The Chinese have been doing it for centuries, as have other Asian cultures. Increasing numbers of Westerners are doing it too. Ear rubbing or ear reflexology that is; massaging of the ears to improve health, calm the emotions and enhance the general sense of well being. It's simple, quick and effective.

Your ears, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a complete medical system which has developed continuously over at least 2500 years, contain reflexology areas that when stimulated by acupuncture needles or finger pressure influence corresponding body parts. For instance, if you have stomach problems you would stimulate the stomach reflexology area on each ear; for eye problems, the eye reflexology areas.

Anxiety and ear reflexology involves stimulating the heart reflexology areas, and perhaps others too, because in TCM anxiety and nervousness usually relates to the heart. A maximum of three or four points would be selected for any one session, then pressed and rubbed for 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times a day, until symptoms subside.

One ear reflexology for anxiety method you can do on yourself and others involves using your thumbs and index fingers to gently grasp, pull and rub the entire surface of both ears. This is simple to do and very relaxing. Reflexology can also be done on other parts of your body. Usually referred to as acupressure, the underlying principles are the same as for reflexology. Here's a quick, easy, how-to guide on anxiety and ear reflexology, beginning with three anxiety acupressure points you can massage on your arms and feet: http://chinese-holistic-health-exercises.com/reflexology-for-anxiety.html

While acupressure and ear reflexology are safe self-therapies, you should check with your health professional before trying them for the first time.