Ear Acupuncture E-Book

Beate Strittmatter

• Herausgeber: Thieme
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 252

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Beschreibung

The definitive pocket guide to ear acupuncture - now in a Second Edition!

Written by one of the world's leading experts on Western auriculotherapy, Ear Acupuncture -- now in a fully updated Second Edition -- provides readers with succinct descriptions of acupuncture points and practical advice on how to incorporate ear acupuncture treatment strategies and techniques into daily practice.

Based on the work of auriculotherapy masters Nogier and Bahr, each practical two-page unit is comprised of concise text on the left-hand side supplemented by clearly labeled line drawings on the right. Localization points indicated in color depict each specific reflex zone. In cases where localization is particularly difficult, helpful enlargements of the region in question allow for easy identification.

Features

• 360 high-quality drawings demonstrate key points and treatment options
• Detailed coverage of nine new points, including the anger point, shen men point, super omega point, and more
• Numerous cross-referenced indications tables allow quick access to needed information

This user-friendly guide is the ideal choice for students or teachers of acupuncture and pain management or for anyone involved in the practice of complementary medicine.

Leseprobe

Ear Acupuncture

A Precise Pocket Atlas Based on the Works of Nogier/Bahr

Beate Strittmatter, MD Chief Instructor German Academy of Acupuncture Physician in Private Practice Saarbrücken, Germany

2nd edition

267 illustrations

Thieme Stuttgart · New York

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Strittmatter, Beate, 1956-

[Taschenatlas Ohrakupunktur nach Nogier/Bahr. English]

Ear acupuncture: a precise pocket atlas based on the works of Nogier/Bahr/Beate Strittmatter; [translator, Ursula Vielkind; illustrator, Beate Strittmatter]. — 2nd ed.

   p.; cm.

This book is a revised new edition based on the 4th German edition of Taschenatlas Ohrakupunktur nach Nogier/Bahr, published and copyrighted 2008 by Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart, Germany.

Includes indexes.

ISBN 978-3-13-131962-3 (alk. paper)

1. Ear—Acupuncture—Atlases. I. Title.

[DNLM: 1. Acupuncture, Ear--Atlases. WB 17]

RM184.S77613 2010615.8’92—dc22

2010033135

Translator: Ursula Vielkind, PhD, Dundas, Ontario, Canada

Illustrator: Dr. Beate Strittmatter

© 2011 Georg Thieme Verlag,

Rüdigerstraβe 14, 70469 Stuttgart,

Germany

http://www.thieme.de

Thieme New York, 333 Seventh Avenue,

New York, NY 10001, USA

http://www.thieme.com

Cover design: Thieme Publishing Group

Typesetting by Primustype Hurler,

Notzingen, Germany

Printed in India by Gopsons Paper Limited,

New Delhi

ISBN 978-3-13-131962-3

1 2 3 4 5 6

Important note: Medicine is an ever-changing science undergoing continual development. Research and clinical experience are continually expanding our knowledge, in particular our knowledge of proper treatment and drug therapy. Insofar as this book mentions any dosage or application, readers may rest assured that the authors, editors, and publishers have made every effort to ensure that such references are in accordance with the state of knowledge at the time of production of the book.

Nevertheless, this does not involve, imply, or express any guarantee or responsibility on the part of the publishers in respect to any dosage instructions and forms of applications stated in the book. Every user is requested to examine carefully the manufacturers’ leaflets accompanying each drug and to check, if necessary in consultation with a physician or specialist, whether the dosage schedules mentioned therein or the contraindications stated by the manufacturers differ from the statements made in the present book. Such examination is particularly important with drugs that are either rarely used or have been newly released on the market. Every dosage schedule or every form of application used is entirely at the user’s own risk and responsibility. The authors and publishers request every user to report to the publishers any discrepancies or inaccuracies noticed. If errors in this work are found after publication, errata will be posted at www.thieme.com on the product description page.

