I’m not the type who visits the doctor every time I have a little ache.

I prefer to believe that mild aches are just a natural part of life.

I’ve been physically active for most of my life so I’m used to having

body aches, and I know they usually just go away rather fast and there’s nothing serious to worry about.

But when I came across this article presenting this solution to treating

mild aches, I was very curious. Hanging clothespins from my earlobe was

not exactly a treatment I had ever imagined for myself. But upon closer inspection,

I discovered that this trick is linked to acupuncture, which most of us have probably

heard of. Nevertheless, I’ve still always felt a bit skeptical about whether

it actually works, despite testimonies from friends who have told me that

it has for them. Still — how can a part of my ear help relieve pain in my chest?

Well, as certified ear reflexologist Helen Chin Lui explains, “each ear contains

a complete reflex map of the body, rich with nerve endings and multiple connectors

to the central nervous system.” All considered, clamping a clothespin to my ear

would certainly be both the simplest and cheapest medical treatment I’ve ever had.

It sounds nuts, but I think it may be worth a try.

Each of these 6 different parts of the ear is said to be associated with pain and

aches in various parts of the body. Applying pressure to each particular part of the ear can therefore relieve pains.

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The highest part of the ear is linked to the back and shoulders.

Place the clothespin for about a minute on this spot to reduce tension in your shoulders.

Just below is the spot that is connected to the body’s internal organs.

If you’re experiencing a lot of pain, you should naturally contact a physician.

But for mild pain or discomfort, use a clothespin or your fingers

to pinch this spot. It can give you the relief you’re looking for.

The upper middle part of the ear is most closely associated with pain and stiffness in the joints.

Again, use a clothespin or your fingers to pinch this spot for relief.

If the problem is chronic, visit your doctor. But I see no harm in trying this simple trick out first.

The lower middle portion of the ear is connected to the sinuses and throat.

If you want relief for colds or sinus infections, here’s the spot that can alleviate the pain.

Just above your ear lobe is the spot associated with digestion.

Pinch this spot to help relieve stomach pain. And if you tend to often

feel nauseous, you can even try this out as a preventative method.

Finally, the lowest part of the ear, your love, is said to be connected

to two main parts of the body: the head and the heart. Apply pressure

on the ear lobe to relieve headaches. It can prove to be very effective.

It’s not entirely clear how and what acupuncture does to the body,

but it’s widely believed that the treatment releases endorphins,

one of the body’s natural pain-relieving substances. The effect of endorphins on the body help lessen pain.

These methods however should never take precedence over your health care professional’s advice.

Either way, I know I’ll definitely be giving “ear-cupuncture” a shot,

if anything out of sheer curiosity. Will you also try this out? Let us know how it works for you in the comment section.