Auriculotherapy (Ear Acupuncture)

Auriculotherapy applies fine acupuncture needles to specific points on the outer ear, which in Traditional Chinese Medicine functions as a microsystem reflecting the entire body. Each region of the ear corresponds to an organ system, body part, or physiological function — by stimulating these points, MUDr. Strnadelová can influence conditions throughout the body without touching the affected area directly. Auriculotherapy is particularly valued for pain management, emotional regulation, and addiction support.

Auriculotherapy — also called ear acupuncture or auriculo-acupuncture — is a specialised branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine that maps the entire body onto the surface of the outer ear. The anatomical correspondence model, developed independently in both TCM and French medical acupuncture (Nogier, 1950s), identifies points on the auricle that correspond to the spine, limbs, internal organs, nervous system, endocrine glands, and sensory organs. Stimulating these points with fine needles sends regulatory signals to the corresponding body structures via the rich sensory nerve network of the ear. At Institut Celostní Medicíny, auriculotherapy is integrated into the broader TCM treatment framework that follows an initial EAV diagnostic consultation. It is used both as a standalone modality for conditions that respond particularly well to this approach, and as a complement to body acupuncture within the same 30-minute session. The combination of body and ear points often achieves faster and deeper results than either technique alone. Clinically, auriculotherapy shows particular strength in several areas. For pain — both acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain, post-operative pain, and neuropathic pain — ear points can achieve rapid analgesic effects. For emotional and psychological conditions, including anxiety, post-traumatic patterns, and disrupted sleep, the ear holds powerful points for calming the nervous system. The technique is also applied for addiction support (nicotine, food cravings), weight regulation, and management of hormonal-related symptoms. Sessions last 30 minutes. Fine sterile needles are placed at between 3 and 8 ear points and left in position for 20–25 minutes. Some patients experience immediate relief; for chronic conditions, a course of 5–8 sessions is typically recommended. Side effects are minimal — occasional brief tenderness at needle sites. The method requires no preparation and patients can return to normal activities immediately after treatment.