Ear acupuncture

The basis of ear acupuncture is the theory that the whole body is represented on the auricle, similar to the areas of the brain. The more important ear for ear acupuncture is the one on the side of the dominant hemisphere of the brain. The individual body regions and organs are assigned defined points. In total, there are more than 200 points on the auricle, 70 points being frequently used. It should be noted that the projection of the body on the pinna has the head down and the legs up. The points are selected according to different aspects:

• Inspection: colour changes, erythema of affected regions.
• Skin resistance measurement: The skin resistance decreases at the point corresponding to a diseased organ. The pointoscope, a special skin resistance measuring device, is used to locate the corresponding ear point.
• Pressure sensitivity: Mechanical point detectors are used to locate points with increased pressure sensitivity.

The French school according to Nogier is distinguished from the Chinese school. According to Nogier, in ear acupuncture gold needles have a toning effect, silver and steel needles have a sedative effect.