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| - Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that many ear problems are a sign of kidney problems, and these can be dealt with by rubbing the ears or practising ear exercises. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Half true.
The Claim
In a Facebook reel, a woman says, “Did you know that in traditional Chinese medicine, the kidney is the powerhouse of our body?” She further states, “A lot of ear problems actually are a sign that your kidney’s energy needs extra support. Practice these four steps – your body will receive unexpected results.” The video gained more than 46.3k likes and 10k shares.
Fact Check
What is auricular therapy?
In Chinese medicine, the practice of massaging ears is known as “auricular therapy“ It is a type of alternative medicine that involves stimulating specific points on the ear using various techniques, such as massage, acupuncture, or acupressure. Auricular therapy is believed to treat a wide range of conditions, such as pain, stress, anxiety, insomnia, addiction, and digestive problems. The specific points to be stimulated and the techniques used depend on the individual’s condition and the practitioner’s diagnosis.
Do ear exercises improve kidney function?
Not exactly. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that ear exercises can improve kidney function. While certain lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol, can help to promote kidney health, there is no evidence to suggest that auriculotherapy alone can improve kidney function.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidney is believed to be the powerhouse of the body, supplying reserve energy to any organ running low on Qi. The practitioners believe that the kidney stores reserve energy called “prenatal Qi” and when another organ is low on energy, the Kidney sends it an extra Qi boost from this inheritance. However, while traditional Chinese medicine and other alternative medical practices may suggest that certain ear exercises can improve the flow of energy to the kidneys and other organs, there is no empirical evidence to confirm these claims.
Senior Physiotherapist Upma Lal informs, “A gentle pull and rub of the ear stimulate the nerve endings which can produce endorphins. It is a feel good hormone that helps in relieving pain. Ear massage can boost blood circulation and affects brain to relieve stress. From medical point-of-view, proper health preliminary test should be done for kidney and if tests are in normal range then only rubbing ears might be useful for good health including kidney.”
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends that one can protect their kidneys by preventing or managing health conditions that cause kidney damage, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. In order to maintain good kidney health, one should get tested yearly, make lifestyle changes, take medicine as needed, and see their healthcare team regularly.
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