Call for Case Study Participants!
IntegraTouch Neuromuscular Therapy is testing a new auriculotherapy protocol for loss of smell and taste sensations as a result of COVID-19. Preliminary results are promising, with participants so far beginning to regain some sensation within 4-5 days of placement. However, the current pool of participants is currently quite small, and of course a wide range of results is expected. Therefore we are urgently looking for more study participants!
Details
Type of treatment: Auriculotherapy using EarSeeds
Number of treatments: 3 or 6
Length of study: Approximately 6 weeks (~1 treatment per week)
Length of treatment session: Approximately 20-30 minutes
Cost of treatment: $75 for 3, $150 for 6 (treatment offered at significant discount)
To qualify for this treatment, participants must have partial or total loss of smell and/or taste as a result of having had COVID-19, must be aged 18 or older, must not currently have COVID-19, must not currently have any cold/flu symptoms or any active or contagious upper respiratory diseases, must not be taking any cold/flu/allergy medications, and must not currently be receiving another treatment for loss of smell/taste. Participants will be required to provide consent for treatment, fill out health history forms, and will also be required to fill out a daily/weekly treatment journal for the length of the study.
Auriculotherapy entails the stimulation of acupoints and reflex points in the ears to illicit a healing response in the body. This is typically done with acupuncture needles, adhesive earseeds, magnets, or electrical stimulation. At IntegraTough Neuromuscular Therapy, ONLY earseeds are used (no needles!). Essentially it is ear acupressure using the seeds or pellets. These tiny seeds/pellets are adhered to a latex-free backing and stuck onto the appropriate points in the ears, which stimulate minute nerve endings corresponding to specific organs/regions/nerves in the body. Auriculotherapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions effectively, and has been done so successfully for centuries, and in it's modern form for over 100 years. It is currently the most widely studied alternative/complementary therapy.
What to expect during treatment:
After initial screening including intake paperwork, taking of temperature, and questionnaire, the practitioner will place the EarSeeds on selected points intended to stimulate smell and taste. The participant will fill out a daily journal entry (provided) to track progress of treatment. Treatments will be done approximately once per week, with new seeds placed each treatment. The seeds will typically stay on between 3-5 days, and participant will be expected to remove any that remain after 5 days to let ears rest, before next treatment. Treatments will be done at an approximate interval of once/week, depending on participant and practitioner availability.
FAQ:
- Do EarSeeds hurt?
The stimulated points are usually painless, but some points may occasionally become a little sore, particularly after about 2 days. This is actually a good sign for the treatment, although no pain is not a bad sign. Stick through it and the soreness usually goes away when the nervous system has addressed the point.
- Do you use needles?
No. Only EarSeeds are used in this practice.
- What are EarSeeds?
The EarSeeds used in this practice may be either vacaria seeds from the vacaria plant (traditional) adhered to a skin-tone colored backing, or may be stainless steel or gold-plated stainless steel pellets attached to a clear backing.
- Why isn't this a paid or free study?
Because this is a small independent practice, I cannot provide free treatment, as I still have to account for cost of supplies as well as (minimal) compensation for my time. However, the treatment is deeply discounted for accessibility. If treatment is successful, you will benefit from it, and even if there is no change, you will be helping to provide great information to inform other protocols!
- Are EarSeeds safe?
Yes, if instructions are followed correctly, EarSeeds are a safe, effective, and non-invasive auriculotherapy treatment.
If you are interested in participating in this study, please TEXT Rebecca Lambert at (719) 201-2027, or email at integratouchnmt@gmail.com (Due to volume of calls, please ONLY text or email--text strongly preferred. There is no receptionist available.).
Help us find an effective treatment for COVID-associated loss of taste and smell!