Introduction

Integration

Phase 1

Phase 2

Phase 3

Phase 4

Phase 5

Phase 6

Phase 7

Phase 8

Neuro-auricular modulation is the alteration of nerve activity through targeted stimulation (i.e. using manual stimulation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, a needle, or a low-level therapeutic laser). This non-invasive form of neuromodulation is applied to the outer ear with the goal of helping regulate (restore balance) physiological and psychological function. Targets are identified by imbalances in electrodermal activity (EDA) on the microsystem of the outer ear.

EDA is understood as an objective measure of patho-physiological/-psychological disturbance.^[1-15] By assessing EDA on the auricular microsystem — the most representative somatotopic projection of neural reflex zones as recognized by the World Health Organization^[16] — therapists can efficiently identify, measure, and compare the relative importance of physical and psychological disturbances.^[17-28] These disturbances can then be regulated with neuro-auricular modulation.^[24-28] The effectiveness of which, in turn, can again be measured by EDA.

Using EDA and neuro-auricular modulation, therapists can resolve 3 key challenges in therapy with greater insight, objective measure, and confidence:

Move Beyond Defense Mechanisms | Whether general resistance to therapy, a lack of necessary dual attention, or even sever dissociation, EDA measures of disruption help the therapist target specific physiological and psychological neural states requiring attention. These dysregulated neural states can then be modulated to support rebalancing and self-regulation.
Insight for More Precise Targeting | Using EDA as an objective measure of the relative importance of underlying issues, therapists can use the auricular microsystem as a dynamic window to the brain to support more precise targeting.
Bypass blocks for improved processing | Neuro-auricular modulation can activate the same mechanisms of action activated by bilateral stimulation (BLS) without the need for pre-frontal cortex involvement.

Auricular Methods are founded in the medical approach that uses the microsystem of the ear for clinical assessment, based on electrodermal activity (EDA), as well as for treatment of mind and body via neuro-auricular modulation^[17-28] — and is used in the advanced practice of Auricular Medicine by over 20,000 medical doctors in Germany, Switzerland and Austria alone, especially in cases of therapy resistance.^[26-27] Neuro-auricular modulation techniques (e.g. Auricular Methods) are not meant to change, or replace, any aspect of EMDR practice. Rather, they are presented as an adjunct tool to be used independently yet alongside an EMDR session.

The concept underlying EDA and neuro-auricular modulation for assessment and treatment is based in the central nervous system being at the core of the regulation of energy homeostasis,^[29] and that healthy energy homeostasis can become disturbed or blocked by disrupted neural states.^[17-28] These concepts align with the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model and the use of EMDR to unblock the disrupted neural states of “dysfunctional stored experience.”^[32-33] In fact, owing to it basis in the mechanisms of action of bilateral stimulation (BLS), EMDR can also be considered a means of neuromodulation. Neuro-auricular modulation and EMDR share neurological mechanisms of action,^{[18, 30]} however the former does so without the need for pre-frontal cortex involvement — which is why auricular neuromodulation is so effective in priming the autonomic nervous system to receive therapy, even when the challenge of defense mechanisms would otherwise prevent it. And, all the while, the use of clinical devices to measure EDA remains an underutilized opportunity in the field of psychotherapy.

This eBook means to introduce use cases for the application of Auricular Methods without changing any aspect of the 8-phase EMDR approach — just as Auricular Methods are used to improve, but not necessarily change, clinical outcomes in many other fields of practice across healthcare and medical research.

Auricular Methods can be used in phase 1, and even prior to phase 1, to help...

improve client insight
show immediate relevant understanding
build trust & rapport

An assessment of the ears of the client by a therapist with simple training in the auricular microsystem (see resources below) offers immediate insights to the dynamic and current brain mapping of the client (as projected onto the microsystem of the ear). This understanding of specific active neural states, and imbalances, has the distinct benefit of quickly and effectively identifying very specific somatic and emotional issues — especially those beyond the consciousness or willingness of the client to address. This immediate connection through understanding of the client is effective in establishing and quickly building trust and rapport in the therapist-client relationship.