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Ms. Kusumoto currently works as a sleep chiropractor at "Ojisakura Chiropractic Clinic." She previously worked at an ear cleaning specialty store, so she also has experience as an ear esthetician. This time, we asked Ms. Kusumoto for her unique insights on sleep.
*This interview was conducted on March 18th.
Health Conditions and Improvement Methods from the Ear
[PROFILE] Ms. Kusumoto Sleep Chiropractor / Ear Esthetician / Ear Therapist. Previously worked at an ear cleaning specialty store before moving to Ojisakura Chiropractic Clinic.
――What led you to transition from an ear cleaning specialty store to your current job?
Through counseling, I realized that many people who came for ear cleaning, complaining of "itchy ears," were actually suffering from sleep deprivation or accumulated fatigue from their lifestyles. That's when I started studying various things, wondering if there was a connection to sleep.
――What kinds of problems do most of your clients come in with?
Our flyers primarily target people struggling with sleep, so we often see individuals who are taking sleeping pills, or those in their 40s and 50s, both men and women, who clearly suffer from unexplained fatigue. Among women, homemakers experiencing menopause are particularly common.
For those who work, their sleep schedules are often irregular, or they adapt their sleep to their work, so their sleep times are inconsistent. Many also travel frequently or are very busy. Especially those who work with computers often experience sleep deprivation and fatigue.
――Please tell us about the specific treatment methods.
The most important thing we focus on is how to stimulate the "vagus nerve" located in the external auditory canal of the ear. After that, we perform ear acupressure massage, but basically, the treatment involves stimulating the vagus nerve inside the ear for an extended period. This is done in a similar way to ear cleaning.
――I heard that you can tell a person's condition just by looking at their ears...
Yes, that's right. I look at the pressure points on the outside of the ear. By pressing those points, I can identify physical ailments.
――It's similar to a foot reflexology massage, then.
Exactly! The ear has pressure points just like the foot. For example, just by looking, you can tell where there's tension. By touching, you can assess stomach condition, sleep quality, and recovery from fatigue. There are special tools for pressing these points.
Most people who come in can't sleep, so I check the pressure points on their neck to see how stiff it is. This helps me determine their fatigue recovery level and how much fatigue has accumulated in their daily lives.
――Are there any ear maintenance routines one can do themselves?
For daily maintenance, it's good to loosen the base of the ear. Many people say it's good to pull the ear, and pulling it is certainly good, but the best way to improve circulation is to gently rotate the base of the ear as if you're loosening it.
Also, before going to bed, putting your finger inside your ear and wiggling it around stimulates the vagus nerve, which helps you relax.
――What kind of treatment is oral aesthetic?
It's not that aggressive, but by loosening the masseter muscles, it alleviates neck stiffness and other issues. People who can't sleep often have strong pressure and poor circulation in their neck and head. So, oral aesthetics involves loosening the inside of the mouth, which stimulates the salivary glands and activates the parasympathetic nervous system.
Actually, it was originally used in dental clinics for facial slimming, but in my case, I mainly do oral reflexology to stimulate the salivary glands. I apply continuous pressure from the inside for about five minutes on each side.
――Is the treatment usually a combination of ear and oral reflexology?
That's usually the case, but if someone has severe neck fatigue, we focus on their neck and perform chiropractic adjustments. Also, if we see significant physical fatigue when examining the ear pressure points, which can hinder sleep, we offer chiropractic treatment if the client is amenable.
――Who would you like to see come to your clinic?
Hmm... I'd say people who are tired and have accumulated fatigue from work. Even if they come home tired and go to sleep, the quality of their sleep might be low, so they're not truly recovering from fatigue. For those who feel even a little tired, I'd like them to come in for monthly maintenance, even if it's just once a month.
――Is once a month the ideal frequency?
No, you can come whenever you want to get a good night's sleep, but if you're looking to improve your sleep, the frequency would be higher. It depends on the condition of your ears, but some people come in once a week.
Ms. Kusumoto's Passion and Ideas for Sleep
――What prompted you to study sleep?
When I was at the ear cleaning specialty store, many people complaining of "itchy ears" also had sleep problems. That's when I happened to read a book about sleep (The Stanford Way to the Best Sleep).
When you're tired, your hormone balance can be disrupted, or if you have autonomic dysfunction, various parts of your body can become itchy, which I thought might be causing the itchiness inside the ears. As a result of this, and wondering about the actual sleep quality of people who experience such itchiness, I became more interested and started studying in more detail.
――How is your sleep quality, Ms. Kusumoto?
When I have a lot of computer work, I just can't sleep. Physically...
No matter how sleepless I am, I try to warm my core before going to bed. Ever since reading Dr. Nishino's book, I've learned that the body falls asleep more easily when it can release heat (a drop in core body temperature). So, even when I can't take a bath, I try to achieve this naturally by drinking warm things.
――Do you have any ideal sleep services or items in mind?
What I'd like to create in the future is an earplug-shaped product that stimulates the vagus nerve. Something that vibrates or gently stimulates. If I try to do it myself, I focus too much, and it becomes difficult for the parasympathetic nervous system to take over.
A message for those struggling with sleep
Most people struggle with sleep, and the most severe outcomes are autonomic dysfunction or depression. However, there's still a lack of understanding from those around them. Many illnesses stemming from sleep still have no cure.
So, before it gets to that point, I want people to come in with an open mind. If you're thinking, "I can't sleep," or "I want to sleep," I want you to experience a good night's sleep just once.
――Special Campaign!
If you mention "I saw this page!" when making your reservation, you can receive a special campaign price for the following service!
[Sleep Chiropractic]
Regular Price: 60 minutes for 9,000 yen → First-time discount: 60 minutes for 7,000 yen (2,000 yen off)
Make your reservation here: https://ojisakura-chiro.com/
