Owing to greater awareness of neuro-stimulation via the ear (as seen in Psychology Today, the BBC News, and Psychiatry Advisor), auricular methods for understanding and treating the body and mind are gaining interest from patients who seek improved wellbeing. 

The human ear is unique in that it receives the major nerve branches. It is a microsystem of the body which projects our somatic and emotional experiences.[1] This auricular microsystem has an extensive medical history and auricular methods are being applied worldwide across many healthcare settings. Neuroscientific research shows the ear to be a neurological map or “window to the brain.”[2][3]

Therapists in the fields of psychology and psychiatry — and other healthcare and wellness practitioners — can easily incorporate this “window to the brain” into their practice because the ear is a tool each patient already brings to every session. Learning how to use that tool can help guide therapy.

Your Client’s Ear: A Physical Access Point

Using the ear as a portal for insight into what is really going on with your patient— and for manual- or electro- neurostimulation or neuromodulation — can uniquely support the work of leading therapists interested in somatic approaches:

• Polyvagal theory as a new paradigm for healthcare
  (Stephen Porges and Stanley Rosenberg)[4]
• Disruption of suspended fight-or-flight response from Dorsal Vagal shutdown
  (Peter Levine)[5]
• Vagal importance in management of emotions
  (Bessel van der Kolk)[6]
• Energy- and resonance-based neurobiology of mind/body/relationships
  (Daniel Siegel)[7]
  
  

Leadership in Auricular Education

In a leading step to present relevant and applicable auricular knowledge that supports and aligns with advancements in the fields of psychology and psychiatry, the Canadian Institute of Auricular Medicine (CIAM) presents components from its longstanding and highly-endorsed core curriculum for continuing education in Auricular Medicine taught in North America since 2003. Therapists now have an approachable and engaging introductory learning resource: How to Access the Emotional and Somatic Experience Mapped by the Brain — Auricular Methods in Psychology.

Register for this learning resource today!

Auricular methods are supporting a variety of practice areas
(modalities in healthcare and wellness) and medical devices
(from prescription devices for patients to
clinical devices used for diagnosis and treatment).

References:

[1] Strittmatter B. Identifying and Treating Blockages to Healing: New Approaches to Therapy-Resistant Patients. Stuttgart, Germany: Thieme; 2004: V.

[2] Agnes, Muriel. Auricular Medicine: Window to the Brain. Blurb, 2018

[3] Mercante B, Deriu F, Rangon CM. Auricular Neuromodulation: The Emerging Concept beyond the Stimulation of Vagus and Trigeminal Nerves. Medicines (Basel). 2018;5(1):10. Published 2018 Jan 21. doi:10.3390/medicines5010010

[4] Rosenberg S. Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve. Berkely, California: North Atlantic Books; 2017:87-93.

[5] Levine P. Walking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. Berkely, California: North Atlantic Books; 1997.

[6] van der Kolk B. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. New York, New York; Penguin Books; 2014.

[7] Siegel D. Pocket Guide to Interpersonal Neurobiology: An Integrative Handbook of the Mind. New York, New York; Norton & Company; 2011.