Acupuncture
Ear acupuncture RAC in Lugano
Ear acupuncture, or auricular acupuncture, is auriculomedicine with Nogier reflex control (RAC): points are identified on the outer ear. Useful in chronic pain. Also with long-acting absorbable needles (Templantat).
- A map of the ear: each body region has a point on the pinna
- RAC pulse check to choose the points
- Fine needles, laser, pressure, or absorbable Templantat needles
How the ear is stimulated
The map
It is a technique of traditional Chinese medicine, and also of modern reflexology, based on the idea that the ear represents a map of the body. Stimulating the points can influence organs, functions and emotional states, within auriculomedicine.
The stimuli
Very fine needles, laser or manual pressure, and in chronic pictures long-acting absorbable needles. Seeds fixed with plasters or metal microspheres are also used.
When we use it
Chronic pain (back, neck, migraine), anxiety and stress, sleep, support in weight pathways, gastrointestinal complaints.
Body acupuncture
Points on the pinna do not replace needles on the meridians. That technique is on the classical acupuncture page.
The RAC check
The auriculo-cardiac reflex
According to Nogier's method, minimal physical stimuli on the points change the tone of the autonomic nervous system and the pulse wave: the points are chosen on that reading.
How it is checked
The check uses laser devices, high frequency, electric dipoles and a range of test substances. It is done at the visit.
Templantat
In chronic disease, absorbable ear needles (Templantat) of organic lactic-acid material can be used. The body resorbs them with no residue, over a period from 3 months to 5 years depending on the needle type.
How it is tolerated
As with body needles, a small bleed or bruise can appear at the site. Say so at the visit if you take anticoagulants, if you are pregnant, or if you have a pacemaker.
Frequently asked questions
What is ear acupuncture?
It is auricular acupuncture: points on the outer ear are stimulated with very fine needles, laser or pressure, based on the idea that the ear is a map of the body. Here the points are chosen with the RAC pulse check, during the visit.
What is the RAC check?
A pulse reading according to Nogier's method: minimal stimuli on the ear change the pulse wave, and the points are chosen on that reading.
Do needles stay in the ear?
Session needles can be used, or, in chronic pictures, absorbable Templantat needles that keep the stimulus from 3 months to 5 years depending on type.
Is it painful?
Ear needles are very fine. Laser and pressure are without a puncture.
Is it covered by insurance?
The physician holds the RME quality label for acupuncture and Chinese medicine, and in Ticino the practice bills complementary insurers: with complementary insurance, under certain conditions, the treatment can be reimbursed. Patients with basic insurance only receive a clear cost estimate at the visit and pay directly. For acupuncture, the doctor is also recognised by Visana (ZSR number V272164, listed in Visana's therapist list): patients with Visana complementary-medicine insurance can be reimbursed according to their policy.
Scientific sources
- Vickers AJ, et al. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. J Pain. 2018;19:455–474. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005
- Yeh CH, et al. Efficacy of auricular therapy for pain management: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014;2014:934670. doi:10.1155/2014/934670
- Witt CM, et al. Safety of acupuncture: results of a prospective observational study with 229,230 patients and introduction of a medical information and consent form. Forsch Komplementmed. 2009;16:91–97. doi:10.1159/000209315
Related treatments
This therapy is part of Acupuncture.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
For musculoskeletal pain the practice follows several routes, often combined. The specialist visit, with ultrasound when needed, clarifies which one is indicated in your case.
Rheumatology
Diagnosis and treatment plan: the first visit when the pain is in the joints, back or tendons.
Interventional pain therapy
Ultrasound-guided injections of joints and soft tissues, with hyaluronic acid or PRP when indicated.
PRP for joints and tendons
Plasma prepared from the patient's own blood and injected into tendons and joints.
Laser therapy
Laser light applied locally, in the joint or in the bloodstream, without drugs.
The information on this page is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. The indication, expected benefits and risks of every treatment are assessed individually during the specialist consultation.
Let's assess RAC ear acupuncture together
Indication and stimulus type (needle, laser, Templantat) are defined after the specialist consultation.
We accept referrals and second-opinion requests from your physician, via HIN. dr.djordjevic@hin.ch
How to reach us
In Lugano, a short walk from USI and EOC
The practice is centrally located in Italian-speaking Switzerland, also reachable by car and by train from Mendrisio, Bellinzona, Locarno and Chiasso.
By car: the practice's own car park is right in front. By public transport: a short walk from USI.
Address
Via Alessandro Volta 1
6900 Lugano
Opening hours
Monday–Friday 08:00–16:30
Saturday and Sunday closed
Phone
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