The ear is the organ of hearing, capable of distinguishing various sounds in nature and maintaining body balance. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the kidney opens up to the ear, and regularly massaging the ears can also have a preventive effect on diseases.
Common Cold
Use your thumb and index finger to press the earlobe on the auricle, focusing on pressing the corresponding acupoints on the external and internal nose, and throat. The pressure should be applied and released with moderate and even force, causing some pain. Do this 10-30 times for each acupoint, alternating between the ears. Repeat this for 4-7 days as one course of treatment. Alternatively, use a blunt wooden stick or matchstick and face a mirror to press the acupoints on the auricle, such as the external nose, earlobe, common cold, and pillow acupoints, to the extent that you can tolerate. This method has a good preventive effect on the common cold, especially for those who are weak and prone to illness.
Insomnia
Use your thumb and index finger to press the tragus, auricular point, and postauricular groove on the auricle, focusing on pressing the Shenmen, dizziness, brain, and insomnia acupoints. Rub and press each acupoint 10-30 times, 2-4 times a day, with particular emphasis on before going to sleep. Alternate between the ears and repeat for 4-7 days as one course of treatment. Alternatively, use a matchstick instead of your fingers to massage. This method has a significant effect on improving sleep, especially when pressed before going to bed, often leading to falling asleep during the massage.
Obesity
Use your thumb and index finger to intersect and press the tragus, helix, intertragic notch, and auricular point on the auricle, focusing on pressing the constipation, large intestine, endocrine, hunger, and adrenal acupoints. Apply moderate and even force with a pressing and releasing motion. Rub and press each acupoint 10-35 times, 3-5 times a day, especially before and after meals. Alternate between the ears and repeat for 4-7 days as one course of treatment. Alternatively, press with a matchstick in front of a mirror, adjusting the pressure to a tolerable level.
Dysmenorrhea
Use your thumb and index finger to intersect and press the tragus, auricular point, and the outer side of the back of the earlobe, focusing on pressing the uterus, ovaries, and perineum acupoints. Apply moderate and even force, rubbing and pressing each acupoint 20-40 times, 3-5 times a day, especially during painful periods. Alternate between the ears.
Ear Care Tips
1. Avoid going to excessively noisy places, such as karaoke bars and nightclubs.
2. When working in a high-noise environment, wear suitable ear protectors and earplugs.
3. If the ear becomes inflamed or there is tinnitus, seek immediate medical attention.
4. When using headphones to listen to CDs, MDs, or MP3s, do not turn the volume up too high.
5. Earwax is a natural secretion that protects the external auditory canal and does not need to be cleaned specifically. Just clean the auricle daily.
Dr. Warm Reminder: When taking a bath or swimming, pay attention to prevent dirty water from entering the ear canal to avoid ear infections. If dirty water enters the ear canal, use a sterilized cotton swab to dry it, and if necessary, disinfect it with a little alcohol.
