Auricular Therapy for Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
This involves needling points in the ear that correspond to different organ systems inside the body. The Vital Axis states: "The three yang meridians of arm and three yang meridians of leg all run through the ears. Although there are no direct links between the six yin meridians and the ears, they have branches to communicate with the six yin meridians. Thus, it can be said that the ears are an important pivot for the meridians to communicate with each other."
According to modern TCM experience, the points on the auricles are just like a fetus with the head downward and the buttocks upward. The ear lobules are related to the head and facial regions; the scapha is related to the upper limbs; the antihelix and its two curves are related to the trunk and lower links. Please click to see the distribution of auricular points.
A. Endocrine B. Shen-men C. Internal genitalia
According to modern TCM experience, the points on the auricles are just like a fetus with the head downward and the buttocks upward. The ear lobules are related to the head and facial regions; the scapha is related to the upper limbs; the antihelix and its two curves are related to the trunk and lower links. Please click to see the distribution of auricular points.
The ear points can be needled with conventional needles, sometimes, small seeds or specialized "press" needles are used too. Each time three to five points are selected and different stimulating techniques are applied on them.
The usual auricular points for PMS symptoms are below:
1. Mood Swings
Selected points include the heart, brain, forehead, occiput and brainstem.
2. Breast Tenderness
Selected points include the internal genitalia, ovary, intertragus, kidney, breast and chest. It is suggested using needle stimulation, and needle retention for 15 minutes.
3. Headache
Selected points include the forehead, occiput, middle border, internal genitalia, ovary, kidney, intertragus and brain. It is suggested using needle stimulation and reducing techniques.
4. Puffiness
Selected points include the spleen, lung, kidney, triple burner and intertragus. Use even stimulation and needle retention for 15 to 30 minutes.
5. Mouth Sores
Blood-letting method takes place in the ear apex.
6. Hives
Selected points include the lung, infratragic apex and shen men; needle stimulation, reducing techniques and needle retention for 20 to 30 minutes.
A Simple Protocol for Abdominal Cramps
Selected points: endocrine, internal genitalia and shen men.
Applications: apply 5 days before menstruation; use magnetic bead pads on the above points on one of the ears. The individual should press and rub the pads 5 times per day, each time lasting for 2 minutes. The pads can remain on the ear for 4 days, and then repeat the procedures on the other side for 4 days.
A. Endocrine B. Shen-men C. Internal genitalia
