Ear Reflexology - What It Can Do For You!

By David-Uriel Ibarra, N.D., CHt, CBT, RMT

March 24, 2014

Ear Reflexology, or Auricular Therapy, is an ancient healing science and art that can be used in conjunction with conventional treatment to obtain relief from a variety of conditions – from general stress to specific disorders. Although this gentle and non-invasive healing art is claimed to have originated in Chinese and Egyptian medicine more than 5,000 years ago, there is no hard evidence of its origins.  The Chinese use Ear Reflexology as a diagnostic and healing treatment to stimulate points on the ear that are believed to correspond to different parts of the body.

Each ear contains a complete reflex map of the body, rich with nerve endings and multiple connectors to the central nervous system.  The head is located in the ear lobe while the legs are located at the opposite end. The eye reflex is where most people have their ears pierced.  In essence, the shape of the entire body can be seen, and is projected, onto the ear.

Ear Reflexology in Modern Times

Modern Ear Reflexology, or "auriculotherapy," is a very sophisticated scientific procedure, which owes much to the studies and research of Dr. Paul Nogier.

In the late 1950s, Dr. Nogier, a French acupuncturist and neurosurgeon, was the first to explore the ear both scientifically and according to Chinese medical principles, and he has done much to revive this almost forgotten branch of Chinese medicine. He published his theories in 1972.

Dr. Nogier’s discovery of the physiological links of the ear to the inverted fetus shape, or human embryo, sparked a wave of intensive research in China, leading to further developments in this fascinating field. To date the vast research undertaken in China has led to the discovery of approximately 200 points on the auricle itself, many of which differ from Dr. Nogier's locations.

The modern practitioner of Ear Reflexology uses a combination of Dr. Nogier's theory and the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, which incorporates the use of ear reflex maps and meridians for appropriate sessions. The popularity of this safe, simple method of working with the body is continuing to grow and become more precise and successful.

World Health Organization (WHO)

In 1982 the World Health Organization (WHO) decided to standardize the ear points. Together with the Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion Association, a number of standard points were formulated. These International Standard Auricular Points (ISAP) of which there are 90, are grouped into four types:

•  Group 1 - Sixty one Points Named after various anatomical parts of the body
•  Group 2 - Twenty Points Named in Accordance with Auricular Anatomy
•  Group 3 - Five Points Named in Accordance with Orthodox Medicine
•  Group 4 - Four Points Named according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

How Does Ear Reflexology Work?

This non-invasive and gentle method of auricular therapy uses finger pressure only to the reflex points rather than using needles like in the practice of acupuncture. It is believed that Ear Reflexology works by stimulating the central nervous system.

Very gentle finger pressure is given to each reflex point on both ears while additional attention is given to specific reflex points relating to your body’s needs.

Tenderness can sometimes be felt on the reflex points, which may lessen as the session progresses. A deep level of relaxation is often experienced following a session.

The Benefits of Ear Reflexology!

The benefits of Ear Reflexology can be enjoyed by those who would like help in supporting a particular aspect of their health or help to maintain good health. Many people also like to receive Ear Reflexology to indulge in much deserved, rest, relaxation and pampering!  Reflexologists cannot claim to cure a condition but do offer Reflexology, to include Ear Reflexology, as a means of supporting both health and well-being.

With my experience as a reflexologist and a Naturopath, I have found that Ear Reflexology can induce a very deep sense of relaxation - very quickly.  A relaxed state of mind and body encourages the body to heal and function much more efficiently, which is why reflexology is so beneficial, particularly to those who are overworked, stressed and tired.

With its soothing qualities, Ear Reflexology can help to ease stress and stress related conditions and:

• Quiet an overactive mind
• Soothe and calm the body
• Reduce anxiety
• Slow and deepen the breath
• Lift your mood
• Induce positivity and vitality

Ear Reflexology can also help to support other aspects of a person's health, such as:

• Tension related headaches
• Poor quality sleep
• Muscular tension

Roundup's Reach: Present in All Tested Human and Animal Samples

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Written By: Sayer Ji

Founder, GreenMedInfo.com

"The presence of glyphosate residues in both humans and animals could haul the entire population towards numerous health hazards, studying the impact of glyphosate residues on health is warranted and the global regulations for the use of glyphosate may have to be re-evaluated."

A newly released study published in Environmental & Analytical Toxicology highlights the chemical dangers associated with the GMO agricultural system, which relies heavily on the herbicide known as glyphosate (aka Roundup), and to which widespread exposure through the environment and our food is increasingly becoming inevitable.

