Acupuncture & Company

Auricular Acupuncture or ear acupuncture is done in a group setting and involves stimulation of energetic points on the external ear. The outer ear acts like a switchboard that sends impulses to the brain, which stimulates the release of endorphins, lowers stress and induces relaxation.

An acupuncturist will insert 5 very small needles in each ear, which will be retained for 60 minutes while you sit in a relaxed atmosphere. During this time you may fall asleep, experience a meditative state or just feel calm and relaxed. The benefits of ear acupuncture increases with the frequency of receiving the treatments.

HISTORY OF EAR ACUPUNCTURE

Auricular acupuncture, or ear acupuncture as it is more commonly known, is similar to body acupuncture but with ear acupuncture stimulation is only to the external ear. It is a method of treating a variety of physiological and psychological health problems by the stimulation of certain acupuncture points on the external ear.

Classical body acupuncture is thought to have been originally discovered in China over 5000 years ago; ear acupuncture was also thought to have been discovered in China around the same time, however it has been, until fairly recently, a minior part of classical body acupuncture. It was the French Physician from Lyon in France, Dr Paul Nogier, in the 1950's after seeing one of his patients cured of sciatic back pain with the use of ear acupuncture, who then began to research and develop modern ear acupuncture, and carried on researching and refining the therapy for over 40 years until his recent death in the late 1990's. In fact his work is so well regarded that the Chinese refer to him as the Father of modern Ear Acupuncture.

Dr Nogier's research indicated that there are over 100 or so separate acupuncture points on the external ear and that when these points are stimulated they are believed to influence the various organs and systems in the body. Nogier discovered that the position of the ear points and zones were approximately in the position of an upside down fetus, super-imposed on the external ear, with the head located around the lobe of the ear. His research also indicated that every part of the body has its own representative acupuncture point on the external ear, and that stimulation one of these points can influence the corresponding organ linked to that particular ear point.

HOW EAR ACUPUNCTURE WORKS

There is still a great deal to learn about how acupuncture achieves its therapeutic effect. Some people dismiss acupuncture's therapeutic action as being due to a placebo effect - the client believes it will work and so it works. This is too simplistic because acupuncture has been successfully used to treat animals that are not affected by the placebo response. Even the USA's conservative National Institutes of Health has reviewed existing acupuncture studies and concluded that people who receive acupuncture actually undergo physiological and biochemical changes that are not just produced by a placebo response. The effects of acupuncture have been shown to be brought about through the nervous system. The external ear itself is richly supplied by nerve endings which are linked to the brain and other organs via the central nervous system and so stimulation of these nerve endings is thought to influence the relevant organ being stimulated. Every organ has a nerve supply which can either speed up or slow down the functions of that particular organ, and due to a variety of factors like chronic stress, these organs can become over stimulated or under stimulated. It is known that acupuncture causes the release of much potent, morphine like, pain relieving chemicals called endorphins, which are drop for drop more powerful than morphine, and the neurotransmitter serotonin which affects mood.

Perhaps the best explanation to date for how acupuncture works is by Fara Begum-Beig, formerly a biochemist who worked at the Medical Research Council's Neuroendocrinology Unit at Newcastle-upon Tyne, who suggested the following explanation for the effects of reflexology but which is equally applicable to acupuncture:-

"From the work I did in the field of neuroactive chemicals and their effects on the brain, I feel it is also possible that pressing reflex points stimulates the subcutaneous nerve endings which then cause the brain to release certain pain and mood mediating chemicals. These chemicals include endorphins, enkephalins, and neuroactive amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, and GABA, all of which act upon different tissues and parts of the body and affect its response to stress and discomfort."

In the 1970’s these 5 points known as the NADA protocol was developed to help addicts with their recovery, dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, irritability and cravings. Since then NADA protocol has been found effective for a wide range of clients.  Acupuncturist Without Borders has used it extensively in treating trauma during and after Katrina and has begun a national military outreach to veterans.

Group acupuncture is simple and effective.  There is no appointment necessary, no intake, no need to talk of past experiences. Individuals simply come in and experience the benefits of the acupuncture. 

Auricular Acupuncture Treats:             

Stress       

Cravings        

Anxiety

Depression    

Insomnia 

PTSD  

Smoking Cessation

Compassion Fatigue

Clinical reports demonstrate

1. Stimulates the production endorphins, and has a strong analgesic effect
2. Purifies the blood, accelerates detoxification and regulates blood pressure.
3. Creates emotional balance, calms fears, alleviates anxiety and nervousness
4. Regulates the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system

Why Choose Group Acupuncture

Receiving Acupuncture in a Group Setting Enhances the Experience

The group setting improves the experience of each individual. When a group of people gather together they can create a field of energy that can empower the individual. If you have ever attended a major sporting event, you may have experienced the electricity that runs through the crowd during the events of the game. Or if you have been involved in any meditation or prayer group you may have felt a collective energy as well as your own.

 In group acupuncture you can feel the group's support in a nonverbal, subtle level.    

