You don't need to have ear anatomy skills to read an ear reflexology map. The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined a series of 90 standard reflex points located in the area of the outer ear, corresponding to the internal organs and the musculoskeletal system. The practice of reflexology has been found to be effective in the treatment of pain, stress, depression and other ailments. Learning to read a reflexology map can help you locate specific reflex points that are in the ear area, so you can practice a reflexology massage that can relieve pain and improve your emotional state.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Read a Physical Map of Auricular Reflexology
Step 1. Get an online ear reflexology map (you can also refer to a map attached to a book)
To learn how to read an ear reflexology map, you will need to have one on hand to consult that is reliable. You can easily find one online, or you can use one attached to a reflexology manual. If you want to get the most out of it, get a poster-sized map. There are 90 standard reflex points located on the ear, which is why reading a map that is too small can present problems.
Step 2. Study the pattern of the reflected points on the ear map
You will see a logical pattern of the reflex points located at the various areas of the ear. The reflex points are located on the outer ear, outside the ear canal and at the lobe. The reflex points corresponding to the internal organs are located inside the ear canal.
To make it easier for you, you can imagine the ear as a representation of the human being upside down. The correspondence between the reflex points and the various parts of the body can be clearer if you think of the ear as a person upside down in the fetal position. The lower part of the ear (the lobe) corresponds to the head and neck, while the middle one corresponds to the internal organs. Finally, the upper ear zone corresponds to the lower parts of the body, such as the anus, legs and feet
Step 3. Identify specific areas within the macro-areas
Many maps are color-coded: areas of the map marked with a certain color indicate specific body parts, which you can stimulate with reflexology massage. If you want to identify the reflex point that corresponds to a certain organ, try comparing the shape of your ear with the one drawn on the map in the mirror.
Method 2 of 3: Read an Auricular Reflexology Emotional Map
Step 1. Learn to identify the "emotional spots" on the ear reflexology map
Holistic medicine argues that we are more than a collection of organs, as the human body is a complex system of interrelated elements. For this reason, it is believed that certain emotions correspond to some reflex points located on the ear. Identifying these points can also help you learn how to read your ear reflexology map.
Step 2. Identify the points associated with empathy, guilt, and self-pity
Empathy, guilt, and self-pity are located on the outer side of the ear, roughly halfway up.
Step 3. Identify the points associated with depression and oppression
The points associated with depression and oppression are located on the top of the external auricle. Consider massaging this area if you have been feeling sad lately, or if you feel like "you have too much meat on the fire" right now.
Step 4. Identify the points associated with feelings of anger, fear and self-expression
The points associated with feelings of anger and fear and problems expressing oneself are located behind the ear canal, in the center of the ear. Consider massaging this area if you have been feeling anger or fear lately and have a hard time expressing your feelings or saying what you think.
Step 5. The center of affectivity and availability towards others is located in correspondence with the lobes
The lobe is the point of the ear corresponding to affectivity and availability towards others. It is the easiest point to spot and probably the easiest to stimulate. Consider massaging this point if you want to become more affectionate and affable.
Method 3 of 3: Practice an Auricular Reflexology Massage
Step 1. Get into a comfortable position
If your mood is relaxed, the massage will be more effective. Get into a comfortable position and keep your head propped up on a pillow or two. Listening to soothing music or lighting a scented candle may also help while practicing the massage.
Step 2. Start with the lobes
Starting from the lobes, gently massage the outer side of the ear with your thumb, gradually moving up to the top. Continue pressing and turning the lobe between the thumb, index and middle fingers for 4-5 seconds. This treatment can help relieve pain or tension in the head and neck.
Repeat this treatment three times
Step 3. Move to the middle and upper part of the outer ear
Work your way up the outer ear by pressing and rolling the skin between your thumb, index, and middle finger for 4-5 seconds. This massage treats the region corresponding to the shoulders, elbows, wrists, feet and ankles.
Repeat this treatment three times
Step 4. Move to the cavity located just inside the outer ear, near the upper edge
Using your index finger, massage this area in circular motions. Massage this area for 3-5 seconds, at the same time descending towards the base of the cavity. This massage treats the region corresponding to the neck, hips, knees, back, spine and part of the pelvis.
Repeat this treatment three times
Step 5. Work on the ear canal
Then use the tip of your index finger to gently press all around the ear canal area. DO NOT insert your finger into the ear canal. Gently press the area three times while moving your index finger all around the ear canal at the same time. Then move to the point where the lobe and jaw meet and press it gently three times. This massage treats the region that corresponds to the internal organs.
Step 6. Finally, pull your ear up
The last step is to hook the central fold of the ear (the antelice) with the thumb and gently pull the ear upwards three times. This final "ear pull" helps improve circulation and concludes the massage.
