimulate a specific area of the body, the corresponding location of the ailing area on the outer ear is stuck with a needle. The patient’s complete medical history his habits and life style is reviewed by the acupuncturist. He then uses six to a dozen an insert them in the body areas that are required for treatment. The duration of the treatment may last 30 – 45 minutes.

Auricular acupuncture works extremely well in the treatment of chronic stiff joints and acute pains. The patient may find himself cured of his maladies within minutes. This type of acupuncture is deemed to be safe and can be applied in group healing and for self treatment. The treatment is guaranteed a success if the needle is stuck at the point that gives maximum pain. At first, pain is felt and it eventually decreases gradually.

The feeling of so much pain is the main disadvantage of this treatment. People with a low pain threshold may find it impossible to tolerate it. But for those who can withstand the treatment, it leads to a complete removal or at least a significant reduction of their pain within minutes or a few hours. If the treatment is repeated, the pain relieving period rises from several hours to several days and several weeks. Auricular acupuncture can be utilized for various kinds of pains including headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, and back pain.