“..it has assisted me in dealing with my anxiety, and the ear seeding serves as a physical reminder for me to breathe and stay grounded when I am feeling anxious”
What is auricular acupuncture like? People share their experiences:
“I went into the adventure skeptical but willing to try…it surpassed my wildest expectations. It allowed me relax enough to be able to communicate things I wouldn’t normally be able to talk about”
“Ear acupuncture was a truly soothing experience for me, helping to ease my anxiety and bring a sense of calm. What I initially thought might be uncomfortable turned out to be a rejuvenating and worthwhile experience”
“It calms me down, and also (helps) to focus on my breathing and lungs, it really helps my respiratory function”
“A sense of relief, calm, and deep rest”
What is auricular(ear) acupunture?
In modern psychiatry, acupuncture is considered complementary alternative medicine (CAM) and is seen as an additional way to treat mental health conditions. Research supports its usefulness in anxiety, depression, chronic pain, end of life anxiety, and symptoms of withdrawal from opioids and other substances. A licensed acpuncturist studies Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) for years, earning a masters or doctorate and can diagnose and treat conditions with nearly 2,000 different acupuncture points.
I provide what is called the 5 Needle Protocol. I am trained by an acpuncturist and licensed to provide only this specific protocol. It can bring relaxation and ease during the treatment and in the days that follow. Psychiatry appointments can feel stressful and invasive (so many PERSONAL questions!). I want to offer some relief from the daily stresses of life, give you 15 minutes of rest, and introduce you to a new way to experience healing. We’ll do this in the middle of your first appointment or the last 15 minutes of a follow up appointment, time permitting.
I am not qualified to provide regular acupuncture care or TCM diagnosis and treatment for you. If you find that you like acupuncture and want to receive it more regularly from a licensed TCM practitioner in Tucson, I can provide referrals to people I know and trust.
What is a treatment like?
Small, bright tipped, needles are placed in the ear
If you don’t like needles, there’s another option!(see “Beads and Seeds” below)
You will either sit in a chair or lie down in the office and relax while listening to music, typically for 15-20 minutes.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body consists of meridians, or channels, of energy that run throughout the body. Each point represents a channel that runs throughout the body
Each numbered point corresponds to a different system in the body.
Shen Men:Calming, reduces cravings, helps with anxiety and insomnia
Sympathetic: Calms the nervous system, lessens “fight or flight” and promotes “rest and digest”
Kidney: Helps to strengthen will and reduce fear
Liver: Reduces anger and depression, gives one a direction in life
Lung: Provides inspiration and helps with grief
Beads and Seeds
When your treatment is done, the needles will be taken out and you can have “beads and seeds” if you like. A small adhesive tape with either a flower seed or gold/silver plated bead is placed on the points. They stay in place for about 1 week, they can be pressed during times of stress or when you want your body and mind to remember the treatment.
Flower seeds or gold/silver plated beads are placed on the points and fixed on the ear with adhesive tape (similar to a Band-Aid)
Results from acupuncture vary and are not guaranteed. This treatment does not replace medical treatment or advice, you are advised to seek professional assistance with medical and psychological issues and follow your complete treatment plan.