By Vanessa Ebertz, Doctor of Acupuncture | Blue Frog Wellness & Ear Acupuncture Resilience Program
Every day, first responders face high-stakes situations that can take a toll on both the body and mind. Over time, repeated exposure to traumatic or stressful events can dysregulate the nervous system, making it difficult to relax, sleep, or feel grounded again — even long after the incident has passed.
What many people don’t realize is that the body stores trauma, and that healing often requires more than talking alone — it needs the body to reset its natural rhythm of safety and regulation.
This is where Ear Acupuncture, also known as Auricular Acupuncture, can play a powerful role.
The Science and Wisdom Behind Ear Acupuncture
Developed by French physician Dr. Paul Nogier in the 1950s, ear acupuncture is based on the discovery that the entire body is reflected on the ear — much like a microsystem. Each point corresponds to a region of the body or an aspect of the nervous system.
Modern neuroscience supports this: stimulation of specific ear points activates the vagus nerve — a key regulator of the parasympathetic (calming) nervous system. We now have fMRI scans that have verified that when specific ear points are stimulated, the corresponding brain areas “light up” showcasing their activation with acupuncture. When these points are activated, the body can naturally shift out of “fight or flight” and return to a state of calm and balance.
This makes ear acupuncture particularly effective for individuals who have experienced trauma or chronic stress.
How It Supports Trauma Recovery
In trauma recovery, ear acupuncture can help by:
- Regulating the nervous system and reducing hyperarousal
- Improving sleep and promoting a sense of safety
- Decreasing anxiety, irritability, and tension
- Supporting emotional regulation without requiring verbal processing
In the Ear Acupuncture Resilience Program, we’ve seen first hand how first responders benefit from this simple yet powerful approach. In a 2024 pilot study with members of the Calgary Fire Department, participants reported improvements in sleep, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of calm and wellbeing following a series of ear acupuncture sessions.
A Complementary Approach to Whole-Person Healing
Ear acupuncture can be used on its own or alongside other treatments. At Blue Frog Wellness, we often integrate it with body acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle recommendations for comprehensive stress and trauma recovery.
This multi-layered approach helps to restore both the physical and emotional balance that long-term stress or trauma can disrupt.
For First Responders and High-Stress Professions
The Ear Acupuncture Resilience Program — offered in partnership with Wayfound Mental Health Group — provides trauma-informed care specifically for first responders and those working in high-stress environments.
Whether you’re navigating the after effects of critical incidents or looking to proactively support your mental health, ear acupuncture offers a safe, evidence-informed, and accessible path to recovery.
Learn More or Book a Session
To learn more about trauma-informed acupuncture or to book a session:
- Visit Blue Frog Wellness Clinic: https://bluefrog.janeapp.com/
- Explore the Ear Acupuncture Resilience Program offered through Wayfound Mental Health Group: https://www.wayfound.ca/acupuncture
- More info about the Ear Acupuncture Resilience Program: https://earacupunctureresilience.com/
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or psychological care. If you are in crisis or experiencing significant distress, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider or crisis line in your area.