Ear massage is a natural, easy way to support our health and mental calmness.
Our ears are endlessly fascinating and may just be the roadmap to our organs.
In this post, I explain ear massage, the benefits of ear massage, the uniqueness of ear massage. And give you natural, easy, self-care technique to relieve stress, decrease anxiety, increase focus and increase concentration.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, our ears are believed to be linked to the internal organs of the body and the musculoskeletal system (see Diagram).
Acupuncturists work with these acupuncture points (sometimes referred to as reflex points) to ease health problems, relieve pain, reduce stress and even treat addiction.
The External Ear – Did You Know?
Our ears grow throughout our entire lifetime beginning in the womb and until the end of life.
Like our fingerprints, our ears are unique to each of us.
Ears can be an amazing indicator of health imbalances.
Our ears get crushed and tired from being slept upon, usage of cell phones, earbuds, and headphones.
An Acupuncturist Mom
My mom, Dr. Jan, is an Acupuncturist and Doctor or Oriental Medicine in Colorado.
I have witnessed personally and for others how working with the acupuncture points of the ears have improved health, reduced stress and anxiety, alleviated pain, and enhanced health.
I practice self-ear massage daily. When massaging my ears while sitting at my desk I increase my concentration or relieve the stress of over-thinking and to relax into my work.
Further, I practice self-ear massage in bed at night to quiet my mind when over-thinking.
Benefits of Ear Massage
- Releases brain endorphins – peptides that activate the body’s opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect. Mmmm happy place.
- Stimulates energy points assisting with focus and concentration.
- Connects gently with internal organs similar to foot reflexology.
- Boosts immune cells.
- Relaxes the body, relieves stress and anxiety.
- Improves circulation.
- May relieve certain types of headaches, especially tension and stress headaches.
- Ear massage is enjoyable, stimulating and relaxing to the mind all at the same time.
Massaging Your Ears
Don’t worry about the exact points or techniques. You’ll find what feels good.
Sensitive and tender areas of the ear may indicate disharmony. Check with your DOM if any concerns.
Practice ear massage daily if you like – at your desk, during a break, watching television, working on the computer, in bed before sleep, in bed when you cannot sleep.
Warm sesame seed oil or coconut oil is a nice treat. Essential oils can be used but use sparingly as the ears are sensitive and incredibly receptive to essential oils.
Ear Massage Technique to Relieve Stress and Anxiety
- Cup your palms over both of your ears.
- Close your eyes. Drop your shoulders.
- While deep breathing, moderately move the hands in a smooth circular movement, rubbing the external area of the ears using your palms.
- Repeat in the opposite direction.
This technique helps you to disconnect and calms the mind and body.
Ear Massage Technique for Overthinking
- Gently grab both earlobes between your thumb and index fingers.
- Massage both earlobes in a circular motion. Clockwise, counterclockwise.
The right ear lobe affects the left brain and pituitary gland stimulation. The left ear lobe affects the right brain and pineal gland stimulation.
The Ear Massage Technique for Alleviating Tension
With your index finger, use small, soft, circular motions beginning on the inside of the upper ear and moving down slowly to the entrance to the ear canal.
How to Improve Overall Focus and Attention
- Gently unroll the outer rolled area of your ears with your thumb and index finger.
- Start at the inside top of the ear and continue unrolling the fold to the bottom of the ear.
- Do this at least three times on each ear. Individually or together.
This technique feels great on ears that have been confined due to cell phone use, headphone use and that have been crumpled during sleep.
Increase Blood Flow and Energy
- Rub ears all over to increase blood flow and to increase energy when fatigued, tired and stressed.
- Massage with thumb and index finger the creases, the middle area, the edges.
No right or wrong.
Technique when Multitasking and Changing Activities
Massage and pull earlobes down 6 times in-between tasks to change thinking from old to new.
Give Ear Massage a Try and Learn More
Ear massage is a daily practice for me and I trust this information has inspired you to give it a try.
I encourage you to learn more about ear massage, the ear reflex points, acupuncture, and Chinese medicine as a tool for your health, improvement, and comfort.