Rim : canto, borde

(Next , an imaginary line is drawn by connecting the irritated

point with Point Zero : this "line of treatment" is the examined
for more irritated points)

What do your eyes reveal?

Bodily conditions.
Inherent weaknesses.
The transition that takes place in a person's body according to the way he
or she lives.
They can register your emotional proclivities as well.
In terms of science, the experimentation of iris analysis is relatively new and should not be
used in isolation but as a comprehensive system coupled with a medical history and other
findings. It is not meant to diagnose diseases.
The purpose of Iridology is to determine the location of inflammation, the stage of
inflammation, how it was caused, and the steps necessary to overcome it.
With this information a person can learn how to adopt a healthy lifestyle and diet.
These photos were taken with my Sony DSC707.

Terry Oleson .
geometric ear points at 30 angles : nogier and his colleagues discoverd
that after treating correspondent ear points indicated by somatotopic
maps, it was also possible to discern a series of reactive auricular points
that ocurred along an imaginary straight line.These lines were referred to
as geometric because the occurred at 30 angles to each other. The
practtioner would first configure an imaginary line that extended from
point zero to the corresondent point and outward to the peripheral helix
that intersected with that line. Stimulation of any reactive ear points
along this line was found to augment the treatment effects seen with
auriculotherapy. In addition to treating the helix point 30 angles
extending from this helix location were used to create additional

imaginary lines that were also stimulated. These configurations are

depicted . According to Bahr (1977) the application of these 30 angles
may account fo the Chinese ear acupuncture points used for appendix
disorders found in the scaphoid fossa and tonsil points found on the helix.
There is also a 30 angle between the Chinese hypertension point on the
tragus, and the european marvelous point, which is also used to treat
high blood presssure. The technical complexity of this geometric
procedure, however, limits its usefulness to those clinical cases that not
respond to more straightforward applications of auriculotherapy.
Precautions associated with auriculoterapy: the most common adverse
side effect from auriculotherapy is that the ear may become red and
tender to touch after the treatment. Inform the patient that this redness
and tenderness are only temporary
Although it is very uncommon for patients to report adverse reactions to
the auriculotherapy treatment this is a possibility, In this case, the
practitioner should closely monitor the patient for several days after the
treatment.
Administer antibiotics to patients if the ear becomes infected. Any
bleeding after the insrtion of an acupuncture nnedle into the ear is usually
very bief and rarely leads to an infection. However, staple-puncture
techniques in which a surgical staple tack is left in place for several days ,
can possibly lead to infection.
Some patients may become sleepy or dizzy after a treatment and they
may need to lie down for a while. This sedation effect has been
attributable to the release of endorphins and is considered more
beneficial than unwanted.
allow nervous, anxious, weak or hypertensive patients some time for a
rest after the treatment. It is helpful to offer patients warm tea while they
recover.
Avoid treating patients when they are excessively weak , anemic, tired ,
fasting, hypoglycemic or have just eaten a heavy meal. The treatment will
not be as effective.
Do not treat any pain needed to diagnose an underlyng problem until that
undrlying condition has been fully evaluated.
Do not relieve any pain needed by patients to limit them from engaging in
inappropriate physical activity that could aggravate their condition.

Be cautious when treating pregnant women.This precaution is mostly

required for malpractice reasons, rather than any known clinical evidence
regarding possible harmful effects of auriculotherapy on a fetus or
pregnant woman. Nonetheless Chinese studies have suggested that
strong stimulation of the uterus and ovary on the external ear can
possibly induce an abortion
Do not use electrical stimulation on patients with a cardiac pacemaker,
even though the lectrical microcurrents used in auriculotherapy are
delivered at extremely small intensity levels.
Do not use aggressive stimulation with children or elderly patients who
may be particularly sensitive to strong auriculotherapy treatments.
Inform the patient to not use alcohol or recreational drugs before the
auriculotherapy treatment because these substances may interfere with
treatment efficay, At the same time, when auriculoterapy is ued for the
treatment of substance abuse, auriculoterapy can be effective even while
the patient is still using recreational substances.
Hindrances to treatment success: If a patients disorder persists after
auriculoterapy treatment of the correspondent ear points there may be a
therapeutic blockage due to a toxic scar or dental focus. The practitioner
should inquire of the patients medical history and previous accidents or
surgeries. Sometimes a hindrance to treatment is due to an allergy which
is an excess of energy. Other times there is an obstacle to the
transmission of the cellular information because of a region of energy
deficiency. The loss of energy may be attributable to the aftereffects of
an accident or surgery that caused a toxic scar and short-circuit in the
energy of that person. A different type of toxic scar is a dental focus
related to continued inflammation from a prior dental procedure. Silver
amalgam in tooth fillings or chronic infection of the gingiva can also
produce a dental focus.
Allow that some medical problems presented by a patient cannot be
effectively treated by auriculoterapy because they are due to either (1) a
structural imbalance that needs to be corrected by some physical therapy
procedure or (2) psychological dysfunctions that need to be adressed by
some type of psychotherapeutic intervention. Dr. Nogier often combined
auriculoterapy with osteopathic manipulations in order to provide
structural integration to the neuromosuclar changes that could be
achieved with auriculoterapy. When the obstacle is due to an unresolved

emotional state, stimulation of Point Zero can bring balance to the

psychosomatic resistance.
Although psychosomatic disorders are often dismissed by physicians and
patients alike, there is ample evidence that psychological factors have a
profound impact on many physical conditions. Until emotional issues
related to anxiety, depression,loneliness, resentment and shame are
satisfactorily resolved, a patients unconscious motivations may defeat
the most skillful of clinicians. Even when patients strongly vocalize that
they want to be relieved of their physical suffering, those same
individuals are not consciously aware of their own thoughts, attitudes,
and behaviors that have the opposite effect. Gentle but firm confrontation
regarding the possibility that such psychological barriers exist is often
necessary before proceeding further with any medical treatment. Many
practitioners are not comfortable addressing such issues with resistant
patients but such confrontations are often very necessary for the eventual
improvement of a persons health problems.
Clinical pearls for auriculoterapy treatments:
Treat as few points as possible.
Only treat ear points that are tender to palpation or are electrically
conductive.
treat a maximum of threee problems at a time, treating the primary
problem first.
treat ipsilateral ear reflex points for unilateral problems, and treat both
ears for bilateral conditions. if the patient exhibits a laterality or
oscillation disorder, the Master Oscillation point should be treated first,
and then correspondent points on both auricles should be stimulated.
Treat the front of the external ear for relieving the sensations of pain, and
then treat the back of the ear for relieving muscle spasms that produce
muscle tension and limit range of motion
Hold the external ear taught with one hand while using the other hand
to hold a detecting probe to the ear or a treatment probe or acupuncture
needle. After treating the anatomic points that correspond to the area of
the bodily symptom, treat the master points. Lastly, treat supportive
functional points.The most commonly used master points are point zero,
shen men , autonomic sympathetic point, thalamus point. endocrine
point, and master cerebral point --

anatomic points that are often used to alleviate other disorders include
ear points for the occiput, the chinese kidney, the heart, the lung the liver
and the stomach.--the most communly used chinese functional points are Muscle relaxation
point, appetite control point , brain (central rim) , windstream( lesser
occipital nerve), and san jiao (triple warmer) --the most frequently utilized european functional points are
antidepressantpoint, anti aggressiivity point, vitaly point and
psychosoamatic point --treat Nogier phase II and Phase III points if successful results are not
obtained with pahse I points or with chinese ear points. Phase II ponts are
indicated for chronic deficient conditions , whereas Phase II ear points are
indicated for chronic excess conditions.--- Evaluate the patient for the
presence of physical hindrances or psychological obstacles that could
interfere with the treatment. One might also notice if treating reactive
points on the ear related to geometric, inverse or contrarly relationships
improves the clinical effectiveness of the auriculoterapy treatment. --auriculoterapy works very well with other treatments modalities. It is
quite common to combine ear acupuncture and body acupuncture in the
same treatment session ----- Chinese herbs, moxibustion, homeoapthic
substances and acupresssure massage can be effectively integrated with
auriculotherapy as well as body acupuncture.
---Postural adjustments with osteoaptic or chiropractic manipulations
serve to facilitate the reduction of muscle spasms attained with auricular
stimulation.
--- biofeddback, hypnosis, meditation, and yoga all serve to augment the
general relaxation effect seen with auriculoterapy.
--- patients with psychosomatic disturbances would probably benefit from
psycoterapeutic interventions if they could accept the perspective that
inconscious emotional conflicts could be a contribuiting factor to their
physical health problem
--- any procedure used as standard medical practice for the condition
being treated can be further enhanced by the use of auriculoterapy..
Precauciones asociados con auriculoterapia: el efecto secundario adverso
ms comn de la auriculoterapia es que el odo puede ponerse roja y

sensible al tacto despus del tratamiento. Informar al paciente que este

enrojecimiento y sensibilidad son slo temporales
Aunque es muy raro que los pacientes informan de reacciones adversas al
tratamiento auriculoterapia es una posibilidad, en este caso, el mdico
debe vigilar estrechamente al paciente durante varios das despus del
tratamiento
Administrar antibiticos a los pacientes si el odo se infecta. Cualquier
sangrado despus de la insercin de una aguja de acupuntura en el odo
suele ser muy breve y rara vez conduce a una infeccin. Sin embargo, las
tcnicas de grapas-punzantes en el que una tachuela grapa quirrgica se
deja en su lugar por varios das, posiblemente, puede conducir a la
infeccin.
Algunos pacientes pueden quedar dormidos o mareados despus de un
tratamiento y pueden necesitar acostarse por un tiempo. Este efecto de
sedacin ha sido atribuido a la liberacin de endorfinas y se considera
ms beneficioso que el no deseado.
permitir a los pacientes nerviosos, ansiosos, dbiles o hipertensos algn
tiempo para un descanso despus del tratamiento. Es til para ofrecer a
los pacientes t caliente mientras se recuperan. Evite el tratamiento de
los pacientes cuando son excesivamente dbil, anmica, cansado, el
ayuno, hipoglucmico o simplemente han consumido una comida
abundante. El tratamiento no ser tan eficaz.
.
No tratar cualquier dolor necesario para diagnosticar un problema de
fondo hasta que la condicin subyacente ha sido evaluada. No aliviar
cualquier dolor que necesitan los pacientes para limitar ellos de una
actividad fsica inadecuada que podra agravar su condicin. Tenga
cuidado al tratar a las mujeres embarazadas. Esta precaucin se requiere
sobre todo por razones de negligencia, en lugar de cualquier evidencia
clnica conocida respecto a los posibles efectos nocivos de la
auriculoterapia en un feto o una mujer embarazada. Sin embargo los
estudios chinos han sugerido que la fuerte estimulacin del tero y ovario
en el odo externo puede posiblemente inducir un aborto.
No utilice la estimulacin elctrica en los pacientes con un marcapasos
cardaco, a pesar de las microcorrientes elctricas utilizadas en
auriculoterapia se entregan a los niveles de intensidad extremadamente
pequeas.