Some of the product names, patents, and registered designs referred to in this book are in fact registered trademarks or proprietary names even though specific reference to this fact is not always made in the text. Therefore, the appearance of a name without designation as proprietary is not to be construed as a representation by the publisher that it is in the public domain.

This book, including all parts thereof, is legally protected by copyright. Any use, exploitation, or commercialization outside the narrow limits set by copyright legislation, without the publisher’s consent, is illegal and liable to prosecution. This applies in particular to photostat reproduction, copying, mimeographing, preparation of microfilms, and electronic data processing and storage.

Preface to the Second English Edition

The scientific foundations of body acupuncture have been established during the last 15 years. By contrast, ear acupuncture (auricular acupuncture, auriculotherapy) is still viewed by many as a therapeutic side issue, despite its immediate and long-lasting effect.

In a recent study representative of many scientific investigations, David Alimi at the University of Paris has demonstrated by functional MRI that auricular reflex zones are directly connected to the corresponding brain areas [1]. Needling the auricular point for the right thumb reached exactly the same brain area, in the precentral gyrus, as did direct stimulation of the right thumb (performed and measured separately prior to auricular acupuncture). The fact that Alimi was able to show by functional MRI such a precise and direct connection between an auricular reflex zone and the corresponding area in the brain is an impressive proof of the neurobiological effect of ear acupuncture. Furthermore, the fact that needling of the right ear stimulated the thumb area on the left half of the brain made it clear that the ear point representing a specific organ (or body part) must be needled on the same side of the body where the affected organ is.

Finally, ear acupuncture is becoming accepted throughout the world.

By initiating and conducting educational seminars and tutorials in the United States, Canada, and the United Arabic Emirates and by giving presentations at international congresses, I had the privilege to plant the seeds for a wider distribution of this method. The activities of the Auriculotherapy Certification Institute (ACI) of Dr. Terry Oleson in Los Angeles, USA (www.auriculotherapy.com), and also of the Canadian school of Dr. Muriel Agnes, who teaches the German version of auricular acupuncture (www.vitalprincipal.ca), have aroused the interest of many physicians, nurses, and acupuncturists. As a result, a considerable number of qualified auriculotherapists are now practicing in both the United States and Canada—much to the benefit of patients who do not get help from evidence-based conventional medicine. For several years now, interest in this special form of treatment has been steadily increasing among medical students and TCM instructors, even in China (Frank R. Bahr, MD, and coworkers).

The same picture is emerging everywhere around the world: those who get to know ear acupuncture are quickly filled with the same excitement that gripped me more than 25 years ago when I had the privilege of learning auricular acupuncture from Dr. Bahr when it was still in its infancy. Thanks to the unflagging research efforts of Dr. Bahr and coworkers, this system has since matured into a concept for specific, highly effective treatment of many diseases, particularly in patients resistant to conventional treatment.

After all, science is based on discovery, observation, and critical analysis, and thus science creates knowledge. In view of this, the scientific community can no longer ignore the fascinating discoveries in auricular acupuncture and is currently working on a model that may explain and monitor its effects.

When the first German edition of this pocket atlas was published in 2001, we did not expect it to meet with such success. By the time the fourth German edition appeared in 2007, it became obvious from the numerous positive responses coming from my colleagues that the basic concept of the book has been highly successful, both in didactical and practical terms. All other books showed maps with several reflex points on the same ear. In the medical practice, however, patients present with an “empty” ear—without any points for reference. In addition to overview maps, therefore, it seemed important to provide ear maps showing only one reflex point and accurately describe its localization. But such an approach required sufficient space, and I wish to thank the publisher once again for generously supporting such a paper-intensive presentation.

With this in mind, I wish you an interesting and informative reading. As always, I am grateful for any comments or criticism that will lead to reader-friendly improvements.

Beate Strittmatter

[1] Alimi D, Geissmann A, Gardeur D. Auricular Acupuncture Stimulation Measured on Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Medical Acupuncture 2002;13(2):18–21.

