Auricular Therapy is a highly focused, evidence-informed technique that uses the ear as a microsystem reflecting the entire body. By gently stimulating precise points on the outer ear, we can directly influence the central nervous system to regulate stress, calm emotions, and restore balance.
Grounded in both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern neurophysiology, this therapy is your key to deep-level nervous system regulation and sustainable wellness.
I tailor treatments to your unique needs, promoting balance and overall well-being. Experience the transformative power of this ancient practice.
Since 2018 I have trained in different microsystem modalities such as for Stress, Poor sleep and Anxiety. Most recently the NADA protocol for Addictions, Substance misuse, Pain relief, Weight loss and many others.
I tailor the treatment to your comfort level and needs:
Auricular Acupuncture: Uses ultra-fine, single-use sterile needles for precise, gentle stimulation of ear points.
Auriculotherapy (Acuseeds): A non-invasive, needle-free alternative using tiny natural Vaccaria seeds or metal pellets. The seeds are placed on ear points and gently stimulate the reflex zones through light, sustained pressure.
Most clients report a feeling of deep relaxation and calm during a session as the body shifts toward balance.
Personalized Assessment: We begin with a visual check of your ears and a detailed discussion about your health goals and problem areas, whether it’s managing musculoskeletal pain, digestive issues, or anxiety.
Targeted Treatment: You’ll receive an individualized ear acupuncture treatment. We use gentle techniques to stimulate specific points on your ear that correspond to the areas of your body needing support.
Maximum Benefit: The session is tailored to your needs, from stress reduction and improved sleep to anxiety relief and addiction recovery, with the goal of inducing deep relaxation and maximizing your body’s natural healing response.
Find answers to common questions about auricular acupuncture
A gentle technique using ear points to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support healing.
Ear Acupuncture is based on Acupuncture Theory where a single part (the ear) is used to treat the whole body. It is originally based on ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture (over 4000 years ago) and has been developed in modern Europe. In particular, Dr Paul Nogier, a French neurologist in 1957 evolved the concept that specific parts of the body can be anatomically mapped and projected onto the ear in the form of an inverted foetus. There are over 200 known acupuncture points on the ears.
I tailor the treatment to your comfort level and needs:
Auricular Acupuncture: Uses ultra-fine, single-use sterile needles for precise, gentle stimulation of ear points.
Auriculotherapy (Acuseeds): A non-invasive, needle-free alternative using tiny natural Vaccaria seeds or metal pellets. The seeds are placed on ear points and gently stimulate the reflex zones through light, sustained pressure.
Most clients report a feeling of deep relaxation and calm during a session as the body shifts toward balance.
MTAT ear acupuncturists are trained to a high standard and observe a code of conduct published by British Acupuncture Council. Nuno Anna is also registered with Yuan TMC Ear Acupuncture Register and appears on Federation of Holistic Therapist Complementary Healthcare Therapist Register, which has been approved by the Professional Standards Authority, under its Accredited Registers programme.
Only single use sterile disposable needles meeting EU standards are used during treatment and they are removed and disposed of carefully into a sharps bin. The ear, which is more prone to infection during acupuncture than the body, is cleaned with an antibacterial wipe before treatment. Treatment room facilities, equipment used and hand washing procedure are carried out to be as microbiologically sterile as possible.
While a single session can offer immediate relief and a sense of calm, Auricular Therapy is most powerful when used as a clinical course of treatment.
Our goal is not just temporary relief, but to achieve a central nervous system reset that establishes new, positive neural pathways for lasting change.
| Phase |
Recommendation |
Rationale for Long-Term Success |
| Initial Course |
Weekly treatments are the standard. For acute or severe circumstances (e.g., intense stress, withdrawal, or deep trauma), daily treatments may be recommended for an initial period to stabilize the system quickly. |
Consistent, repeated stimulation retrains the nervous system, helping the body “unlearn” old stress responses and build new pathways toward well-being. |
| Booster Sessions | Following the initial course, booster sessions are highly recommended. | These check-ins maintain the system’s new balance, reinforce positive changes in mood and behavior, and prevent a relapse into old stress patterns. |
The benefit is cumulative: While some clients notice changes in mood, sleep, or focus after just a few sessions, the most profound and sustainable improvements emerge as your system re-regulates over time.
Ear acupuncture may be used as a stand-alone treatment, or more commonly alongside usual care in conventional treatment. It is thought ear acupuncture works by affecting nerve impulses and the central nervous system (modern Western perspective) or the idea that ‘qi’ (vital energy) travels around the body along ‘meridians’ which the acupuncture points affect (ancient Oriental view.) Ear acupuncture seems to have a beneficial effect on the health of some individuals who often report an improved sense of wellbeing, sleep and relaxation. Acupuncture is known to affect most of the body’s systems and certain ear acupuncture protocols have an empirical base supporting their effectiveness. Systematic reviews carried out by Cochrane Collaboration have found some evidence for ear acupuncture include:
The treatment is quick and simple, using very fine single sterile disposal needles.
Up to about 5 needles are placed in each ear for about 30-45 minutes whilst you sit and rest.
The treatment requires no removal of clothing other than being able to access the ears.
The treatment may be conducted on an individual basis or is just as effective in a group setting. It’s cost effective (compared with most drug therapy.)
It’s best to make sure you have eaten before a treatment and participate in a pre-treatment consultation.
After your treatment you are advised to minimise stimulating products (such as caffeine) and avoid heavy exercise.
There are very few contra-indications to receiving auricular acupuncture. However, it is important that you inform your practitioner if you are:
Acupuncture is not often described as a painful treatment. A brief sharp sensation is sometimes felt as the needle penetrates the skin; some points tend to be more sensitive than others. This sensation is unique to each individual.
Ear Acupuncture is considered to be a safe treatment with very few side effects. Serious side effects are very rare – less than 1 per 10,000. On occasion there may be:
