Auricular Acupuncture - What is it?
What is it?
Auricular acupuncture is acupuncture that is utilized on the ear. There are multiple maps that can be used, but the predominant map of points is based on the homunculus theory. The homunculus theory shows a map based off the neurological distribution in the body, and is displayed as an overlay of an upside “infant” with large hands, feet, and head. The essence of the homunculus theory is that there is a greater quantity of nerves distributed to areas of the body that are used to interact with the world around us - hands, feet, head/face/sensory orifices, and genitals. While the homunculus theory was originally related to psychological development, it was Paul Nogier who applied it to auricular acupuncture practices in the mid to late twentieth century.
(The History of Ear Acupuncture and Ear Cartography: Why Precise Mapping of Auricular Points Is Important)History
There is an approximately 2500 year history of auricular acupuncture other related practices in Europe and East Asia, with advances as recent as the early 2000’s.* Auricular acupuncture is often thought of as a second line type of treatment; though in recent history, it has taken a much more primary focus in several ways, which can be seen below.
*(The History, Mechanism, and Clinical Application of Auricular Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine)
What is it good for?
In a word: Everything. Now, the caveat: Auricular acupuncture, like all interventions, is not a magic bullet. But it can help, to some extent, with just about anything. Auricular acupuncture can be used to treat the following: Chronic and acute pain - physical and otherwise, menstrual pain and dysfunction, addiction, digestive dysfunction, “fight or flight,” anxiety, depression, and so much more.
(Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture: What it Can Help With)
NADA and Battlefield Protocols
Two of the most predominant styles of auricular acupuncture are NADA and Battlefield Acupuncture. NADA - which is short for National Acupuncture Detoxification Association, is a style developed in the 70’s through the efforts of the Black Panthers and the Young Lords, alongside the Chinese American community.
(The Enduring Legacy of the NADA Protocol)
(National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) The protocol was put together to help the black community treat issues with drug addiction at the time. And it has been found to be applicable in many other areas of life and health since then. The Battlefield Acupuncture protocol was designed and implemented to help members of the military get out of serious chronic and acute pain, effectively stabilizing them to receive further treatment.* The Battlefield Acupuncture and NADA protocols have been used to great effect at Grove Wellness Center.
*(Battlefield Acupuncture Seminars | Washington DC)
(Battlefield acupuncture)
Auricular acupuncture therapy can be used as a gentle yet powerful support tool for LGBTQ+ individuals navigating stress, anxiety, and the complex journey of gender-affirming care such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and transition-related surgeries. The emotional and physical toll of these experiences—combined with societal pressures and identity-related stress—can be intense. Auricular therapy offers a relatively non-invasive, holistic approach that helps regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and support emotional resilience. Additionally, during post-surgical recovery, it may aid in managing pain, promoting relaxation, and enhancing the body’s natural healing response. By stimulating specific ear points connected to hormonal, emotional, and pain-regulation pathways, this therapy provides a grounding sense of calm and support—making it a valuable complementary practice during every stage of transition and healing.
And here’s the kicker: If patients are unable to receive needles, for whatever reason, both protocols work just as well with ear seeds. Ear seeds are typically vaccaria seeds that have been processed so they won’t germinate; though metal bearings and sometimes magnets are used.
Microneedling
Microneedling is another service that can be utilized in a gender-affirming manner. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, can be used to decrease surgical scars and increase blood flow to areas of the face, scalp, and neck where there is thinning of the hair. This is a phenomenal way to help reduce the appearance of surgical and acne scars, and potentially encourage hair growth on the face and scalp.