What is permanent acupuncture, why there is nothing to fear about it, and what is the use of it

In summer we usually have more free time to spend not only on entertainment but also on treatment. However, not all types of treatment are time-consuming, some of them can be taken all year round. Today we are going to talk about such method of health improvement, as acupuncture, and in particular, permanent auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture).
We asked experts of the Center for Neuro-Regenerative medicine to explain what acupuncture is, whether we need it, and how to live having a small needle in your ear.

How did acupuncture appear and has it changed over time

Acupuncture appeared around 5 thousand years ago and arose from observation of nature, human condition and energy. Each organ of the human body has its own energy, the principle of acupuncture is to balance Yin and Yang energies.Acupuncture is an effective method; it is still practiced in Asia. Since inception of acupuncture only materials have changed over time, methodology or principles have remained the same. With the development of technology and science the quality of materials has changed (now we use gold and silver to produce needles, and use electroacupuncture, as well).

Permanent auriculotherapy is the method, when acupuncture needles are permanently implanted into the ear. Does this specific piercing disturb normal life?

The method was discovered and developed by German neurologist  in 2001, as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease. This advanced method combines ancient knowledge with modern technologies.  After much research he came to the conclusion that the implants promote continuous production of substances that stimulate the production of dopamine (neurochemical of happiness) in the brain and lead to improvement in the symptoms of various neurological diseases.The method is based on auriculotherapy (ear acupuncture). Medical experts know over 330 ear acupoints, some of them were discovered by Doctor. He has discovered that stimulation of certain acupoints can affect the black substance of the brain (substantia nigra) for treatment of such diseases as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, restless legs syndrome, senile sclerosis, etc. To do this, mini titanium needles («permanent needles») are implanted under the skin cover of the auricle, which is connected with the brain through numerous nerve endings.

The needles stimulate acupoints, leading to regeneration of brain cells. This fact is proved by scanning the brain during medical research. In case of Parkinson’s disease, the production of dopamine in the area of substantia nigra is stimulated by a constant nervous stimulus.

Can acupuncture be combined with traditional treatment?

Yes, but it varies on an individual basis. The purpose of «permanent needle» method is to achieve

a full recovery of the patient. For example, during the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, after the procedure of permanent auriculotherapy dose of medication can be reduced gradually. Drug therapy should go hand in hand with acupuncture treatment, especially during the time just after the implantation. Later on, patient should notify his neurologist about medication dose reduction.In general, acupuncture is well tolerated, when accompanied by drug therapy. At the same time in case of improvement of patient’s condition (for example, in the case of elevated blood pressure), complete refusal of medication is possible. However, it is better not to stop taking medications abruptly and completely. First, there must be a significant improvement in the condition after the permanent needles therapy. Only after this, refusal of medication is possible.

Why shouldn’t we fear such treatment?

Due to the fact that implant needles boost body defenses, there are no special side effects. Acupuncture causes only natural balance recovery.

What is the time frame of the treatment?

Patient needs only one session of auriculotherapy, needles remain in the ear forever.

What are the contraindications for acupuncture?

There are no contraindications. It is not recommended to undergo the procedure during pregnancy, to avoid unnecessary risk.

How long does the procedure last?

The procedure takes 2-3 hours. The needles do not interfere with normal life. They cannot even be noticed after being implanted into the ear. Their presence is felt only with palpation.

How to prepare for the procedure?

A therapy session at our center begins with detailed examination of the disease history. Patient is thoroughly interviewed and doctor develops an individual therapeutic plan, calculating the number of implants necessary to achieve the optimal result.

Will acupuncture affect the established rhythm of life?

To some extent, permanent auriculotherapy could be a panacea for neurological diseases. At the same time, such treatment does not affect your way of life and it does not take much time to implant the «permanent needles» in the ear during only one session. The procedure is not recommended only for pregnant women, there are no other contraindications. So there is no reason to refuse external stimulation of nerve endings, which has positive effect on our health and helps to produce the hormone of happiness.