. No utilizar la estimulacin agresiva con los nios o los ancianos que

pueden ser particularmente sensibles a los fuertes tratamientos
auriculoterapia. Informar al paciente a no usar alcohol o drogas
recreativas antes del tratamiento de auriculoterapia porque estas
sustancias pueden interferir con la eficacia del tratamiento. Al mismo
tiempo, cuando se utiliza auriculoterapia para el tratamiento de abuso de
sustancias, auriculoterapia puede ser eficaz incluso mientras el paciente
todava est utilizando sustancias recreativas
Obstculos para el xito del tratamiento:
Si un trastorno del paciente persiste despus del tratamiento con
auriculoterapia de los puntos de la oreja correspondientes, puede haber
un bloqueo teraputico debido a una cicatriz txica o foco dental.
Perlas clnicas para tratamientos auriculoterapia:
Tratar a los menos puntos posibles. Slo tratar puntos de la oreja que son
sensibles a la palpacin o elctricamente conductora. tratar un mximo
de tres problemas a la vez, tratar el problema principal primero. tratar los
puntos reflejos del odo ipsilateral para problemas unilaterales, y tratar a
ambos odos para las condiciones bilaterales. si el paciente presenta un
trastorno lateralidad u oscilacin, el punto principal de oscilacin debe ser
tratado primero, y luego los puntos correspondientes en ambas aurculas
debe ser estimulado. Tratar la parte frontal del odo externo para aliviar
las sensaciones de dolor, y luego tratar la parte posterior de la oreja para
aliviar los espasmos musculares que producen tensin muscular y el
rango lmite de movimiento.
Mantenga el odo externo enseado con una mano mientras con la otra
mano para sostener una sonda de deteccin para el odo o una sonda de
tratamiento o aguja de acupuntura.
El profesional debe consultar la historia clnica del paciente y los
accidentes o cirugas previas.
A veces un obstculo al tratamiento es debido a una alergia, que es un
exceso de energa.
Otras veces, es un obstculo para la transmisin de la informacin celular
debido a una regin de la deficiencia de energa. La prdida de energa
puede ser atribuible a las secuelas de un accidente o ciruga que caus
una cicatriz txica y cortocircuito en la energa de esa persona. Otro tipo
de cicatriz txico es un foco dental relacionada con la inflamacin
continuada de un procedimiento dental anterior. La amalgama de plata

en los empastes dentales o infeccin crnica de las encas tambin puede

producir un foco dental.
Permitir que algunos problemas mdicos presentados
por un paciente no pueden ser tratados eficazmente
por auriculoterapia porque son ya sea debido a (1) un
desequilibrio estructural que necesita ser corregido
por algn procedimiento de
terapia fsica o (2) las disfunciones psicolgicas que necesitan ser
conducidas por alguno tipo de intervencin psicoteraputica.
Dr. Nogier combina a menudo con auriculoterapia manipulaciones
osteopticas con el fin de proporcionar una integracin estructural a los
cambios neuromusculares que podran lograrse con la auriculoterapia.
Cuando el obstculo se debe a un estado emocional no resuelto, la
estimulacin del Punto Cero puede traer equilibrio a la r Aunque los
trastornos psicosomticos muchas veces son rechazados por los mdicos
y pacientes por igual, hay amplia evidencia de que los factores
psicolgicos tienen un impacto profundo en muchas condiciones fsicas.
Hasta tanto los problemas emocionales relacionados con la ansiedad, la
depresin, la soledad, el resentimiento y la vergenza se resuelvan
satisfactoriamente, unos correspondientes del paciente, las motivaciones
inconscientes pueden derrotar al ms hbil de los mdicos.
Incluso cuando los pacientes vocalizan fuertemente que quieren ser
aliviados de su sufrimiento fsico, esas mismas personas no son
conscientes que sus pensamientos, actitudes y comportamientos que
tienen el efecto contrario.
La confrontacin suave pero firme en cuanto a la posibilidad de que
existan estas barreras psicolgicas a menudo es necesaria antes de
seguir adelante con cualquier tratamiento mdico.
Muchos mdicos no se sienten cmodos abordar estas cuestiones con
pacientes resistentes pero tales confrontaciones a menudo son muy
necesarias para la eventual mejora de los problemas de salud de la
persona.

Despus de tratar los puntos anatmicos que corresponden a la zona del sntoma en el
cuerpo, use los puntos maestro.
Por ltimo, trate los puntos funcionales de apoyo.
Los puntos de maestros ms utilizados son el punto cero, shen men, punto simptico
autonmica, punto tlamo, punto endocrino, y el punto cerebral maestro
-- puntos anatmicos que se utilizan a menudo para aliviar otros trastornos incluyen puntos
de la oreja para el occipital, el rin chino, el corazn, el pulmn el hgado y el estmago.
--- Los puntos funcionales chinos ms utilizados son el punto Relajacin muscular, punto de
control del apetito, el cerebro (llanta central), Windstream (nervio occipital menor), y san
jiao (triple calentador) --- los puntos funcionales europeos utilizados con mayor frecuencia
son punto antidepresivo, punto de agresividad anti, punto vitalidad y punto psicosomtico
---tratar puntos Fase Nogier II y Fase III si los resultados exitosos no se obtienen con
puntos de fase I o con puntos de la oreja chinos. Puntos Fase II estn indicados para
deficientes condiciones crnicas, mientras que los puntos de la Fase II del odo estn
indicados para condiciones de exceso crnicas
.--- Evaluar al paciente para detectar la presencia de obstculos fsicos u obstculos
psicolgicos que podran interferir con el tratamiento. Tambin se podra notar si el
tratamiento de los puntos de reactivos en el odo relacionada con geomtrica, inversa o
relaciones contrarias mejora la eficacia clnica del tratamiento auriculoterapia.
--- Obras auriculoterapia muy bien con otras modalidades de tratamientos. Es bastante
comn combinar la acupuntura oreja y cuerpo en la misma sesin de tratamiento
----- Hierbas chinas, moxibustin, sustancias homeopticas y masaje y digitopuntura pueden
integrarse eficazmente con auriculoterapia y acupuntura corporal.
--- ajustes posturales con manipulaciones osteopticas ,quiroprcticas sirven para facilitar la
reduccin de los espasmos musculares obtenidos con la estimulacin auricular.
--- Biofeedback, la hipnosis, la meditacin y el yoga todos sirven para aumentar el efecto de
relajacin general que se observa con la auriculoterapia.
--- Pacientes con trastornos psicosomticos probablemente se beneficiaran de
intervenciones psicoteraputico si podan aceptar la perspectiva de que los conflictos
emocionales inconscientes podra ser un factor de que contribuye a su problema de salud
fsica
--- Cualquier procedimiento utilizado como prctica mdica estndar para la condicin a
tratar puede mejorarse an ms por el uso de auriculoterapia ..
Master oscillation point (laterality point) Location : found on the
underside of the subtragus, underneath the inferior tragus protrusion at
LM_10 Function : this master point balances laterality disorders related
to dysfunctional interactions betwenn the left and the right cerebral
hemispheres.It anatomically represents the corpus callosum and the
anterior commisure which hoins the two sides of the brain, This point is
often active in individuals who are left handed or mixed dominant in
handedness.
Inverse relationships of the external ear to the psysical body : when
treating the muscles attached to the spinal vertebrae, and the peripheral
limbs, ti has been found in both auriculoterapy and manipulative terapies

that it is possible to treat opposing regions of the musculoskeletal body.

