Long-Term Effects of Auricular Medicine – A Key to the Future of Preventive Medicine?

Auricular medicine, based on the concept that the ear reflects the entire body, has gained recognition for treating various conditions through targeted acupuncture. Despite documented short-term benefits, such as pain relief and nervous system regulation, research into its long-term effects is limited. This editorial discusses the need for further long-term studies to explore whether regular auricular acupuncture can offer sustained health benefits and serve a preventive role. It summarizes two studies: one on auricular therapy with magnetic pearls for elderly insomnia and another on frequency-controlled ear acupuncture for COVID-19-related olfactory dysfunction. Both studies suggest potential benefits, underscoring the importance of continued research to fully understand and harness auricular medicine’s preventive and therapeutic potential.