The whole universe in one auricle
It sounds almost too simple: press a small point on the ear and the back pain eases or the craving for a cigarette disappears. But this is precisely the power of the reflex zones.
In my practice for ear acupuncture in Winterthur, I use your ear as a "keyboard" to send commands to your brain. Whether for stressed managers, crews on stopovers or people who want to finally become smoke-free - the ear offers the fastest access to the autonomic nervous system.
What is ear acupuncture (auriculomedicine)?
The idea that the whole body is reflected in the ear (somatotopy) is an ancient one, but was perfected in the 1950s by the French physician Dr. Paul Nogier. He recognized: The ear resembles an embryo in the womb - the head is at the bottom (earlobe), the spine at the edge.
The ingenious thing is that if an organ (e.g. the stomach) is disturbed, the corresponding point on the ear becomes active. It becomes sensitive to pressure or changes its electrical resistance. I can therefore not only treat but also diagnose via the ear.
Needles, laser or "to go"?
At Fly-TCM, I adapt the technique to your everyday life:
- Fine needles: Are placed during the session (approx. 20 mins). Ideal for deep relaxation.
- Ear seeds: Small, gold-plated magnetic beads or plant seeds that I stick in the ear with an inconspicuous patch. You can wear them for days and stimulate (press) them yourself when you are stressed.
- Permanent needles: Tiny implant needles that remain in the ear for 1-2 weeks and have a permanent effect (often used in addiction therapy).
Areas of application: When is the ear the key?
Auriculotherapy is extremely versatile. I use it particularly frequently in Winterthur for:
1. stress & inner restlessness (NADA protocol)
The world-famous NADA protocol (5 points in the ear) was originally developed to treat addiction, but has a phenomenal effect on burnout, exam anxiety and jet lag. It immediately shuts down the system.
2. smoking cessation & addiction
The "addiction point" and the "lung point" in the ear help to dampen physical cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as nervousness or cravings. The perfect support for your willpower.
3. acute pain
Lumbago, stiff neck or knee problems. As the reflex pathways to the brain are extremely short, relief often occurs spontaneously.
4. hay fever & allergies
The "allergy point" at the tip of the ear can help to calm excessive reactions of the immune system.
Who is this method ideal for?
The ear is the perfect introduction for:
- Anxiety patients & children: ear seeds don't hurt and even look chic.
- Frequent travelers (crews): You simply take the therapy (seeds) on board with you.
- People with little time: An ear session can be carried out very efficiently in 30-45 minutes.
Safety & care
The ear is well supplied with blood, so it heals quickly. Hygiene is extremely important with permanent needles to avoid inflammation. I will explain exactly what you need to look out for and when you should remove a patch. The method is very safe and has few side effects.
Procedure & costs in Winterthur
I often scan your ear with a point locator or probe to find the active points (this can "tweak" briefly). Then we decide together: needles for the resting phase in the practice or seeds for everyday life?
The costs (tariff 590) are generally covered by supplementary insurance for complementary medicine (EMR). For pure smoking cessation packages (without medical indication) please ask me for self-payer prices.
At a glance: Ear acupuncture
- ⏱ Duration: Solo approx. 30-45 min. or as an add-on to body acupuncture.
- 👂 Technique: needles (rest) or seeds/beads (to go).
- ✨ Special feature: NADA protocol for deep relaxation.
- 📍 Location: Fly-TCM practice Winterthur.
- 🎯 Perfect for: Smoking cessation, exam anxiety & quick pain relief.
Take your balance into your own hands.
Book an appointment for ear acupunctureFrequently asked questions
Does it really help to quit smoking?
Acupuncture cannot “ban” you from smoking – you have to have the willpower. But it is an extremely powerful support. It takes away the peaks of physical withdrawal (nervousness, trembling, aggression) and helps you to stay calm at critical moments. I usually recommend 3-5 sessions in the first week without smoking.
How long do the ear seeds/patches stay in?
The small seeds or magnetic beads can easily remain on the ear for 3 to 7 days. They also last in the shower. If they start to itch or the plaster comes off, simply remove them yourself.
The small seeds or magnetic beads can easily remain on the ear for 3 to 7 days. They also last in the shower. If they start to itch or the plaster comes off, simply remove them yourself.
Yes, this is a diagnostic sign. A “healthy” point on the ear does not hurt when pressure is applied. An “active” point (which indicates a disturbed organ) reacts sensitively or with a sharp pain. This shows me exactly where I need to treat. The needle itself is then hardly noticeable.
Can this be combined with normal acupuncture?
Yes, almost always! I often use body acupuncture to lay the foundation and give you ear seeds to take home at the end of the session so that the effect lasts until the next appointment. This is like a “therapy extension”.
Does the health insurance company pay?
Yes, ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy) is a recognized method of TCM and is billed via tariff 590. Supplementary insurance usually covers this. Exception: Pure lifestyle treatments (e.g. weight loss without a medical reason) are sometimes gray areas, we will be happy to advise you on this.