by this technique one can stimulate reactive points on the cervical spine
to relieve a condition in the lumbosacral spine or one can treat the foot to
affect pain relief in the shoulder. These specific relation ships are
presented in TbFor example one would serach for a reactive point on the
part of the auricle that represents the sixth cervical vertebrae to affect
the fifth lumbar vertebrae and one would treat the first lumbar verterae
to affect the third thoracic vertebrae. One colud treat the region of the
auricle representing the right wrist in order to alleviate a dysfunction in
the left ankle or treat the ear point representing the left hip to relieve
tension in the right shoulder. The occurrence of these reciprocal
relationships may explain the observation of some reactive ear points at
auricular areas not related to the correspondent body organ
Ear Acupuncture- By Kajsa Landgren
Differences acupuncture between ear and body acupuncture :
The word acupuncture derivs fro m the latin words acus and pungere.
Acus means needle , pungere , to pierce. Ear acupuncture and boy
acupuncture are two forms of treatment that resemble one another in
that both involve pricking the skin with needles. To the uninitiated
Westerner, the techniques in body and ear acupuncture may seem to a
large degreee the same. Impulses from acupuncture needles influence
the nervous system and ,no matter whether the needle is placed in the
ear or the body, neurotransmitters and hormones are influenced in a
similar way. However there are certain clear differences between the two
forms of acupuncture. We shall look at some of the most obvious of these
in this chapter
Historic differences :
Traditional Chinese medicine, of which body acupuncture forms a part is
thousands of years old. However the acupuncturists of ancient China
knew of only a few ear acupuncture points and had no idea as to the
system in which they were arranged. Seen from a historical perspective,
ear acupuncture in the form described in this book is relatively new
phenomenon a reflex science developed in the 1950 s
Diagnostic differences : Active points: Body acupuncture points are
always measurable at the same place. Draw an electrical point detector
over the skin and it give an indication of all the acupuncture points on the
body , whether the persona being examined is healthy or sick. The points
on the body are always measurable because they are part of the constant

flow of energy in the meridians. This is not the case with the points in the
ear. THey are aither on or off. Ear acupuncture points may be measured
with a point detector only when they are on wich is to say when they are
active because there is something wrong with the corresponding part of
the body. Ear acupuncture is a reflex science: each part of the body has a
point or zone in the ear where a malfunction in the corresponding body
part registers. This malfunction may then be treated. A completely
healthy human being in perfect balance should have no active points in
the ear. (there are a few exceptions to this rule. Some so called
masterpoints can be found with an electrical point detector even on a
healthy person : see Ch 6 the ear : its parts an acupuncture points.)
Differential diagnosis:
Because the points in the ear are active only when there is something
wrong in the corresponding oran, an examination of the ear can be used
either to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. The research team from Nanking
cites acute abdominal pain as an example in their book (Huang 1974) If
pain an other symptoms are atypical, making the diagnosis uncertain, the
team says that by searching in the ear for active point, the examining
doctor can decide with a considerable degree of certainty if the cause of
pain in the patient is a cyst on the ovary, a kidney stone , an inflamed
appendix or a gallstone.
Other techniques : semi- permanent needles : Body acupuncture makes
use of acupuncture needles that stay in place for 20-40 minutes. In the
ear on may use the same technique but semi-permanent needles may
also be used. These remain in place , stimulating the acupuncture point
for several days. In ear acupuncture this technique has been found to be
effective for up to 2-3 weeks. Semi-permanent needles are used only in
the ear.
auricular medicine is a developed and more technical form of regular ear
acupuncture, auricular therapy
Pellets : (balines, micro esferas de metal)
it is also possible to treat the ear without pricking it with a needle. A small
metal pellet or a little seed is taped with band- aid to a specific point in
the ear- The pellet or seed puts pressure on the point ,generating what is
known as acupressure. This can be a good alternative for patients with a
fear of needles, with a blood infection or who may be too young for
acupuncture. Pellets are often used in the ear, but only exceptionally on
the rest of the body (see su jok , CH 4, other microsystems)

Technical equipment:
A skilled body acupuncturist needs no point detector or other electrical
apparatus to find acupuncture points. The points can be located by
measuring the distance to fixed "landmarks" such as joints and other
features of the skeletonThe bodys acupuncture points are always at the
same place. In the ear the points are extremely close together. In ear
acupuncture only active points are treated , so its important to locate
them correctly. The acupuncturist may make use of a mechanical point
detector, or a presssure feeler , but many choose to equip themselves
with an electrical point detector for still greater precision. If, after your
studies in auricular therapy (the regular ear acupuncture described in this
book) you decide to go on and learn auricular medicine, this will entail the
use of more advanced technical instruments, for example laser
equipment...
Differing ideas concerning energy :
The meridians :
The TCM concept of body acupuncture is based on acceptance of a belief
that there are energly channels - the meridians_ which permeate the body
in a fixed pattern. The acupuncture points lie alonng these. An
acupuncture point is a place on the meridian where it is easier to reach
the energy and influence it by puncturing, warming or massaging the
point. Chinese literature on acupuncture takes it for granted that
meridians are also represented in the ear and that a stagnation in a
meridian can give rise to an active point in the part of the ear
corresponding to the parto of the body in which the meridian is located.
According to Paul Nogier (the french doctor who discovered auricular
therapy) there are around 180 acupuncture points in the ear . These may
be either reflex points(a reflection of a part of the body) or functional
points( stimulation of the point influences a definite function) Nogier had
a Western mind set. He saw the bodys structure (skeleton, muscles, etc)
as being pictured in the ear, but did not recognise meridians. Neither did
he describe acupuncture in terms of qi( the nergy which the Chinese say
flows through the meridians) or yin and yang, two other central concepts
in Chinese medicine.
-stagnation of energy is the opposite to a free flow energy
De qi :

"de qi" the feeling around the needle wich is sought after in the body
acupuncture- and regarded as being crucially important in achieving a
good result- is not to be found in the same way in ear acupuncture. In
body acupuncture the acupuncturist stimulates the needles by rotating or
moving them in such a way that the patient experiences feelings of
tickling, pressure or radiation around the needle. It is this feeling that is
called "de qi". In ear acupuncture the patient may experience a needle
insertion as painful for a few secondes (particulary if semi-permanent
needles are used) but once the needle is in a place, the patient seldom
has a clear feeling of it being there. Only exceptionally is there any
discomfort. In treatment of the ear with regular acupuncture needles, the
patient may sometimes experience the feeling that the ear has become
larger and warmer tha usual The ear may also redden. Such phenomena
may be described as "de qi". However contrarly to body acupuncture
practice, in ear acupuncture needles are not stimulated to generate the
feeling
Advantages for the acupuncturist :
It takes a long time to learn body acupuncture .Several years of study are
necessary in order to understand the classic Chinese system. Ear
acupuncture is built on simpler foundations. Because the reflex points in
the ear are divided into zones corresponding to the upside-down figure of
a man, it is possible to learn the fundamentals in a few days. This means
that a course in ear acupuncture is considerably cheaper than that for
body acupuncture
Saving time : It does not a gresat deal of time to place needles in the ear.
The aptient can sit during treatment and need only remain in the clinic for
the time needed for examination and the insertion of the needles. Body
acupuncture takes much longer. The patient must undress, lie down and
be cushioned with pillows and blankets. The needles stay in for 20-40
minutes and are stimulated several times during treatment. When the
treatment is finished, the patient must get dressed again. All this takes
time. If the body acupunctirst needs to make use of points on both sides
of the body the sesion will have to be divided into two stages. As a result
the patient must change position halfway through and treatment takes
even longer. In ear acupuncture points corresponding to both sides of the
body can be treated at the same time. This saves time both for the
patient and the acupuncturist.
Group treatment : Ear acupuncture can, especially in cases of treatment
for drug addiction, with drawal symptoms or stress , be given to a group

of people. This makes it extremely cost effective. Both time and space are
saved in treating a group of sitting, fully dressed patients. Another
advantage of group treatment is that it can be less stressful for patients
with high anxiety. In ear acupuncture the patient can move during
treatment. In body acupuncture the patient must lie still for 20-40
minutes Ear acupuncture allows patients who may be worried and filled
with anxiety, or may be in such pain that they cannot lie still for long
periods, to expericence more easily the benefits of acupuncture.
An ear acupuncturist can give several such group sessions an hour. (if you
are making use of a standardised form of ear acupuncture sucha as Nada,
20 or so persons may be treated per hour. See Ch. 13 NADA- using ear
acupunctures to fight addiction in the beginning..) Often existing premises
such as ordinary rooom in a house or office, a waiting room or a dining
room can be used. No expensive and bulky examination benches are
needed. Ear acupuncture can administered in simplified forms. The
Nanking Army ear acupuncture Research team summed this up in the
1960s: Whether indoors, outdoors, in open field, factory workshop,
battlefield, trenches or classroom, ear acupuncture can be applied.
Making it easier for the patient :
Local points : it is commonplace in body acupuncture to make use of
local points. ie points in the area where the pain is located. an advantage
of ear acupuncture is that you can,without pricking the part of the body
that is in pain, effect it in a poisitive way by pricking the corresponding
part of the body that may be off - limits for the body acupuncturist, for
example because they are in plaster, badly swollen or causing severe
pain
Two complementary treatments :
ear acupuncture and body acupuncture can be used separately or in
combination. Ear acupuncture can be an excellent complement to body
acupuncture. The body acupuncturist can improve on results by making
use of ear acupuncture both to treat the points in the ear correspondig to
the organs or body parts that need treatment and to reduce stress and
muscular tension in the patient However, ear acupunture need not be
administered in conjuntion with body acupuncture. It can be the only
form of acupuncture treatment
Who can benefit from ear acupuncture?