Preface to the First English Edition

Acupuncture is a healing method, the value of which has been established through successful application over thousands of years. Unlike in the United States, in Europe acupuncture is widely used by physicians and is being taught in medical school and researched at universities. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland alone, there are more than 20 000 physicians who apply a special form of acupuncture, namely, ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy).

The French physician, Paul Nogier, discovered this form of acupuncture 50 years ago and established its foundations. During the last 20 years, Frank R. Bahr, MD, and his coworkers consistently pursued the continuing development of ear acupuncture with respect to basic knowledge, application, and indication. In addition to the classical reflex points on the ear, other points (so-called Functional Points) have been found that are important in a physician’s practice: points for pain and addictions and those with psychotropic and/or druglike effects. The reflex zones of neurological structures, described only partially by Nogier, have been refined and mapped on the ear.

Another important development of practical implication is the opportunity to use ear acupuncture for identifying focal processes in the body, the diagnosis and therapy of which are often the key to success in difficult cases. Ear points indicating focal disturbances that can influence the disease process from far away (so-called Indicator Points) play a key role in ear acupuncture, thus setting it apart from other forms of acupuncture.

Ear acupuncture with its many applications is now well established as an efficient, inexpensive, and quick procedure that has very few side effects. The main indications are pain (migraine, musculoskeletal pain), allergic disorders, and all functional diseases, such as inflammation, proneness to infection, gastrointestinal disorders, and gynecological and medical disorders.

The idea for this book came up at the International Consensus Conference on Acupuncture, Auriculotherapy, and Auricular Medicine (ICCAAAM) in Las Vegas in 1999, when participants asked me for a book in English. Our host at that time was Terry Oleson, PhD, LA, chairman of the conference and also chairman of the Auriculotherapy Certification Institute (ACI). He, too, is actively involved in research and promotion of acupuncture in the United States. My work has been enriched in many ways through intense dialogue with him, also in connection with my educational activities at the ACI, and through his continuous and vivid interest in new developments and the integration of these methods into conventional medicine.

I was also encouraged by the workshops held subsequently (and now regularly) at the University of Miami at the invitation of Janet Konefal, PhD, Chief of Complementary Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Konefal made it her task to promote ear acupuncture as a part of complementary medicine at university level, thus contributing to its spread all over the world.

The present Pocket Atlas of Ear Acupuncture is equally well suited as a concise textbook for beginners and as a compact reference book for more experienced practitioners. It was important for me to apply a didactic principle that makes it easy for the reader to learn and memorize: in addition to general maps of the ear that are easy to remember, each reflex zone or point is illustrated individually on an otherwise empty ear. This allows for quick and systematic orientation in daily practice.

My special thanks go to my teacher, Dr. Frank R. Bahr. Not only did I learn the method of ear acupuncture from him, but we both entered a mutually respectful collaboration in the continuous efforts to enrich ear acupuncture through new discoveries and therapeutic concepts. Dr. Bahr contributed considerably to the fact that ear acupuncture is now used throughout Europe. He helped to establish the method at universities and he now makes sure, through his persistent research activity, that this steadily growing healing method is developing further.

The translator of this book, Ursula Vielkind, PhD, Ontario, Canada, helped to improve the book through her scientific background and meticulous, discerning, and enthusiastic work. As an author, I have learned a lot during this collaboration.

My special thanks go to the publisher, especially to Liane Platt-Rohloff, PhD, for her support of this demanding project.

As so often before, I wish to thank my husband and children who supported me with endless patience and tolerance while I was working on this book, even during family vacations.

