Acupuncturist Services

Ear Acupuncture in Greenville, SC

Ear Acupuncture at IHP Greenville. Dr. Hendry, DAOM — NCCAOM-certified, 25+ yrs experience, hospital-credentialed. Call (864) 365-6156.

Ear acupuncture is the common name for auricular acupuncture — a complete microsystem of acupoints mapped onto the external ear that corresponds to the entire human body. At Integrative Health Partners, Dr. Hendry uses ear acupuncture both as a standalone treatment and as an add-on to full body acupuncture sessions, with particular efficacy for nervous system regulation, stress, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and addiction support. The ear's rich innervation — receiving branches from the vagus nerve, trigeminal nerve, facial nerve, and cervical plexus — makes it an extraordinarily potent stimulation site for systemic neurological effects.

How Ear Acupuncture Works

Ear acupuncture points are located on the auricle using anatomical landmarks and point detection devices that identify areas of decreased electrical resistance (a marker of point activity). Dr. Hendry uses fine needles for in-office treatment and small press needles (semipermanent auricular seeds or needles) for between-session stimulation. The NADA protocol (five standardized ear points) is used for stress, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction; individualized protocols are used for pain and specific organ conditions.

Your First Appointment

Ear acupuncture can be added to any IHP appointment or booked as a standalone 30-minute session. No special preparation is needed. Tell Dr. Hendry about any ear conditions, piercings, or skin sensitivity in the ear area.

Why Dr. Hendry for Ear Acupuncture

Dr. Hendry's training in auricular medicine is integrated into his broader acupuncture expertise. His PTSD and anxiety treatment protocols, developed through clinical experience and research, incorporate ear acupuncture as a key nervous system regulation tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Multiple clinical trials support ear acupuncture for anxiety reduction, including intraoperative and preoperative anxiety. The NADA protocol has been adopted by mental health and addiction programs nationally due to its consistent anxiety-reducing and calming effects.
Many patients notice calming and centering effects within 10–15 minutes of needle placement. Pain-reducing effects may take 2–3 sessions to become evident.
The NADA protocol was originally developed for detoxification support in addiction treatment settings and has evidence for reducing withdrawal symptoms and craving. Dr. Hendry incorporates ear acupuncture into substance use recovery protocols alongside other integrative support.
It is typically billed as part of an acupuncture session. Check with your insurer about auricular acupuncture benefits.
For anxiety and stress: 4–6 sessions. For PTSD and addiction support: 8–12+ sessions, often as part of a broader integrative care program.
Integrative Health Partners, 319 Wade Hampton Blvd, Ste A, Greenville, SC 29609. Call (864) 365-6156.

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