In addition to patients, many health care professionals may have use for
ear acupuncture: -body acupuncturists can add a good many more
acupuncture points to their repertoire, and gain a complement to the form
of acupuncture. they already practise.
Chiropractors, oteopaths, and naprapaths can use ear acupuncture as a
means of getting muscles to relax , making- to take one example- spinal
manipulation far easier. If ear acupuncture is given to relieve pain, deep
trigger point massage may be possible on a patient who might otherwise
be in no condition to tolerate this painful but extremely beneficial form of
massage
Dentists can make use of ear acupuncture both as a form of anaesthetic
and to calm otherwise anxious patients. Patients in a truly calm state can
withstand a higher pain threshold.
Doctors , nurses and midwives may fin ear acupuncture an effective
solution in alleviating pain , in aiding diagnosis and as a treatment for
many different conditions
Various professionals working with patients who have alcohol or drug
addiction problems can use ear acupuncture as an aid both during
withdrawal and in the long rehabilitation phase, in which it can prevent
relapse. It may also be used as treatment in the event of relapse.
Therapists who treat stress, exhaustion, depression ,patients with a high
level of anxiety or with sleeping problems can make successful use of ear
acupuncture.
Physiotherapists often find ear acupuncture an excellent complement to
other methods and treatments for easing pain.
psychologists and psychoterapists can use ear acupuncture as an aid in
getting patients to calm down and focus, and become more open to
therapy, cutting down consultation times.
Auriculotherapy-By Raphael Nogier
The two types of ear points:
the concept of auriculotherapy is based on an understanding of the
nature of the points. It seems that on the ear there are two kinds of
points:
1. points linked directly to the nervous system (the pressure points)
These points are located with a pressure probe, and are painful when an

organ is diseased. In therpy the points are treated with needles or

massage.
2. Neurohumoral-type points These points are located by
leectrodetection and they are formed by specific structures- the
neurovascular complexes. These points are treated with infrared lasers.A
disorder in the body generates a pathological zone or point on the ear.
using the pain response to locate a pathological point on the ear
(pressure probe) using the diascope to locate a pathological point on the
ear (locating the neurovascular complexes)
Indications for auriculotherapy : Pain : Metabolic, traumatic, neurological
Functional disorders : Tachycardia ,constipation, irritable bowel syndrome,
chronic fatigue, menstrual problems such as amenorrhea or
dysmenorrhea. Disorders of dependency : Tocacco addiction,
benzodiazepine (tranquilizer use) antidepressant use
Psychological
disorders : reactive depresssion, anxiety Dermatologic disorders:
eczeema, psoriasis, alopecia.
Contraindications : pregnancy
In my opinion , every smoker is a depressive person who is unaware of
their depression. Nicotine is an antidepressant.
Tobacco addiction treatment protocol.
Treatment : Evaulate the level of dependence on tobacco. Only treat
somoker who are motivated and emotionally stable. Decline to treat any
individual who is clearly unbalanced or psychotic
See the patient in
the morning before they have smoked the first cigarette of the day.
Treat the right ear in right -handed and the left ear in left-handed
individuals.
Locate the points with an electrodetector
Instruct
the patientto stimulate the needles and to eat a healthy diet see the
patient on a regular basis to prevent possible weight gain , relapse or
psychological problems.
Result : it is not that hard to stop smoking the real challenge is not
starting smoking again. We have observed the following rate of success
after : - 1 month : 85% -1 year: 36% -2 year:15%
Scitica :
"Sicatica is not an inevitable disease" It is frequently the result of articular
constriction between the vertebrae, initiated by postural problems.
However, we know that human posture is linked to tension in the
paravertebral muscles which are themselves dependent on information
received from various receptors, principally in the: - eyes, -jaw- feet- skin

A problem with any of these receptors (ocular movement disorder ,

malocclusion,flat feet, scars, etc) can initiate spams in the paravertebral
muscles , which over the long term develop regional constrictions.
treatment: in a case of sciatica : treat the pain with : Point L5-S1 -Point
zero
- Point O Treat the cause with : - eye point jaw point scar point
treat the consequences with: - the cervical points in particular (first
cervical is often affected)
fibrocystic breast disease and mastodynia(painful breasts)
Mastopathies are very common in Western countries . In France, 1 in 10
women will develop breast cancer , whereas in China this figure is 1 in 80.
Many women suffer with fibrocystic breast disease and mastodynia
treatment : the points to treat are: liver : on the right ear, located by
electrodetection hypothalamus: rignt or left ear, located with
electrodetection Hypophysis: concha base, right or left ear, located by
electrodetection breast: on the lobe, located by pressure probe ovary
located by electrodetection the treatmente should be given every
month. Remember to prescribe a dietary regimen: foods to be avoided :
milk, cheese, yoghurt, and other dairy -related foods ; beef and veal ; and
coffee and tea
Depressive disorders:
three types of depression are amenable to treatment by auricular
refloxotherapy :
1 -Reactive depression
treatment:
reactive depression needs early treatment. The points needled are: E
points : they are needled in rapid succession , the needles are retained for
1 second Point O: right and left ear with semipermanent needles
prefrontal cortex point: with semipermanent needles
2- seasonal affect depression (SAD)
SAD is primarily encountered during the winter, manifesting as sadness
and weight gain
treatmente: the hypophysis point on the right or left
ear using a semipermanent needle. The patient is prescribed 30 minutes
of exposure to strong bright light daily at a regular fixed time
Postpartum depresssion :

popularly known as the "baby blues" postpartum depression is frequently

the result of a toxic scar on the perineum Treatment is by two needles
tangential on the ascending limb of the helix fig 32 c
first rib syndrome :
Keep in mind:
strictly speaking the syndrome is not an indication for auriculotherapy-it
is considered actually an obstacle to auricular treatment. The head of the
first rib is displaced following some trauma or physical strain and
mechanically irritates the stellate ganglion, giving rise to a wide range of
pathologies:
Frequent urgent diarrhea (due to accelerated intestinal transit)
headaches visual problems blood pressure problems thoracic
oppressiontrigeminal neuralgia reflexive algodystrophy of the upper limbs
Diagnosis : a diagnosis of first rib syndrome is based on threeee criteria:
existence of a probable cervical trauma pain on palpation of the first rib
asymmetry in the right and left radial pulses. This is due to arterial stress
induced by adrenergic impulses.
Treatment : the first rib should be repositioned either manuallly or by
prescribed exercises. Location of the auriculotherapy points : on the
posterior aspect of the auricle- the first rib point
on the anterior aspect
of the antihelix wall, right side radius vector C7 - the stellate ganglion
point.
cerebral laterality disorders : each auricle corresponds to the
opposite cerebral hemispher.
Basic concepts: In a right -handed person, the left hemisphere of the
brain controls logical, abstract and mathematical thinking. the right
hemisphere controls vision, hearing, and artistic and empirical thinking.
90% of people are true right-handers- their language centre is in the left
hemisphere. 1% are true left handers - their language center is in the
right hemisphere 9% are poorly lateralized left handers- their language
center is in the left hemisphere.
animals do not display hemispherical
lateralization asymmetry is an anatomic concept.
laterality is a
functional concept
Pathology : Hyperactivity of the right hemisphere: - Hypersensitivity ,
hyperactivity, anxiety, anguish, and depresssion may be seen foolwing

psychologic trauma, trauma to the frontal area of the brain, or after

giving up cigarette smoking.
- hyperactivity of the left hemisphere: -abstract thinking divorced from
practical reality , the manic phase in bipolar disorder , psychotic states
psoriasis :
viewed as neurodermatitis by some and dermoneurosis by others,
psoriasis remains an enigma in terms of its physiopathology
treatment: treatment by auriculo-acupuncture can sometimes produce
remarkable results.The patient should be treated weekly for a total of 3040 sessions. It usually takes at least 15 treatments before improvement is
seen. points to check and treat : Point 0 liver point psychic scars
helix rim points The helix rim points should be needled slightly in
posterior position as shown in 37 a

Microsystems Acupuncture: The Complete Guide: Ear - Scalp Mouth - Hand

By Hans-Ulrich Hecker, Angelika Steveling
Point searching: in point searching the ear is first assessed visually . In
diseases of the organism we often find responses in the region of the
auricula in the form of peeling , blisters, cracks, or changes in color. The
inspection of the auricula is therefore also of diagnostic value.
In a second stage the auricula can be examined for pressure sensitivity.
"Irritated" organs or segments can simetimes be demonstrated as a
corresponding trigger point.
The third option of searching for points by means of a resistance meter is
simpler and faster. Similar to body acupuncture, auricular acupuncture
points have reduced skin resistance. However, activity in the auricular
acupuncture point only occurs in the case of a corresponding disease.
Active auricular acupuncture points can therefore be found with the aid of
a resistance meter.
(local infection of the auricula with perichondritis)
Pricking technique:

For the pricking technique the needle is usually inserted perpendicularly

with the needle lying intracutaneaously and sparing the
cartilage.Disinfection, as is usual for injections, is taken for granted. The
number of needles should be kept to a minimum. As a guideline, a total of
no more than six to seven acupuncture points should be needled.
Duration:
Auricular acupuncture, like body acupuncture, lasts 20-30 minutes. The
treatment interval depends on the complaints. In the case of acute
diseases, needling may be performed frequently i.e. possibly even daily,
in the case of chronic diseases at greater intervals, for example once a
week.
The use of permanent needles must be given critical consideration.When
using permanent needles, there is always the risk of the development of
perichondritis. This admittedly rare complication can, among other things
have cosmetically devastating effects. As there has not been any
scientific study to date proving the therapeutic superiority of using
permanent needles over disposable needles, the use of permanent
needles should be rejected or subjected to critical analysis. Forensic
aspects should be taken into consideration when formulating such
questions.
Needle material:
The selection of needle material is assessed differently in the various
schools. In China, steel needles are used for acupuncture in the main. The
French school uses gold and silver needles analogous to the measurable
different potentials of the acupuncture points. An elegant method is the
use of laser acupuncture. This provides various frequencies for different
diseases. From TMC we know that gold needles have an overall tonifying
effect, while silver needles have an overall sedative effect.In acordance
with these experiences, but above all also with the electric reading the
needles are also used in the ear. In cases of debility where tonifying is
useful a gold needle is used in the main, in conditions of excess a silver
needle is mainly used for sedation. According to Bahr, painful points
are mainly found as gold points. The same applies to the treatment of
inflammations and infections. Organ insufficiencies are also treated with
a gold needle as a rule, in contrast to this are yang conditions or organ
hyperfunctions. These are treated with silver needles. The corresponding
findings via Nogiers Reflex are always a decisive factor, however.