Fall 2002 Beate Strittmatter

Contents

1 Introduction

Zones of Projection

2 Projection of the Locomotor System

Auricular Innervation, Projection of Germ Layers

The Three Germ Layers: Ectoderm, Endoderm, Mesoderm

Projection of the Locomotor System

Locomotor System—Overview

Projection of the Vertebral Column/Thorax

Entire Vertebral Column

Structures of the Vertebral Column

Cervical Spine

Thoracic Spine

Lumbar Spine

C0/C1 (Atlanto-occipital Joint)

C7/T1

T12/L1

L5/S1 (Lumbosacral Transition)

Coccyx

Sacral Spine

Thorax—Overview

Ribs

Sternum

Clavicle

Trunk Muscles

Projection of the Pelvis

Pelvis—Overview

Pubic Bone

Sacroiliac Joint

Perineum

Projection of the Lower Limb

Entire Lower Limb

Hip Joint

Knee Joint

Ankle Joint

Buttock

Thigh

Lower Leg

Foot

Heel

Achilles Tendon

Toes

Projection of the Upper Limb

Upper Limb—Overview

Large Joints—Overview

Shoulder Joint

Acromioclavicular Joint

Elbow Joint

Wrist

Upper Arm

Forearm

Finger

Metacarpophalangeal Joint of Thumb

Carpometacarpal Joint of Thumb

3 Projection of the Internal Organs

Internal Organs—Overview

Projection of the Cardiovascular System

Heart

Blood Vessels

Lymph Vessels

Projection of the Respiratory System

Respiratory System—Overview

Lung

Bronchi

Trachea

Throat (Pharynx)

Projection of the Gastrointestinal System

Gastrointestinal System—Overview

Esophagus

Stomach

Duodenum

Jejunum/Ileum (Small Intestine)

Colon (Large Intestine)

Appendix

Rectum

Anus

Liver

Gall Bladder

Pancreas

Projection of the Immune System

Spleen

Thymus Gland

Tonsils

Lymph Nodes

Projection of the Urogenital System

Urogenital System—Overview

Kidney

Ureter

Urinary Bladder

Urethra

Uterus

Ovary/Testis

Vagina

Prostate/Fallopian Tube

Penis/Clitoris

Projection of the Endocrine System

Endocrine System—Overview

Thyroid Gland

Parathyroid Gland

Thymus Gland

Pancreas

Adrenal Gland (Cortisone Point)

4 Projection of the Head

Head—Overview

Bony Skull

Projection of the Temporomandibular Joint

Temporomandibular Joint

Projection of the Jaws and Teeth

Upper and Lower Jaws, Teeth

Projection of the Lips and Tongue

Lips

Oral Cavity, Tongue

Projection of the Tonsils and Throat

Tonsils

Throat (Pharynx)

Projection of the Eyes and Nose

Eye

Nose

Projection of the Paranasal Sinuses and Ear

Paranasal Sinuses

Ear

Projection of the Facial Muscles and Parotid Gland

Facial Muscles

Parotid Gland

Projection of the Occipital Trigger Points

Occipital Trigger Points

5 Projection of the Nervous System

Projection of the Central Nervous System

Central Nervous System—Overview

Cerebral Lobes—Overview

Cortex

Frontal Lobe

Parietal Lobe

Temporal Lobe

Auditory Line

Occipital Lobe

Corpus Callosum

Thalamus

Hypothalamus

Pituitary Gland

Pituitary Gland Points

Limbic System

Cerebellum

Brain Stem

Vomiting Point

Reticular Formation

Spinal Cord

Projection of the Cranial Nerves

Cranial Nerves—Overview

Olfactory Nerve (CN I)

Optic Nerve (CN II)

Oculomotor Nerve (CN III)

Trochlear Nerve (CN IV)

Trigeminal Nerve (CN V)

Abducens Nerve (CN VI)

Facial Nerve (CN VII)

Vestibulocochlear Nerve (CN VIII)

Glossopharyngeal Nerve (CN IX)

Vagus Nerve (CN X)

Accessory Nerve (CN XI)

Hypoglossal Nerve (CN XII)

Projection of the Autonomic Nervous System

Autonomic Nervous System—Overview

Sympathetic Nervous System—Overview

Parasympathetic Nervous System—Overview

Sympathetic Nuclei of Origin (Preganglionic Sympathetic Nerves)

Sympathetic Trunk (Paravertebral Chain of Sympathetic Ganglia, Postganglionic Sympathetic Nerves)

