There are a set of related practices based on the theory that anxiety is a stress response and that the parasympathetic nervous system exists to naturally balance the sympathetic nervous system as the body anticipates and then recovers from stressful situations.
Anxiety as a prolonged or chronic stress may be relieved by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. Such relief may be provided in a number of ways. Recent attention has focused on approaches that stimulate the vagus nerve, a primary nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system. The ear richly supplies input to the vagus nerve, so treatments specifically directed at the ear represent a general class of vagus-nerve mediated anxiety relief approaches.
Acupuncture itself is a practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine administrated by a rigorously trained practitioner schooled in ancient understandings of chi, an internal energy that flows along meridians within the body. Ancient Western Medicine held parallel beliefs under the medical philosophy of Galen, a Roman and Greek physician, surgeon, and philosopher considered to be one of the most accomplished of all medical researchers of antiquity. Galen believed that bodily humors, much like the energy force of Chi, needed to be held in balance to avoid illnesses.
The notion of health as a balance has gained renewed support through modern practices of holistic medicine. Acupuncture, acupressure, and body piercing are part of the still growing holistic medical tradition for managing behavioral health.
Local Practice for Ear Acupuncture*
*Ear Acupuncture is 5-point auricular therapy or auriculotherapy; also known as the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association Protocol
Selected References
- Ear seeds are a form of auriculotherapy, which uses acupressure points in the ear to stimulate the vagus nerve. See this article in Medical News Today for more information.