Relief is at your fingertips!
Ear Reflexology or Auricular Therapy are both terms that apply to a technique that is administered by working on the ears.
Every smaller part of the body can be mapped as a micro-system of the entire body. As we know there are micro-system maps of the body, all over the body - on the feet, hands, tongue and more.
The ear to brain connection is the shortest and most direct of these neurological micro-systems.
Auricular therapy is the only direct micro-system that can be used for diagnosis and treatment. All the other micro-systems, such as foot and hand reflexology are much more indirect, with many more nerve connections from the point of stimulation to the end result.
Often a neglected part of the body, the ears the most accessible area to work on.
The shape of the body is projected onto the ear and every point of the body corresponds to a point on the ear.
Visualise an inverted foetal shape on to the ear ... head on the ear lobe and buttocks at the apex (top) of the ear ... and that's how the body is mapped on the ear in reflexology terms.
A reflexologist uses their fingers and thumbs to work the outer surface of the ear.
In a healthy person the link is not apparent but when there is an imbalance of the physiological equilibrium its related reflex point on the ear becomes painful. The reflexologist then stimulates the painful points of the ear by gentle massage.
A further perk of working on the ears, is being able to apply an Ear Seed to a specific area to allow continued working by the client on an area of need in the body, via the ear. An Ear Seed is a small seed (or silver/gold press sphere) that is placed on the ear on very specific reflex points and affixed with a small plaster.
The ear is a very concentrated and busy area of nerve endings. So the points that are found on the ears are literally access points in to these nerves. Therefore, using the ears as the therapeutic surface has the possibility of profoundly powerful benefits, and the most rapid results in Reflexology terms.
Working the ears may be used as an alternative to the hands or feet if they are not accessible, are injured, or absent.
Ear reflexology is also the ideal add-on to a foot or hand reflexology session, (and other body work therapies) and may be used to further enhance the work already done on these, or to target and address a specific need, i.e. pain management, insomnia, muscular tension and more. Ear reflexology is a stand alone therapy on its own too.
Points on the ears are very easy to detect. They are only active if there is some physical or functional problem in the corresponding area in the body.
Ear reflexology is a natural treatment for improved brain and body function, with the purpose of attempting to alleviate certain conditions in specific areas of the body.
Reflexology is well known for its capacity to lower pain levels in the body.
Ear reflexology takes this to a higher level entirely.
It is effective at reducing pain levels and/or facilitating the natural healing process of the affected body part.
In the first instance working the ears reduces pain while other medical procedures are needed.
Pain relief through the ears.
This reduction of pain is not for the purpose of healing the affected area or removing the problem. This intervention is for the purpose of making living with the pain and surviving through the medical ordeal easier for the person involved.
The reduction in pain levels also works to prevent other areas of the body from being compromised as a result of the compensation that naturally happens in the body. For example, muscular pain in one area very often causes other parts of the muscular system to carry the load and thus experience tension and then pain of its own.
Managing pain levels with ear reflexology also means that lower levels of pain medication need to be consumed, or even possibly none at all. Pain also causes immense mental and emotional stress and anxiety in the body and psyche of the sufferer.
Ear reflexology is known to bring relief in many ways,
and to support the healing process of your body.
In the second instance the application of ear reflexology actually supports the healing process.
Just as foot reflexology supports the body in its task of balancing and self healing, so too does ear reflexology. The analgesic effect created through working the ears may be the intervention that the body needs to restore on its own, in areas of pain.
In many instances when pain is relieved, the condition that produced the pain may be relieved too.
Here are 3 self help tips for you ....
While I do give sessions where I work exclusively on the ears, I most frequently work on my clients' ears at the end of a foot reflexology session, when an area of specific need arises as indicated through the feet, or through conversation with the client.
I love the 'power' of working on the ears.
It's not always the answer, but when it is ... WOW!
It is amazing how much tension is built up in our ears, and seeing as our ears are a little version of us, it therefore stands to reason that this tension is mirroring the tensions bound up in our bodies.
Apart from working on the ears to alleviate specific pain in an area of the body, just 'rubbing' the ears at any time helps to ease the tensions in our muscular system.
Receiving an ear reflexology treatment from your reflexology practitioner leaves a very obvious feeling of relief from this tension.
However, you can also do this yourself. Anytime. Anywhere.
Remember, your ears are very easily accessible.
By systematically working your ears from the outside to the inside you are accessing the reflex points for every part of your body and the direct pressure points for many specific conditions.
You don't need to know the points to benefit your body and target problems, but here's my ear chart for you to refer to. You can purchase and download a high quality version for yourself from my school website.
Your ear work can be applied in squeezes, pulls, circles, strokes, and holds, with either a light or firm pressure.
Rub your ears whenever you are feeling stiff or tight or achy.
Rub your ears first thing in the morning to limber up your mind and body in preparation for your day. Even better, do it whilst in the shower!
Rub your ears last thing at night, just before going to sleep, to help your brain and central nervous system unwind and calm down, to relax your muscles, and to help give you a better night's sleep.
I leave you with this ...
Start rubbing your ears NOW!
x Karen x
Disclaimer: Please remember that these are the views and findings of the therapist and you are reminded to seek advice from a health care practitioner in your area if you have symptoms that persist.