Furhermore , Bahr states that the points pertaining to the focus of

irritation- in the sense of neuraltherapy- are always to be found as gold
points. We would like to point out again that in different schools there are
also different views about the question of gold and silver needles .Schools
wich do not measure the different potential by means of point searching
devices use only steel needles.
Indications :
As in body acupuncture the following applies:
NOTE. The more acute the disease, the greater the prospect of success,
the more chronic the disease the more difficult the treatment (here fields
of disturbance are often involved which the experienced auricular
acupuncturist can also find an treat via the auricular surface)
In principle ,all illnesses where the body is still able to regulate itself can
be treated. Experience shows that acute painful conditions can be treated
particularly well via auricular acupuncture. But chronic and functional
illnesses can also be treated via auricular acupuncture. Auricular
acupuncture ca be very successfully combined with other natural
remedies, in particualr chiropractic and neural therapy are frequently
used accompanying therapies
Principles of Ear Acupuncture: Microsystem of the Auricle
By Axel Rubach
History:
Origin. Contrary to common belief, ear cupuncture is not a more recent
form of therapy than body acupuncture. Already in Huang Di Nei Jing, the
2100- year-old book of Tradicitonal Chinese Medicin we find evidence of
reflex relationships between the outer ear and individual regions of the
body. Old records show that these relationships were also therapeutically
being used in Persia, Egypt and Greece about 2000 years ago. It will
remain a mystery in which culture these reflex relationships were first
discovered, mainly because we have only a few medical records up to the
17 th century. As a result, certain elements of this method of treatment
owe their survival predominantly to oral transmission from generation to
generation in the Middle East and in parts of Africa (for example,
cauterization in the upper auricular region for treatment of sciatic pain)
.In the 17 th century, evidence accumulated both in the arts and in
medical treatises that the auricless reflex relationship were well known in

Europe as well. First and foremost should be mentioned the famous

painting by Hieronymus Bosch (1450-1516) called The garden of lust. The
right wing of this triptych altar shows a symbolic illustration of Hell and among other things- an auricle on which certain relationships between
the ear and the rest of the body are depicted in great detail. The area in
the upper auricle , which is pierced by one of the two spears is identical to
the zone of cauterization mentioned for sciatic pain. In a case description
from the year 1637, the Portuguese physician Zaratus Lusitanus reported
on sciatic pain treatment by ear cauterization and , in 1717 , Valsalva
described in his book De Aura humana Tractatus, an auricular area which
had been cauterized for toothache. From the 19 th century we have
interesting medical records on auricular cauterization for sciatic pain
syndrome, such as the one by the physician Luciano of Bastia, as well as
the documented observations of the surgeon Valette at the Charit in
Paris in the year 1850.
The French /Western School. The different localizations of
cauterization zones on the auricular helix, which were described in those
documents, demonstrate that a systematic approach to ear reflexology
did not yet exist at that time. It was not until the 1950s , that the French
physician Paul Nogier- to whom we also owe the rediscovery of the above
-mentioned documents of medical history- developed the systematic
fundamentals of ear acupuncture on the basis of accidental observations
during years of meticulous research. In some of his patients he had
noticed scars in the upper part of the auricula stemming from therapeutic
cauterization to relieve symptoms of the sciatic pain syndrome. All of
these patients had found relief- some in Africa, some through a lay healer
in Marseilles- after Western medical art had proved to be unsuccessful.
The lay healer had learned this form of healing from her father, who had
been a physician in Indochina for many years. Nogier first presented his
work under the title Auriculotherapy at a conference on acupuncture in
Marseilles, in 1956. Hence, he is the undisputed founder of todays ear
acupuncture. This very first lecture- translated into German by Bachmann
and subsequently published in the Deutsche Zeitschrift fur Akupuntktur
(German Journal of Acupuncture)- prepared the ground for this method of
tretament.
The Chinese school. Nogiers knowledge also reached China where his
publications caused reconsideration of Chinese traditions that go back
thousand of years, this stimulating extensive and intensive research.
More recent Chinese finding confirmed and complemented his work to a
great extent. Nevertheless, Nogier is widely acknowledged as the

discoverer of todays ear acupuncture, even in China. The Chinese school

of ear acupuncture gained international recognition through it Austrian
interpreters, Georg Konig and Ingrid Wancura, and because of its good
results with acupuncture - induced analgesia.
Both forms- the so- called Chine ear acupuncture and the
auriculoterapy of Nogier- have much in common, although on ocassion
the localization of points may differ. Nowadays, the sensible objective is
to integrate any confirmed knowledge from both schools under one roof
and to use it for the benefit of the patiens.
Competing research activities of various schools and mutual verification
of their findings guarantee some reliabiliy of the studies and keep the
discussion going. Russian researchers have also contributed significantly
to this field since the 1970s, with Durinjan ,Portnov, and Velchover being
the leading authors.
The Term "Microsystem":
The term "microsystem" defines the phenomenon of circumscribed body
areas that reflect the entire organism in the form of functional
interrelationships. Through these body areas it is possible to utilize well
defined reflex relationships to external or internal regions of the body for
diagnostic clues or therapeutic measures.
(see Fig 3) This helps us to understand that there are different
microsystems in the body which are interconnected , each one
representing an independntly funcioning system of inividual inherent laws
with its own characteristic and special diagnostic and therapeutic
possiblities: According to Gleditsch (1984), the overlapping of different
microsystems reminds us of several sports fields painted above one
another in a gymnasium: depending on the markings one sport or another
will be played. In this sense, the functional coexistence and interaction of
the reflex zones of the tongue, mouth , nose, hand sole or auricle can be
understood within the overall picture of the human body or the system of
body acupuncture. Of the above- mentioned synonyms, the term
"microsystem" best describes the concentrated form of whole-body
projections within the scope of their organized systematic reflex
relationships.
Needling technique and choice of needles.
In ear acupuncture, it is a rule to needle with as little trauma as possible
in order to prevent infections. Therefore, it is essential to consider certain

aspects regarding the choice of needles as well as the needling

technique.
Choice of needles : Only the finest needles with a maximum diameter
of 0.3 mm should be used; they correspond to the facial needles used in
body acupuncture. The needle and its handle should measure
approximately 3 cm in total. The handle may be covered with plastic
(disposable needles) or have a good grip provided by roughening or
braiding (steel needles which can be sterilized repeatedly). In the case of
steel needles, it should be kept in mind that the tip of the needle will
become blunt after multiple use or may be bent like a hook during
improper handling or sterilization, rendering the needle useless because
of an increased risk of traumatic needling .These disadvantages, including
the risk of infection caused by germs remaining after improper
sterilization do not exist when using disposable needles. The use of steel
needles is quite satisfactory. Today, needles made of steel are exclusively
used also in China. Arguments in favor of using silver or gold needles,
especially for the ear, are usually derived from the school of
auriculotherapy. They are essentially based on the postulate that the
different electrical potentials of these precious metals toward the tissue
provides a more differentiated and effective application of the stimulus.
However ,there is no objetctive confirmation of this. On the contrary the
predominating disadvantages are totally unjustified; the large needle
diameter (up to 1mm) results in a wide stab wound, the increased needle
weight requires a deeper stab to fix the needle and the risk of oxidation
calls for more elaborate sterilization techniques (the founder of the
method of using gold and silver needles was the french acupuncturist
Gearge Soul de Morant)
Needling techniqe. It should be noted here that the ear should be
needled perpendicularly to the skin and not too deep. After penetrating
the membrane of the perichondrium, the tip of the needle should find just
a slight support in the cartilage. The technique of "threading" several
points subcutaneously, as favored by some authors, and the penetration
of cartilage are not recommended. The associated traumatization is
considerable: it increases the risk of infection and is not proportional to
the supposedly improved effectivenees or practicability. In this
connection, we advise against the use of permanent needles of any kind.
Here too, effectiveness and risk are out of proportion to each other. In
case of complications cause by infections of the auricle (in extreme cases,
perichondritis) such criteria will play a major role during forensic analysis.
Some authors prefer the "tangential stab technique" to avoid the

traumatization of cartilage and the associated increase in the risk of

infections. While doing so, the tip of the needle is supposed to be passed
through the perichondrium toward the cartilage but without injuring the
latter. It should be countered that, even here, traumatization of the
cartilage is hardly avoidable, perhaps not so much as a result of direct
traumatization, but rather through disturbing the trophism of the
corresponding cartilage area, in this case originating from the
perichondrium. Considering the delicacy of the ear points, a major
disadvantage of this technique lies particularly in the relative inaccuracy
of targeting the irritated zones. Thus, the approach will have to be
restricted to the inaccessible regions of the auricle, for example, beneath
the brim of the ascending helix. There are no convincing arguments, let
alone test results for the tonifying and sedating techniques
recommended by auriculotherapy, particularly not for those using the
selective application of gold and silver needles and for the postulate that
the rules of classical needle choice should be reversed in case of the
auricle. The same holds true for the idea of reversing the energetic
relationships between front and back of the ear and for the more detailed
rules derived from it. The corresponding tonifying and sedating
techniques of the Chinese school of ear acupuncture are derived from
traditional body acupuncture and are transferred to the microsystem of
the auricle. It must be critically questioned as to what extent such a
transfer to the conditions of a microsystem may be feasible and effective
and also whether the accompanying considerable traumatization of
perichondrium and cartilage convincingly justifies the supposedly greater
effectiveness.