Superior Cervical Ganglion

Middle Cervical Ganglion

Inferior Cervical Ganglion (Stellate Ganglion)

Nervous Organ Points

Parasympathetic Nuclei of Origin

Prevertebral Ganglions—Overview

Bronchopulmonary Plexus

Cardiac Plexus

Celiac Plexus (Solar Plexus)

Superior Mesenteric Plexus

Inferior Mesenteric Plexus

Hypogastric Plexus

Peripheral Nervous System

6 Functional Points

Functional Points—Overview

Hormone and Metabolite Points

Hormone and Metabolic Points—Overview

Estrogen Point

Progesterone Point

Gonadotropin Point

ACTH Point

TSH Point

Prolactin Point

Endocrine Parathyroid Gland Point

Thyroid Gland Point

Thymus Gland Point

Endocrine Pancreas Point (Insulin Point)

Adrenal Gland Point (Cortisone Point)

Histamine Point (Allergy Point 1)

Prostaglandin E1 Point (PGE1 Point)

Prostaglandin E2 Point (PGE2 Point)

Interferon Point

Renin/Angiotensin Point

Beta-1-Receptor Point (Beta-Blocker Point According to Bahr)

Beta-2-Receptor Point (Beta-Mimetic Point According to Bahr)

Medication Analogue Points

Diazepam Analogue Point (Valium Point According to Bahr)

Barbiturate Analogue Point

Caffeine Analogue Point

Nervous Organ Points

Nervous Organ Points—Overview

Anger Point Syn. Nervous Liver Point

Psychotropic Points

Psychotropic Points—Overview

Master Omega Point (Bromazepam Analogue Point)

Omega Point I

Omega Point II

Depression Point

Anxiety Point

Worry Point

Anger Point

Nicotine Analogue Point According to Bahr

Aggression Point

Bridging Point According to Bahr

Frustration Point

Psychotherapy Point According to Bourdiol

Analgesic Points

Thalamus Point

Prostaglandin E1 Point (PGE1 Point)

Laterality Point According to Bahr

Shen Men Point

Pain Memory Points According to Bahr

Cardinal Points

Cardinal Points—Overview

Prostaglandin E1 Point (PGE1 Point)—Corresponds to Cardinal Point GB-41 of Body Acupuncture

Thymus Gland Point—Corresponds to Cardinal Point TB-5 of Body Acupuncture

Lung Zone—Corresponds to Cardinal Point LU-7 of Body Acupuncture

Diazepam Analogue Point (Valium Point According to Bahr)—Corresponds to Cardinal Point KI-6 of Body Acupuncture

Stellate Ganglion Point—Corresponds to Cardinal Point PC-6 of Body Acupuncture

Interferon Point—Corresponds to Cardinal Point SP-4 of Body Acupuncture

Retro-Celiac Plexus Point (Retro-Solar Plexus Point, Retro-Point Zero)—Corresponds to Cardinal Point SI-3 of Body Acupuncture

Pineal Gland Point—Corresponds to Cardinal Point BL-62 of Body Acupuncture

Energy Points

Master Point of Oscillation According to Bahr

Master Point of Regulation According to Bahr

Super Omega Point According to Bahr

Master Point of Qi Flow According to Bahr

Point Zero

Point GV-4

Focus Indicator Points

Focus Indicator Points According to Bahr—Overview

Histamine Point (Allergy Point 1)

Cyclophosphamide Analogue Point (Endoxan Point According to Bahr, Allergy Point 2)

Prostaglandin E1 Point (PGE1 Point)

Vitamin C Point

Laterality Point According to Bahr

Tissue Layer Control Points

Tissue Layer Control Points—Overview

Indicator Points for Vitamins and Trace Elements

Indicator Points for Vitamins According to Bahr—Overview

Indicator Points for Trace Elements According to Bahr—Overview

Important Silver Points

Important Silver Points on the Dominant Ear

Zone-Dominating Points

Zone-Dominating Points—Overview

Points Dominating Zone A (ZA Points)

