The Chinese have been doing it for centuries, as have other Asian cultures. Increasing numbers of Westerners are doing it too. Ear rubbing or ear reflexology that is; massaging of the ears to improve health, calm the emotions and enhance the general sense of well being.
Your ears, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a complete medical system which has developed continuously over at least 2500 years, contain reflexology areas that when stimulated by acupuncture needles or finger pressure influence corresponding body parts. For instance, if you have stomach problems you would stimulate the stomach reflexology area on each ear, for eye problems, the eye reflexology areas.
Anxiety and ear reflexology involves stimulating the heart reflexology areas, because in TCM anxiety and nervousness often relates to the heart. A maximum of three or four points would be selected for any one session, then pressed and rubbed for 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times a day, until symptoms subside.
Another reflexology for anxiety method involves using your thumbs and index fingers to gently grasp, pull and rub the entire surface area of both ears. This is simple to do and very relaxing. Reflexology can also be done on other parts of your body. Often referred to as acupressure, the underlying principles are the same as for reflexology. Check out this how-to guide on anxiety and ear reflexology, which begins with three anxiety acupressure points you can massage on your arms and feet: http://chinese-holistic-health-exercises.com/reflexology-for-anxiety.html
While acupressure, ear reflexology and breathing exercises are safe self-therapies, you should check with your health professional before trying them for the first time.
About the Author
Matthew Scott is a professionally trained Chinese medicine practitioner from Australia, living in China since 2000. Matthew has been doing traditional Chinese health exercises for over 15 years. His website http://chinese-holistic-health-exercises.com offers classic Chinese exercises & techniques to stretch, strengthen, tone, energize, relax & ease pain.