The study titled, "Detection of Glyphosate in Animals and Humans," aimed to investigate glyphosate residues in different biological samples from humans and animals, in order to gain insight into the modern day exposure situation.

The following animal samples were collected:

• Urine from cows kept in GM free areas.
• Organs from slaughtered cows from conventional husbandry (gut wall, liver, kidney, lung and muscles).
• Urine samples from Danish cows.
• Urine samples from hares and fattening rabbits.

The following human samples were collected:

• Urine samples from humans with conventional or organic diets.
• Urine samples from healthy and chronically diseases humans.

All samples were tested, revealing the following positive results:

•  Animal Samples: "Glyphosate excretion in German dairy cows was significantly higher than Danish cows (Figure 1A). Surprisingly, cows kept in GM free region had significantly lower glyphosate concentrations in their urine compared with cows under convention husbandry (Figure 1B). Also glyphosate was detected in different organs of slaughtered cows including intestine, liver, muscles, spleen and kidney (Figure 1C). There were no significant differences of glyphosate residues in these organs. Hares showed significantly lower glyphosate residues in urine than fattening rabbit (Figure 2)."

• Human Samples: "Glyphosate was significantly higher in humans feed conventional feed compared with predominantly organic feed humans (Figure 3). Also the glyphosate residues in urine were grouped according to the human health status. Chronically ill humans had significantly higher glyphosate residues in urine than healthy humans (Figure 2)."

In the discussion portion of the study, the researchers address several key points. 

First, glyphosate exposure is inevitable, due to the way it is used in food production.

Second, very little testing of glyphosate's presumed safety has been performed, despite its global dominance as a preferred herbicide – this despite a growing body of research indicating glyphosate's adverse effects on human health.

Thirdly, they pointed out that beyond detecting glyphosate in intestine, liver, muscle, spleen and kidney tissue of the exposed animal, other research found the chemical accumulates in the bones – which they remarked was not a surprising finding, considering that glyphosate is a strong chelating agent for calcium.

Finally, they discovered a glyphosate concentration of 1 part per billion in people consuming predominantly an organic food diet – significantly lower than found in those consuming a conventional diet.  They also point out that the presence of low levels of glyphosate even within those fed organic food could be attributed to contamination of the air and rain – an issue which we addressed recently in our article, Roundup Weedkiller Found in 75% of Air and Rain Samples, Gov. Study Finds.

The study concluded:

With countries like Sri Lanka and El Salvador moving to ban glyphosate formulations (Roundup) due to its now suspected link to deadly kidney disease in humans, studies like this remind us just how omnipresent the chemical is, and how we can no longer pretend like the issue does not affect us. As long as we continue to support an agricultural system and food industry that relies on a chemical warfare model of non-sustainable production, where every plant or insect must die but the chosen, patented GM one that can withstand the agrichemical onslaught, we will be faced with the consequences: widespread poisoning, and the eventual collapse of the fertility of the soil and the biodiversity of the plants we need to survive.

Conventional Wisdom

Conventional wisdom from the time we are small tells us that if we work hard, we will be more successful, and if we are more successful, then we'll be happy.  If we can just find that great job, win that next promotion, lose those five pounds, happiness will follow.  But recent discoveries in the field of positive psychology have shown that this formula is actually backward: Happiness fuels success, not the other way around.  When we are positive, our brains become more engaged, creative, motivated, energetic, resilient, and productive at work.  This discovery has been repeatedly acknowledged and proven by rigorous research in psychology and neuroscience, management studies and the bottom lines of organizations around the globe. Our words and thoughts are more powerful than we are aware of.

Food for Healing - Pineapples!

Thirst-quenching and cooling, pineapple is a good source of manganese, which can boost men's fertility, and contains significant amounts of vitamin C.  The core contains the proteolytic enzyme bromelain, a powerful anti-inflammatory used to treat bowel and joint problems. It inflammatory and astringent quality makes it a good choice for treating sore throats. The bromelain enzyme is an effective digestive aid, while using the juice as a marinade for meat dishes helps tenderize them, making it easier to digest.

Fresh is best, but fresh frozen also works 

The nutrients and enzymes disappear quickly once cut or cooked.  When ripe, almost to the point of spoilage the fruits antioxidant levels are at their highest.  Eat the core.  Bromelain enzymes concentrate in the fibrous core of the fruit. Juice It! The juice can help lower fever, sore throats, and acts as a natural expectorant.  Put it in a smoothie and get all of the benefits.