The ear is a microsystem of acupuncture points that relate to different parts and functions of the body, e.g. musculoskeletal, or hormonal, for detoxing from addictions, or for de-stressing. Points can be chosen alongside a standard acupuncture treatment, or in a standalone treatment. Special, smaller ear acupuncture needles are used.
I trained in ear acupuncture at CICM, Reading and under John Tindall at the Yuan Centre, London, and this included training in the NADA protocol, which is a set of five points that can be used for a variety of applications, both physical and psychological. NADA started to be used in addiction clinics in the USA in the 1970s and is now practised worldwide, including by Acupuncturists Without Borders for communities affected by trauma in disaster situations.
I also apply ear seeds or magnets to certain ear points that patients can wear in their ears for a few days, which they can press/squeeze themselves to stimulate the points.
For more information, you can visit the NADA GB website: www.nadagbacupuncture.co.uk