Points Dominating Zone B (ZB Points)

Points Dominating Zone C (ZC Points)

Points Dominating Zone D (ZD Points)

Points Dominating Zone E (ZE Points)

Points Dominating Zone F (ZF Points)

Points Dominating Zone G (ZG Points)

7 Auxiliary Lines of Ear Acupuncture

Barbiturate Point / Caffeine Point

Barbiturate Analogue Point, Caffeine Analogue Point

Auxiliary Line through Omega Points

Omega Points

Aggression Point

Auxiliary Lines through Point Zero

Hormone Points

Cortisone Point, ACTH Point

Thymus Gland Point, Interferon Point, Laterality Point

Spleen Point, Diazepam Analogue Point

Depression Point, Tonsil Point, TMJ Point

Trigeminal Nerve

First Rib Point

First Rib Point, Stellate Ganglion Point

Beta-1-Receptor Point

Endocrine Thyroid Gland Point

Auxiliary Lines near the Tragus

Diazepam Analogue Point

Phosphate Analogue Point

Nicotine Analogue Point, Pineal Gland Point

Frustration Point

Interferon Point

Nose Point

Aggression Point

ACTH Point

Points of the Pituitary Gland Zone

Gonadotropin Point

Auxiliary Lines for Points of the Limbs

Points of the Hip Joint, Knee Joint, Ankle Joint

Wrist Point, Knee Joint Point

Points of the Shoulder Joint, Elbow Joint, Wrist

Kidney Point

Auxiliary Lines for Focus Indicator Points

Laterality Point

Cyclophosphamide Analogue Point (Allergy Point 2)

Histamine Point (Allergy Point 1), Vitamin C Point

8 Meridians on the Ear

LU/LI

Lung Meridian

Large Intestine Meridian

ST/SP

Stomach Meridian

Spleen Meridian

HT/SI

Heart Meridian

Small Intestine Meridian

BL/KI

Bladder Meridian

Kidney Meridian

PC/TB

Pericardium Meridian

Triple Burner Meridian

GB/LR

Gall Bladder Meridian

Liver Meridian

CV/GV

Conception Vessel (Ren Mai)

Governor Vessel (Du Mai)

9 Indications

Indications—Overview

Disorders of the Locomotor System

Headaches and Facial Pain

Allergic Disorders

Respiratory Disorders

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Inflammatory and Functional Intestinal Disorders

Cardiovascular Diseases

Disorders of the Urogenital System

Hormonal Disorders

Autonomic Symptoms

Mental Health Disorders

Addictions

Patient Information Leaflet: Permanent Needles

Appendix

Ear Topography

Projection Zones, Points, and Meridians on the Ear

Indications

Explanation of Symbols

Silver needle

Gold needle

Permanent needle

Hidden point locations

Note: If steel needles are used instead of gold and silver needles, always needle the Gold Point because this is the point that needs to be stimulated. For example, in case of the Diazepam Analogue Point, the Gold Point would be on the left ear in a right-handed person but on the right ear in a left-handed person.

Exemption: Anxiety Point, Worry Point, Aggression Point, Nicotine Analogue Point, Nervous Liver Point—here use Silver Point for steel needles (see also p. 271).

1 Introduction      

2 Projection of the Locomotor System      

3 Projection of the Internal Organs      

4 Projection of the Head      

5 Projection of the Nervous System      

6 Functional Points      

7 Auxiliary Lines of Ear Acupuncture      

8 Meridians on the Ear      

9 Indications      

Appendix      

Introduction

Ear acupuncture is an effective method for treating acute and chronic diseases without producing side effects. It therefore represents one of the most important complementary additions to conventional medicine today. Its main indication is certainly the treatment of pain, but a number of functional, organic, and mental disorders may be treated as well. Fortunately, this applies also to a number of diseases for which conventional medicine still has no cures to offer, for example, migraine and hay fever.