Practice tutorial 3 : Methods of stimulation used in ear

acupuncture
Needling and electrical stimulation:
For insertion of the needle the "very point technique" of guiding the
needle in a tapping and supported way may be applied. This method
allows one to locate points accurately in a calm and safe way. The precise
localization of the "active point" and the applied target- specific stimulus
are decisive in obtaining therapeutic results. It is obviously easier and at
the same time more precise to carry out localization with a needle
stimulus and in some cases , by means of a laser. The fine facial needles
or ear needles , which have a maximal diameter of 0.3 mm are inserted
right in the center of the successfully located irritted point. Only a few

needles are used per treatment session, i.e. only the major points are
needled to address the real cause of the illness. Usually three needles
per auricule are inserted; even if several irritated areas have been
located, the maximum number of needles per auricle should not exceed
five .
The following principle applies:
The therapeutic result is determined by the targeted , precisely
localized needle stimulus and not by the number of needles.
The needles are left in place for at least 20 minutes but no longer than 40
minutes while the patient reclines; they can then be easily removed. In
case of acute painful diseases (cephalalgia, neuralgia) longer periods of
rest may prove practical.Experience has shown that subsiding of pain
may take up to 45 minutes in coming. No additional effect has been
observed with longer treatment periods. Even in case of an immediate
onset of relief (i.e. immediate freeedom of pain, such as the elimination of
pain within seconds seen in neural therapy) the needles should
nevertheless be left in place for at least 20 minutes. Removal of the
needles is usually easy and painless. Prematurely lost needles may be
replaced if the patient was resting only for a brief period; later , this is no
longer effective. Some authors interpret the early loss of a needle as
particularly quick response to the respective needle, i.e., the needle
would be set "free" because of precise targeting of another reflex point.
However there is no clinical proof for this.
The removal of needles may be carried out by an assistant. He/she should
be advised that the occasional minor bleeding may be stopped by lightly
pressing a pad against the bleeding spot- something the patient can
usually take care of. An exception to this are those points for which
bleeding acts as microphlebotomy, for example in case of the Allergy
Point (78) at the tip of the ear, where bleeding should be allowed to
continue until it stops spontaneously.
Electrical stimulation : In both body acupuncture and ear acupuncture,
the inserted needles may be additionally stimulated by means of a low frequency direct current in rectangular pulses.Stimulation frequency is
selected at 10 Hz, while the intensity of the current depends on the
relative sensitivity of the patient. To determine the patients tolerance,
the current is gradually increased until the patient indicates the sensation
of a slightly stabbing, well -tolerated pulse. While doing so, the patient
should be instructed that this sensation should not reach the pain

threshold and that , due to adaptation, the slightly stabbing sensation will
subside during the period of rest without losing its effectiveness. That is
why the current intensity should not be readjusted.The positive and
negative electrodes must be applied ispilaterally i.e., both on the same
ear, and the intensity-dependent paresthesia during stimulation occurs at
the positive electrode closing the circuit may be connected to a needle
that does not need to be stimulated.
In ear acupuncture, electrical stimulation is not as important as it is in
body acupuncture. It is usually only recommended in .????
Auricular massage :
Similar to body acupuncture, the theapeutic stimulation of irritated points
or zones can also be achieved in ear somatotopy by means of a targeted
pulsating pressure or massage. In addition, the whole body can be given
a soothing harmonizing stimulus through systematic massage of the
auricle, in the sense of stimulating the entire microsystem. The latter is
called auricular massage which should be distinguished whith regard to
its direction of action as well as handling from the direct stimulation of
individual points through pressure massage. Auricular massage according
to Lange (1985) is carried out without an auxiliary instrument namely,
just by using thumb and index finger. Due to the active involvement of
the patient, auricule massage has proved effective as therapy- supporting
mesasure particularly when treating problems with concentration and
sleeping disorders. After appropriate instruction as to the proper scheme ,
the massage may be carried out by the patients themselves. For the
purpose of massaging the ear, it is important to hold the auricle in a
forceps- like grip between index finger and thumb so that the tip of the
thumb lies behind the auricle and the tip of the index finger is able to
perform light massaging, circular movements on the front side of the
auricular. The pressure of the massage should not be painful but rather
perceived as pleasant.
Focal massage of irritated ear points as defined by acupressure can only
be performed with the help of rod- or probe -like devices like the ones
used for detecting tenderness. This specific form of stimulation presents
itself when other possibilities of stimulation are unavailable or not
tolerated by the patient. Focal self -tratment of the patient is usually not
practical apart from two exceptions, namely , in kinetosis in order to
support the treatment and in cases of pre-exam anxiety or stage fright. In
such cases the patient is instructed to massage the respective zones (in
the region of postantitragal fossa and crus of helix , respectively) as

required during treatment intervals. Self treatment should be done

carefully and under changing pressure from the finger nail.

Microphlebotomy
This tipe of therapeutic stimulation is included in the discussion despite
its rather limited scope of indications.It has proved effective as an
auxiliary measure especially in allergic disorders (such as pollinosis and
urticaria) and is also used in neuralgia (e. g. trigeminal neurlagia).
Microphlebotomy may be used either alone in the directly indicated zone
or as part of a combination therapy involving several points. One or
several facial needles suffice for puncturing . To avoid unncessary
traumatization, cruder instruments (such as lancets) are not
recommended. In the region of the well - vascularized lobule, it is even
possible to pierce the tissue like a sieve with several needles (e. g. in the
trigeminal zone). After an appropriate period of time, the needles are
simultaneously removed ; the resulting bleeding is not stopped but
allowed to drip into a cotton swab. In the region of ear cartilage (e g. at te
thipo of the ear: allergy point (78) a quick stab with the needle from the
inside or outside is usually sufficient to induce the apropriate bleeding.
Microphlebotomy at the auricle should only be used in connection with a
constellation of points appropriate for the syndrome. Its therapeutic
stimulus is insufficient when used on its own and at any location.
Methods of continuous stimulation :

General remarks. When using permanent needles or ear clamps which

are to provide continuous stimulation over a longer period of time to the
irritated reflex xone, both risks and therapeutic advantages must be very
carefully assessed. As acupuncture, including ear acupuncture i.e.
constitutes an intervention of choice it is not an essential therapeutic
measure, possible risks matter much more, in particular, when it is not
obvious that there will be additional specific therapeutic results. For the
various methods aiming at continuous stimulation (such as permanent
needles, pellet plasters, or ear clamps) there is no evidence whatsoever
with regard to achieving improved effectiveness, neither from
comparative studies nor from empirical observations, which would justify
the disadvantages. The major risk of permanent needles and pellet
plasters is their subperichondrial incorporation into the cartilaginous parts

of the tissue. This process starts with a mechanically- induced, initially

localized , inflammatory reaction followed by infection and tissue
necrosis. The latter facilitates entrance of the foreign object, especially
when the patient is advised to massage the permanent needle or pellet
plaster with a small magnet or with the tip of a finger for the purpose of
stimulation. If such a course of complications is recognized early enough,
the foreign object can be removed without consequences. In a further
advanced state, however, when removing the adhesive band that keeps
the needle or pellet in place necrotic skin of the perichondrium,
undermined by pus, will be seen to come off as it adheres to the plaster
together with the needle or pellet. At this stage, there is a great risk that
perichondritis will develop. In addition, it can be observed that after a
prolonged , uncontrolled period of keeping the pellet pressure method in
place, and as a result of the massage, the small pellet is pushed through
the pressure-damaged tissue between the perichondrium and the
cartilage and ends up underneath intact areas of the skin which are
clearly distant from the original site of application. The ear clamps
predominantly used by the Chinese school may lead to pressure -induced
disturbances in local blood flow with the danger of skin necrosis, although
this is relatively rare. Because of this risk of complications, patients must
be well informed about it as well as their legal rights. Foreign objects
applied to the ear must be checked at short intervals for inflammatory
reactions. In view of the potential problems, the application of continuous
stimulation methods at the auricle is not recommended.
Permanent needles. The popular types of permanent needles currently
available on the market vary considerably in shape and mode of
application. The most traumatizing and therefore, the least
recommendable permanent needle has a hook at its tip, wich anchors
itself in the cartilage after the needle has been pressed in with the aid of
a guiding probe. Inside the handle of the plastic probe is a small magnet
to be used by the patient to stimulate the needle periodically. Another
type of permanent needle is fixed to a small adhesive plaster; it has a
circular overlay surface with the tip of the needle protruding from its
center. The small adhesive plaster and the wide overlay surface are
supposed to ensure a firm fit. Tissue traumatization is much less severe ;
nevertheless, the above- mentioned possiblity of complications still exists.
Pellet plasters. This method was designed with the idea of exerting a
constant pressure to the irritated zone. The chromium - plated small steel
pellet , or seed , is fixed onto an adhesive plaster and has to be stuck

onto the point to be treated. The patient must be advised to massage the
pellet from time to ....
Practical approach.
Preparation and positioning of the patient
Preparation. Patient preparation involves informing the patient about the possibility of
experiencing pain during needle insertion and about the kind and strength of pain.
Furthermore, it is advisable to inform the patient of the disposable needle material that will
be used and to explain the search for points in general terms. In addition the patient must
remove all ear ornaments and if necessary , clear the ears from interfering hair. These
preparatory measures, including the necessary disinfection of the auricle may be taken care
of by the nurse.
The physician the briefly explains the procedure in plain language to the patient and most
importantly, points out that the symptoms tend to improve after 4-5 days of treatment,
otherwise the indication needs to be reviewed and the patient must consent to continuation of
the treatment.
It is also helpful to get the patients cooperation in so far as he /she will inform the physician
at the next treatment session, preferably without being asked, of any changes in his/her
condition or symptom complex so that therapeutic measures may be taken quickly and in
flexible way by adjusting the combination of points.
During the entire treatment series, the patient should avoid narcotics, such as sleeping pills
and alcohol during the last 12 hours preceding the treatment. It is advisable that the patient is
not exposed to situations of physical stress, such as sauna or stenuous sports, during the 2-3
hours following treatment.
Positioning the patient. Examination and needling of the auricle can be performed with the
patient either sitting or lying. Unless clues in the patients history or a state of vegetative
instability favor the lying position, sitting is preferred because it provides better access to the
ear points. If required by the treatment regimen , laterality may be clarified right at the
beginning to identify wich auricle should primarily be treated. Already after a brief practical
involvement, the physician will be familiar with all these steps. They will prevent him from
making the patient feel uneasy as a result of incomplete information or improvised changes
in the combination of points which could disturb the course of treatment.
Bedding.
After treatment , the patient should be bedded in a relaxed lying position for 20-45 minutes.
One should see to it that the room is kept sufficiently warm and the patient is covered with a
blanket to avoid even the slightest hypothermia, as this would interfere with complete
relaxation. Unfortunately, these seemingly straightforward rules are often not observed in
practice or they are neglected due to insufficient engagement by the physician or nurse. This
may lead to unfavorable accompanying symptoms and may cause the patient to abandon the
treatment at a critical phase.