Group Ear Acupuncture for Weight loss

Acupuncture works to support you in your weight loss goals or to help you maintain your ideal weight. Group acupuncture can work with any weight loss program whether it is structured program or your own plan.  Acupuncture can help you curb your appetite and strengthen your resolve to stick with it.

Here is what is involved:

You may come 1-3 times a week for a 45-60 minute ear acupuncture treatment, where you will have 5 needles placed in each ear while sitting in comfortable chair.

How it works:

First: There is actually a point on the ear called the Appetite Control Point (Hunger Point). When this point is needled along with two or three other auricular points (Ear Shenmen, Point Zero and the Tranquility point) cravings are reduced and the appetite is suppressed.

Second:  Stress causes your body to send messages to different organs which trigger the need to eat. Acupuncture releases stress by stimulating the body to increase endorphins, the body’s own "feel-good" pain-relieving chemicals. As your mood improves, so does the regulation of food intake. With less stress, your body can begin to rebalance the body’s systems, making it more efficient in losing weight and staying happy and healthy.

Group Ear Acupuncture to help you Stop Smoking

Acupuncture is not a panacea or a magic cure in the treatment of any addiction, including smoking. But, acupuncture is effective in making it easier to quit and remain smoke-free for good.

How it works:

You may come 1-3 times a week for a 45-60 minute ear acupuncture treatment, where an acupuncturist will place 5 needles in each ear while you sit in comfortable chair. Not only do these 5 points aid in the detoxification of nicotine from the body, but they also reduce the craving, withdrawal symptoms and the anxiety associated with smoking cessation.

                      
                                     Each session is $20

Individual & Corporate Packages are available

EAR- Gateway to Balancing the Body

NADA POINT DESCRIPTIONS

1.  Sympathetic: (autonomic nervous system)

This point alleviates stress in the autonomic nervous system (fight or flight). This basic response to perceived danger evokes great anxiety and translates into a powerful stress response in the mind, nervous systems and organs of the body. Needling this point has a strong analgesic (pain relieving) and relaxing effect.

Negative emotions:   anxiety

Positive emotions:   calmness        serenity

2.  Shen men: heart gate

The shen men point translates roughly as the spirit gate. Needling this point generally helps to alleviate anxiety and nervousness, and produces a calming and relaxing effect.

Negative emotions: impatience, mood swings,  cruelty

Positive emotions: joy, calm, honor

3. Kidney: (essential energy- Yin and Yang sources)

This point alleviates toxicity in the kidneys from chemical use, purifies the blood and strengthens the nervous system. It also calms fears and removes insecurities. As the source of yang and yin energy, it is related to growth, development and the life force.

Negative emotions: fear, paranoia, anguish

Positive emotions:wisdom, awareness, 

gentleness

4.  Liver:

This point alleviates toxicity in the blood in conjunction with the kidney. Balance of liver energy increases your emotional balance leading to relaxation and increased confidence. Additionally, this point stabilizes impulsive behavior and mood swings.

Negative emotions: anger, rage, depression

Positive emotions: kindness, balance, courage

5.  Lung:

This point alleviates toxicity in the immune system, respiration and skin function. It promotes relaxation, physical balance, and the expression of feelings- especially sadness and letting go. This is a nourishing organ involved in the balance of the life force itself.

Negative emotions: grief, sadness

Positive emotions:  courage, acceptance           righteousness

To honor the men & women who have served our country 

Group  Ear Acupuncture is available at

NO COST to Veterans.

Veterans are experiencing benefits such as a full night’s sleep for the first time in years and fewer bad dreams. They are reporting improved mental clarity, less anxiety and a reduction in stress. Acu & Co. is working with AWB t reach out to veterans in the NY area.

The potential of this program is enormous. History has shown that the long term impact of war takes a tremendous toll for decades. By providing free acupuncture treatments to veterans currently returning from war, we can play a part in preventing history from repeating itself, and by providing treatments to veterans from past wars and conflicts, we can be a part in helping mend the psychological wounds of the past.

The beauty of acupuncture is that it is a simple, low-cost modality offering immediate, effective, and easily accessible treatment for large numbers of people. Acupuncture is a tool that can work harmoniously with other more conventional treatment modalities such as counseling and medication.

COMPASSION FATIGUE

You're drained, tapped out, have little energy to give others. We’ve all been there. Usually, after a little break you revive and step back up to the plate but if not.

You may be suffering from Compassion fatigue, also known as a Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder. This term has replaced the more familiar term "burn-out." It refers to a physical, emotional and spiritual fatigue or exhaustion that takes over a person and causes a decline in his or her ability to experience joy or to feel and care for others. Compassion fatigue is a one-way street, in which individuals are giving out a great deal of energy and compassion to others over a period of time, yet aren’t able to get enough back to reassure themselves that the world is a hopeful place. It’s this constant outputting of compassion and caring over time that can lead to these feelings.

Group Acupuncture can help relax and refresh  you.