The origins of ear acupuncture can be traced back to the 4th century BC when Hippocrates tried to cure impotence by bloodletting at the ear. It is also known that pain has been treated in ancient Egypt by means of ear points. Throughout the centuries we find notes on similar treatments. The best-known document in the European region is certainly the painting “The Garden of Lust” by Hieronymus Bosch (17th century) which shows the Sciatica Point being pierced by a needle. A second needle held by the Satan pricks the two points known as External Genitals Point and Libido Point.

Ear acupuncture enjoyed a certain popularity also in China, but it fell into oblivion during the last centuries. Approximately 20 anterior and posterior ear points were known during the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD). The procedure then probably spread to Persia, Africa, India, and the Mediterranean area.

However, there is no evidence that a comprehensive reflex system on the auricle, complete with representations of the entire body, existed. We owe it to the French physician Paul Nogier that ear acupuncture has been rediscovered and that this happened in a way that provided astonishing opportunities for both diagnosis and therapy.

Nogier has been able to demonstrate that all organs of the body are represented as reflex zones on the outer ear (auricula or auricle).

The history of this rediscovery is as exciting as the entire therapeutic method itself. Around 1950, Nogier discovered in some of his patients certain scars at a specific site on the ear. The patients told him that they had been “treated” for back pain by applying a red-hot needle to this site of the ear, with the result that the pain disappeared. We owe it to Nogier’s unreserved objectivity that he followed up on this phenomenon and studied it. He was able to reproduce the phenomenon successfully and interpreted the site on the ear as reflex localization L5/S1.

Shortly thereafter he realized that, apart from this body area, all other sites or organs of the body must be projected on the ear. He also discovered how to demonstrate these sites: they showed an increased sensitivity to pressure if the corresponding region of the body was diseased. Subsequently, he recognized that active ear acupuncture points—those reflex points that indicate a pathological change in the body or are produced on the ear by such a pathology—have changed electrically (reduced resistance and increased conductance of the skin). This allows for objective measurements that are independent of the patient (electrical point finders with a double-ring electrode).

Step by step, Nogier established the auricular map used today. If the patient had a pathology (inflammation, pain, etc.), he only had to search for the corresponding electrically altered point on the ear. For example, to locate the reflex sites of large joints or skin areas, he would simply apply a pain stimulus in the respective body region; an active acupuncture point would immediately be created at the corresponding site on the ear and, hence, could be detected because of its sensitivity to pressure or its change in conductivity. (Even today, this is still an excellent method for practicing on the ear or identifying a point that corresponds to a distinct structure of the body.)

There are two basic lines of thought in ear acupuncture, the French school and the Chinese school. They differ in the specifications of point localizations and in their diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

The present atlas describes the French school, the intellectual father and pioneer of which was Paul Nogier. His famous students include, among others, the French psychiatrist Bourdiol and the German physician Frank Bahr. The latter founded his own school in Germany and refined essential aspects of ear acupuncture (e.g., obstacles to therapy, focus diagnosis in patients resistant to therapy, projection of body meridians onto the ear, as well as various test procedures for medications, trace elements, vitamins, and homeopathic substances). The approach of the French school is rather pragmatic and corresponds to the pathophysiological knowledge of conventional medicine. The point localizations have distinct, anatomically oriented assignments to pathologies of the body. In addition, the unambiguous relationship of the ear points to the corresponding parts of the body can be clearly demonstrated by electrical changes (caused either by existing pathologies or by iatrogenic pain stimuli on the body, as described earlier).

On the one hand, these active points clearly indicate disorders of the body; on the other hand, they are also—via needle, laser, pressure massage—the therapeutic gateways to numerous diseases. This way, therapy can be applied in a controlled manner; that is, treatment is or should be preceded by the diagnosis of active points in order to provide information on the origin and type of the disease in question.