Choice of primary therapeutic access:

From the patients history and the general physical examination, the attending physician will
have already arrived at concrete ideas as to which zones and points may be treated most
successfully. It is advisable to complement this approach by a systematic examination
process. This includes selecting the primary therapeutic access according to the syndrome,
i.e. , to search for the most irritated and, hence , therapeutically most favorable zone of the
auricle and to give it preferential treatment.
A. Segmental therapy . In diseases of the locomotor system and in segmental neuralgia,
segmental therapy (ear geometry according to Nogier) predominates the concept of
treatment. First, the Vegetative Groove (Zone of Origin of Sympathetic Nuclei) in the scapha
beneath the helical brim is examined to locate irritated points depending on the clinically
conspicuous segment: it is then needled, if appropriate.
Next, an imaginary line is drawn by connecting the irritated point with Point Zero ; this
"line of treatment" is then examined for more irritated points.
Needling of the irritated points in the region of the Zone of Paravertebral Muscles and
Ligaments should take prority.
In case of neuralgia or causalgia, it is more advantageous to search for sensitive points in
the Zone of Spinal Cord, namely in the region of its Zone of Sensory Tracts.
In chronically recurrent diseases (e. g. activated arthrosis , chronically recurrent lumbago)
it is also very advantageous to choose the latter zone as the primary therapeutic access.
B. Searching for irritated points of correspondence The primary
approach is completely different in organic diseases or in allergies.
First the irritated points corresponding to the diseased organs and the
points modulating the immune system are located.
This does not mean that, when a certain organ is diseased, the
corresponding disturbed segment may not also be treated according to
ear geometry; however the latter step is second in line. For example,
when cholecystitis is assumed, the irritated Gallbladder Zone (96) of the
right ear must be needled first and in combination with the Shen Men
point (55.) If the symtoms are not sufficientrly alleviated, the disturbed
segment of the upper abdomen may then be included in the treatment.
C. Choice of analgetic or anti-inflammatory points
In conditions of pain which are not organ-specific (such as cephalalgia
or non -specific neuralgia) the primary therapeutic access lies in the
selection of sensitive analgetic or anti-inflammatory points.

 In most cases ( e. g. general headache syndrome) the following points

should be selected : analgetically acting points in the region of the
Sensory line , the Shen Men Point (55) and , in extreme cases, also the
Thalamus Point (26 a) .
In case of mental illnes and for treating addictions, the psychotropic
points are initially more important.
Should there be more than three or four irritated points per auricle, once
more preferences must be established depending on clues in the patient
s history. The remaining points are recorded and marked with a felt - tip
pen if sensitive, and then needled in a second session making short-term
intervals of alternanting treatment sessions necessary.
Frequently the "extinction phenomenon" takes place during such an
approach, whereby after needling the primarily preferred points, the
secondarily preferred points are no longer found to be irritated.
Caution !! Remove felt- tip pen markings prior to needling (risk of
tattooing effect).

Supplementary Choice of Points

The choice of supplementary points is made after needling the primary
therapeutic access points. Depending on the syndrome other points which
could provide therapeutic support are examined for their state of
irritation. For example, in case of gastritis as an organic disease, the
organ point (Stomach Zone (87) and the Solar Plexus Zone are chosen as
primary access, but certain psychotropic points and vegetative points will
definitely be included as supplementary points.
After acute organic symptoms have subsidied, the preference may be
utterly reversed; previously supplementary points gain importance (in this
case, the points balancing the psychovegetative system) while the organ
points become less important and finally, are no longer found to be
irritated.
Naturally, this procedure may also be followed when treating diseases of
the locomotor system, for example, lumbago-sciatica sndrome. Apart
from the psychovegetative points mentioned above, however, the
following supplementary points may also be considered: the musclerelaxing Jerome Point (29 b) as well as Shen Men Point (55) and ACTH
Point (13) because of their respective analgetic and anti- inflammatory
effects.

In case of arthritic pain in the region of the knee joint, the two Knee
Points (49 a and 49 b, in the region of the triangular fossa and superior
anthelical crus, respectively) are most important. Supplementary points
are selected depending on whether the symptom complex can be
assigned primarily to inflammation, a pain process, or radiation of pain
.Accordingly, supplementary points may be included individually or in
combination.
Frequently, only the selection of supplementary points and their
interaction with the primary therapeutic access point will bring about the
decisive therapeutic breakthrough.
Choice of stimulation method
Inserting a fine needle into the irritated zone has certainly become the
most popular method of auricular stimulation. So far , this type of
stimulation is unsurpassed in its practicabilitty and effectiveness and can
be replaced by no other method of ear stimulation. Hence, as a rule,
needling is the method of first choice. All other forms of stimuli must be
viewed as therapeutic supplements or a less effective substitutes
whenever the needle method cannot be applied. Generally, electrical
stimulation of the inserted needle has enhancing effect, especially in
neuralgia and causalgia, but also in recurrent colicky conditions of pain in
the intestinal region (diverticulosis, spastic colitis, etc) Microphlebotomy
presents itself as a supplement to needle treatment ,particularly in
allergies and cephalalgia.
In hypersensitive or extremely anxious patients, the stimulation methods
discussed earlier provide a substitute for needle treatment , though an
imperfect one. First of all targeted pressure massage of points
(acupressure) is one possiblitity for the less well equipped physician ; it
may be further developed by means of the pellet pressure method.
However, for resasons already discussed, the latter requires stringent
control by the physician. Point stimulation by means of soft laser is more
costly and roughly similarly effective as the needle method, although it
cannot replace needling completely . In all cases where the patient is
unable to keep appointments for treatment at meaningful intervals (eg.
because of prolonged travels) self treatmente by targeted auricular
massage may be recommended , provided the ear points to be treated
are accessible.
Strength of stimulus, treatment intervals and duration of
sessions

Strength of stimulus . The French/Western school of ear acupuncture

(auriculotherapy) calls for the differential use of gold and silver needles
with regard to stimulus intensity : the reducing method requires strong
stimultion whereas the reinforcing method requires a weak stimulus. The
proponents of this school of thought use the gold needle for supplying
and the silver needle for drainage also in body acupuncture. As already
discussed in connection with the choice of needles, puncturing into
different points of the tissue results in different electrical potentials, from
which the respective replenishing or drainig effect is inferred.
Without any explicit reasoning, auriculotherapy takes the view that the
rules for choosing the needle type are reversed on the auricle so that the
gold needle should be used for reducing and the silver needle for
reinforcing. Interestingly enough , only the terms "drainage" and
"supplying" are borrowd fron TCM and applied to particular syndromes.
Neither in Chinese body acupuncture nor in Chinese ear acupuncture
does the choice of metal have this meaning, let alone this range of
applications. Furthermore, auriculotherapy talks about opposing
"energetic relationships" on the front and back of the auricle.
Consequently, on the back of the ear the gold needle is supposed to be
used for "supplying" and the silver needle for "drainage" now again in
analogy with body acupuncture.
According to the concept of auriculotherapy, mediation of the desired
intensity of the stimulus depends on gold or silver as the material,
whereas steel is neutral. Needles made of platinum or molybdenum are
also in use, although, once again the postulated special effect cannot be
confirmed empirically.
In Chinese ear acupuncture, by contrast the strength of a stimulus is not
determined by the differential choice of needle types. Here the reinforcing
and draining techniques used are the same as in traditional Chinese body
acupuncture. The latter knows three kinds of stimulus intensities which in
a modifed form, also play a role in ear acupuncture.
The Ti Dao Fa of ear acupuncture (the draining, reducing measure)
corresponds to the famous Xie Fa of body acupuncture (as a strong
stimulus); the Eao Fa of ear acupuncture (the supplying, replenishing
measure) corresponds to the Bu Fa of body acupuncture (as a weak
stimulus) The Nian Zhuan Fa in ear acupuncture (as a medium-strength
stimulus) corresponds to the third classical strength , namely , the
combination of Xie Fa and Bu Fa.
Drainage in ear acupuncture (Ti
Dao Fa) is achieved by repeated minor lifting and lowering of the

inserted needle for 1-2 minutes , while rotating the needle slightly .This
strength of the stimulus is indicated above all in states of Yang or Yang
excess, namely in acutely severe and painful diseases.
For medium - strength stimulation, i.e. for combining drainage and
replenishing (Nian Zhuan Fa) the needle is moved by rotating it back
and forth every 1-2 minutes while emphasizing the clock - wise
direction.This strength of the stimulus is applied particularly in chronic
and chronically recurrent symptoms or syndromes.
Supplementation in ear acupuncture (Eao Fa) is achieved by merely
insterting the needle and leaving it without further manipulation.This type
of stimulus is indicated in all states of Yin or Yin Defficiency as defined by
TCM, namely , primarily in chronic syndromes and conditions of pain (e.g.
Yin pain at night or while resting which improves with movement)
Furthermore, it is advisable to choose this strength of the stimulus when
warranted by the patients constitution, that is mainly in weak or
chronically ill patients, old persons and children. Hence, in Chinese ear
acupuncture, the strength of the stimulus is chosen depending on the
syndrome as defined by TCM. For this purpose, patients and their illness
should be assessed according to the classical Eight guiding Principles:
Deficiency/Excess, Yin/Yang, Heat/Cold, Interior /Exterior. The drainage
and reinforcing techniques of Chinese ear acupuncture require relevant
training and skills, especially the forms of Nian Zhuan Fa and Ti Dao Fa. In
case of clumsy handling, the ear cartilage may be considerably
traumatized or even pierced and that would increase the risk of infection.
For this reason , it is up to the therapist in each individual case to view
the necessity of this technique in relation to its effectiveness. Once again,
as in the case of auriculotherapy, critical reservations are advisable.
Convincing comparative studies or empirical results with regard to
improved effectiveness in comparison to the simple needle stimulus are
still unavailable. However these reservations apply only to auricular
therapy and they should encourage the exploration in detail as to how
effective these stimulation methods really are. Ear acupuncture is based
on a microsystem which reflects the entire body and in which direct and
fairly short reflex pathways to the corresponding organ are clearly
available. In principle, it is therefore doubtful whether the laws of body
acupunctue can be applied to ear acupuncture in a meaningful way,
particularly since the organ projections are not at all analogous to the
functional pathways (meridians or channels) defined by TCM. However
this does not exclude selection of ear points based on possible diagnostic
clues obtained according to traditional rules. Unfortunately, we have only

recomendations by individual authors regarding the effectiveness of the

three different stimulus intensities; we have no insight into original
Chinese studies Far more important than the choice of stimulus intensity
is the choice of stimulus location. According to the current state of
practical experience and in recognition of the available information both
from Chinese ear acupuncture and French /Western auriculotherapy, the
precise localization of the needle, rather than its manipulation, is the
decisive factor.
Treatment intervals. In Chinese ear acupuncture, the intervals between
individual treatments depend on TCM guidelines on the one hand (e. g. on
the patients constitution) and vary according to the type of syndrome on
the other. Rather short treatment intervals are indicated in states of Yang
Excess (namely, twice a week or every 2 days) while longer intervals are
indicated in states of Yin Deficiency (namely , once per week or every 2
weeks) In Western auticulotherapy, the treatment intervals depend on
the patients needs :
the patient is treated again when symptoms reappear or did not subside
sufficiently.
the shortest interval is 1-2 days, but may be even shorter as long as
other points other than those used for the previous or initial treatment are
selected.
the treatment intervals are then gradually prolonged depending on the
condition of the patient. The aim is to have intervals of 7-10 days.
after the patient is free of symptoms treatment is continued once or
twice and the patient is advised to return for a new round of tretament
once the symptoms recur, even weeks or months later. This will
repeatedly be the case, primarily with chronic illnesses.
Patients return after 3-6 months and a kind of restoration treatment of
about five sessions in intervals of 1 week will return them to the desired
freedom from symptoms. Duration of session. The needles are kept in
place for 20-45 minutes. In old and very weak patients, the needles may
be removed during the first sessions already after 10 minutes. The period
of time is then gradually increased during subsequent sessions,
depending on the patiens reaction. In severe conditions of pain the
needles may be kept in place for a longer period, in individual cases
perhaps for 45-60 minutes.

A series of basic treatments should include approximately ten sessions

and the patient must be informed that alleviation of symptoms should be
noticed after about five to six treatments. If the patient fails to respond, it
may still make sense to continue the treatment by mutual agreement,
although the prospects are now less promising.

Combination with other methods of stimulation

There are numerous possibilities for using ear acupuncture in combination
with other therapeutic methodes. However, beware of polypragmasy: the
selection should be based on indication and syndrome in the same way as
when ear acupuncture is used as monotherapy.
It has proved advantageous to use ear acupuncture with its immediate
painkilling effect in acute phases of acutely recurrent chronic disorders,
such as migraine, and to include body acupuncture in more refractory
cases, preferably during the intervals. The combination of ear and body
acupuncture is recommended for the treatment of difficult chronic
syndormes. In chronic rheumatoid arthritis, for example, body
acupuncture is used primarily and ear acupuncture is included as
supplementary measure, especially when acute symptoms appear. In
such cases , irritated zones are usually found in the corresponding area of
the auricle, offering the opportunity for therapeutic support.
Acute pain can be alleviated this way, even if the underlying illness
cannot be permanently controlled with ear acupuncture alone.
Because of the reflex connections , ear acupuncture may also be used for
follow-up. In syndromes not belonging to the primary range of indications
of ear acupuncture, reduction in initial irritation of the corresponding
reflex zones should be intrepreted as a sign of successful body
acupuncture, independent of the course and often even prior to the onset
of subjective improvement of symptoms. Treatment and follow up take
place during the same session.First the auricle is examined as usual for
irritated zones which are then marked with a water -soluble felt-tip pen,
and optimal body acupuncture is then carried out. Subsequently, the
previously active zones are reassessed- they are often found less irritated
or even silent. This "extinction phenomenon " described earlier may only
occur after a series of treatments and provides good help by indicating
that one is proceeding correctly.

Neural therapy presents another good opportunity for combination,

especially in acutely paiful diseases. Although both methods compete
with each other as far as the indication is concerned , their combination
represents an improved therapy in disturbed areas (scars, foci). In these
case, neural therapy should be used primarily and persistently irritated
zones of the auricula should be considered as supplementary treatment.
In acute neuralgia, such as headache syndrome, the method of choice
should depend on the patients preference or dislike- the decision will
most likely be in favor of ear acupuncture. In case of residual symptoms,
the use of neural therapy will still be a sensible supplementary measure.

The therapist should always prefer the

particular method which provided the
best results for the indication in question,
in order to be able to include another
supplementary method if the symptoms
remain or show insufficient improvement .
For example, the cervicobrachial syndrome can be superbly treated by
mouth acupuncture according to Gleditsch (1979) and is the method of
choice. In case of needle phobia or hypersensitivity of the patient it might
be advisable to stabilize the therapeutic out come by switching to ear
acupuncture after one or two sessions. This will not interfere with mouth
acupuncture, which may be reapplied after such an interruption. In
addition, ear acupuncture has proved effective for the preparation or
initiation of physical treatment mesures, chiropractic and kinesiological
treatment. This approach has the advantage among other things that the
site of therapy lies outside the body areas involved in these measures so
that both treatments can be carried out in paralel. Ear acupuncture has
also proved success
Diseases and establishes indications
Ear Acupuncture: A Precise Pocket Atlas Based on the Works of
Nogier/Bahr
By Beate Strittmatter

In a right - handed person, the right ear is the dominant one, and the left
ear is non- dominant. In a left- handed person, the left ear is
dominant,,and the right ear is non- dominant. In this book the most
important points of each ear meridian are describe together with their
multple functions. The carry the same names as the corresponding body
acupuncture points. Points ending with "-1" are located close to the
original point (e. g. TB-1-1 lies close to TB-1). As a rule, the sensory
portions are found on the front of the ear (lateral surface of auricle) while
the motor portions are found on the back of the ear (medial surface of
auricle) . A gold needle in the sensory point on the lateral surface and a
silver needle in the corresponding motor point on the medial surface .
Body parts, organs or anatomical structures belonging g to the same
region project very close to each other onto the ear . For example: For
example: knee joint, popliteal artery, peroneal nerve Entire vertebral
column . Location :the vertebral column or spine, projects upside- down
onto the entire antihelix.Locaation : like the various structures of a
vertebra, the corresponding points lie close together on the edge of the
anithelix.: the smal vertebral hoints project slightly lateral to the edge of
the antihelix (which is important for treating the very common "blockages
" of the spine) .The zone of paravertebral muscles and ligaments lies
lateral to theis zone of small vertebral joints.
The point has an effect on the vomiting reflex Note : the vomiting centre
lies in the medulla oblongata near the respiratory centre
Disorders of the locomotor system Auriculotherapy of symtoms of the
locomotor system (joints vertebral column ) always proceeds according
to the same principle: 1 Local pain point (e. g. relfex point of a particular
joint or vertebra)
2 The correspondig motor point on the back of the
ear (forceps method according to Bahr) using a silver needle 3 Points in
the correspondig sympatetic trunk segment usually with silver needles 4
Anti inflammatory , analgesic and /or anti - rheumatic points 5 Points of
focal disturbances if present. This treatment plan is valid for both acute
and chronic symptoms. Local pain points may also be pierced with two or
theree needles if the ear point occupies a wider area. Points for joints or
vertebrae are needled like all organ points, on the ear of the affected
body side. So- called functional points are needled as described in detail
(always use the other ear for lett- handed persons).
An important note for therapists wishing to wor exclusively with steel
needles: always needle the point on the same ear for which the GOld
point is described because this is the point that needs to be stimulated. In

all stubborn cases, that do not respond to therapy. and particularly when
a good ear acupuncture treatment did not lead to early and significant
alleviation of symtoms- one should consider the presence of a focal
disturbance. The following foci are common and should be taken into
account: a) scars, especially those that healed secondarily (the size of the
scar is not important) also drainage scars and internal scars resulting
from surgery (including the scar from perineotomy)
Chronic infalmmation (tonsils, paranasal sinues, hemorrhoids, pelvic
inflammatory disease) . Devitalized teeth or inflammation in the dentalmaxillary region. If focal activity is supected, one can simply examine the
ear reflex zones belonging to pontential foci detected in the patients
history and check them with the point finder for electric activity
(indicating focal disturbance) . A gold needle placed exactly into this point
(i. e , the point for a disturbing scar) alleviates the focal activity, reduces
inflammation and heals it completely after a few repeat treatments.
(Dental foci must usually be cleaned up by the dentist. How ever the focal
activity of a tooth is normally not discovered without ear acupuncture
diagnostics in the first place)