The present atlas describes the classic ear points, which are well-known and anatomically well-defined, as well as so-called Functional Points that influence the entire system (Nogier/Bahr). The book is not intended to replace hands-on courses and bedside teaching; it rather serves to deepen the knowledge and to provide a quick reference for the practice. For more information on ear acupuncture techniques in diagnosis and treatment, see B. Strittmatter, Overcoming Blockages to Healing—A Manual for Health Care Professionals, Thieme Publishers, Stuttgart—New York, 2004.

 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. Our readers are already familiar with the topographic anatomy of the external ear (auricle). For quick reference, the auricular topography is nevertheless included at the end of the book: pp. 412/413. In this book, the most important points of each ear meridian are described together with their multiple functions. They 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).

Zones of Projection

The reflex zones and points on the auricle are arranged in such a way that they produce the inverted projection of an embryo. This image serves as a helpful memory tool when learning the points assigned to specific organs of the body.

The Inverted Embryo

The head of the embryo occupies the entire earlobe (lobule). This area is indeed the projection zone of the most important parts of the head (sensory organs, brain, temporomandibular joint, teeth, maxillary sinus, facial muscles). The embryo lies with its back (spinal cord) against the posterior margin of the auricle (descending helix)—here are the reflex zones of the sensory and motor portions of the spinal cord. The embryo covers the concha with its abdomen—here are the reflex zones of almost all intestinal organs, again in the upside-down arrangement. The embryo crosses its legs over the triangular fossa—this is the reflex zone of the lower limb.

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).

Ear Terraces

When memorizing the different groups of points, it is of great help to inspect or palpate the different planes of the auricle (ear terraces):

• The lower terrace (concha) contains the reflex zones of (almost) all internal organs.

• The terrace above (scapha, antihelix, triangular fossa) is occupied by the reflex zones of the entire locomotor system.

• The uppermost terrace, which is formed by the anterior, superior, and posterior margins of the auricle (helix), contains the reflex zones of the spinal cord.

Fig. 1.1 Zones of projection: the inverted embryo (homunculus)

The Three Germ Layers: Ectoderm, Endoderm, Mesoderm

The auricle is innervated by three nerves:

• The great auricular nerve (originating from the cervical plexus). It supplies the descending helix and the lobule. Here are the reflex zones of organs derived from the ectoderm (skin, nervous system).

• The auriculotemporal nerve (a branch of the trigeminal nerve). It supplies the ascending helix and superior helix as far as Darwin’s tubercle, the triangular fossa, the scapha, the antitragus, and the antihelix including the antihelical wall. Organs derived from the mesoderm are projected in this region of the ear (muscles, bones, ligaments, heart, kidney).

•The auricular branch of the vagus nerve. It supplies the concha—the projection zone of organs derived from the endoderm (internal organs, with the exception of kidney and heart). This zone extends to the projection zone of the sympathetic trunk where the concha merges into the antihelical wall.

This pattern of auricular innervation is easy to memorize and will be of great help when learning the reflex zones of the ear. Each of the three areas of innervation corresponds to one of the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) and is thus assigned to a clearly defined group of organs.

Remarkably, the representation of organs on the auricle follows this pattern in almost all cases—for example, the Kidney Point does not lie in the zone of the endoderm like the reflex points of other internal organs; it is found beneath the ascending helix in the zone of the mesoderm from which the kidney is derived.

Fig. 2.1 The three germ layers 1 Ectoderm 2 Endoderm 3 Mesoderm

Locomotor System—Overview

The locomotor system projects onto the upper terrace of the ear (scapha, triangular fossa). In principle, the sensory points lie on the front of the ear (lateral surface), while the motor points are on the back of the ear (medial surface). The forceps method according to Bahr is based on this arrangement:

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 to the same region project very close to each other onto the ear. For example: knee joint, popliteal artery, peroneal nerve.

Fig. 2.2 Projection of the locomotor system

Entire Vertebral Column

Location:

• The vertebral column, or spine, projects upside-down onto the entire antihelix.

• Start: Postantitragal fossa (Atlanto-occipital Joint Point, Point C0/C1).

• End: