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(a) Paul Nogier’s findings of inverted fetus on the auricle representing the somatic structures in 1957. (b) Paul Nogier’s findings of inverted fetus on the auricle representing viscera and organs in 1957. (1) Bladder; (2) kidney; (3) pancreas; (3A) gallbladder; (4) liver; (5A) oesophagus; (5B) cardia; (5C) stomach; (5D) small intestine; (5E) large intestine; (6) lung; (7) heart; (8) subcortex; (9) internal nose; (10) endocrine; (11) spleen.
Source publication
The international standardization of auricular acupuncture points (AAPs) is an important basis for auricular therapy or auricular diagnosis and treatment. The study on the international standardization of AAPs has gone through a long process, in which the location method is one of the key research projects. There are different points of view in the...
Similar publications
Pain is a major public health problem, causing heavy social and economic burdens to patients and society while consuming tremendous medical resources at the same time. Thus, there is a critical need to find low-cost, efficacious, and therapeutic approaches to help manage pain. While acupuncture is increasingly recognized as a promising pain-relievi...
Citations
... In 2016, Pei-Jing Rong analyzed 9 methods to localize AA points, with the aim of highlighting the strengths and disadvantages of each of these methods [18]. The paper concluded that the international method proposed by the WFAS based on lines and points was an appropriate method. ...
Introduction:
The medial surface of the auricle (MSotA), as compared to the lateral, has been less studied and has limited consensus among schools of auricular acupuncture (AA) due to its small size, greater difficulty in carrying out an adequate physical examination on it, and less precise and limited agreement on its anatomical references as compared to the lateral surface. The thumb-index technique TIT is performed using a guiding finger (taking advantage of the anatomical conformation of the lateral surface) to guide the explorer finger (placed on the MSotA) to project the therapeutic areas and land marks on the MSotA. TIT could be considered useful and effective in AA to make the most of diagnostic and therapeutic MSotA potential.
Methods:
An investigation was carried out on the impact of TIT in AA practice through a survey collected from former AA students.
Results:
TIT showed a high consensus, and is used and appreciated by AA practitioners. Discussion/ Conclusions: To date, in AA, there is no thoroughly shared nomenclature for MSotA. TIT is simple and quick to project on to MSotA the well-coded lateral surface auricular maps from French or Chinese AA schools.
... Several ear-maps were issued all around the world, but specialists encountered an even greater problem-the adequate localization of ear acupuncture points, e.g. Dr Széchenyi's 191 points [3], Dr Bahr's Ear Acupuncture Chart (17) and Dr. Romoli's auricular sectogram [4]. ...
... Dr. Romoli's map[4]. ...
... Based on modern studies in embryogeny, at the early stage of embryo in higher mammals and humans, every somite is composed of three parts: the somatic portion, the visceral portion, and the nervous segment. These three portions will eventually be developed into the somatic extremities and trunk (the skin, muscle and tendon), viscera (hollow and solid organs), as well as the nervous system, respectively [8]. Such studies of embryogeny may help to explain many phenomena on the viscera-body surface correlation within the same segment, which was observed in clinical acupuncture, as well as in explaining the Head's zones, i.e., the referred pain of viscera emerges mainly in the same segment. ...
... Anatomical landmarks of the auricle. It is mainly suitable for subzones of VARZs and CARZs, such as the four subzones of VARZs (located on inferior and superior concha, triangular fossa, antihelical fossa, and the wall of external auditory canal) and eight (8) subzones of CARZs. ...
In order to effectively apply auricular acupuncture and similar forms of auriculotherapy and to help comprehend their mechanisms more clearly, we present in this paper a more scientific, rational and simplified auricular reflex zone system called Jin's Auricular Reflex Zone System (JARZS), which reconstructs the classical Nogier's "inverted fetus" model of auricular acupuncture by taking into account of the cutaneous innervations of the auricle and their respective anatomical landmarks, especially the yin-yang (concaved-protruded) auricular regions. Based on the contemporary knowledge of embryological development, JARZS recategorized known auricular reflex zones or experiential points (European and Chinese) into three major zones: Visceral Auricular Reflex Zones (VARZs), Somatic Auricular Reflex Zones (SARZs), and Central Auricular Reflex Zones (CARZs), these were then further refined into nineteen (19) subzones. VARZs are mainly distributed in and around the yin (concaved) auricular regions, which are primarily innervated by the vagus nerve. SARZs are mainly distributed in and around the yang (protruded) auricular regions, which are primarily innervated by trigeminal nerve, great auricular nerve, and lesser occipital nerve. CARZs are mainly distributed on or near the borders and boundaries where the protruded regions meet the concaved regions, and may intersect or crosslink several subzones of VARZs and SARZs along their respective cutaneous inner-vations. The advantages of applying JARZS are plentiful, such as providing a neurological basis for auricular point or zone selection, simplifying the existing complex auricular reflex zone systems so that it is easier to learn, memorize and apply for the beginner, etc. Accordingly, for acupuncture practitioners, JARZS will reduce the randomness selection of auricular point or zones while increasing the efficacy, repeatability and reproducibility of any form of auriculotherapy, especially auricular acupuncture.
... Based on the findings of this review, we further suggest the following areas for research into AT for lactation. Firstly, for acupoints identification and localization, it is recommended to use a standardized chart such as GB/T13734-2008 or WFAS STANDARD-002: 2012 [21,79,80]. Secondly, taking into account the influence of potential confounding and mediator variables such as mode of delivery, pain, or anxiety on the relationship between AT and lactation. ...
Background:
Support for breastfeeding has been a matter of considerable interest in healthcare. In the field of traditional and complementary medicine, the effectiveness of auricular therapy on lactation has been investigated by several clinical studies.
Aim and objectives:
This review was mainly performed to assess the current evidence of auricular therapy on lactation. The objectives were to assess the current evidence of AT for lactation, examine the intervention protocols and outcome measures adopted by the studies included, and inform clinical application and future research in this area.
Study design:
Systematic review.
Method:
Narrative synthesis methodology was used to incorporate diverse forms of evidence within this systematic review.
Results:
Twenty-three randomized controlled trials and three non-randomized controlled trials were identified, of which 25 studies applied auricular acupressure with vaccaria seeds as the sole form of auricular therapy. Relative risks calculated on the onset of lactation and milk production are all less than 1. These results indicate that women in the auricular therapy group lactated earlier than their counterparts in the control group and the risk of low milk production was reduced while on auricular therapy. Absolute risk differences showed magnitude of effect ranging from small to medium. Standardized mean differences calculated on serum prolactin data generally favor auricular therapy over routine care. Overall, mothers treated by auricular therapy exhibited better lactation outcomes.
Conclusion:
The available data show evidence of benefits for postpartum lactation from auricular therapy. However, research using a more stringent design, standardized protocol, and valid outcome measures are warranted before it can be considered to be evidence-based practice. Issues from the current studies are highlighted and may serve to inform future trials.
... The most commonly used text for establishing the foundation for all of acupuncture is the Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine). 16 Multiple articles that have described the history of auricular acupuncture [17][18][19][20] refer to the Huang Di Nei Jing to document the meridian connections between the auricle and the meridian channels. The posterior side of the external ear was said to connect to the five Zang-Fu organs for the Kidney, Spleen, Liver, Lung, and Heart and the anterior surface of the auricle to all six Yang meridians. ...
Introduction: The relationship between dopamine and Parkinson's disease is well-known. What is perhaps less appreciated is the role of dopamine in other common conditions and the increasing use of dopamine-regulating drugs to treat them. Methods: This article explores the energetics of dopamine syndromes, discusses the impact of dopamine-regulating drugs, and suggests some acupuncture protocols as creative alternatives. Cases: Case reports on using acupuncture to treat restless legs, regional pain, anxiety/depression/dizziness, parkinsonism, and epilepsy are presented. Conclusion: Acupuncture for treating dopamine syndromes may have tremendous potential. The assistance acupuncture can provide in opening the Heart Center can prove to be a life-changing event.
... This leads to inconsistent results in research and practice of auricular acupuncture [13]. Unless and until a standardized auricular acupuncture map [15] becomes available and is based on systematic analysis of the physiologic and anatomic outcomes of point stimulation rather than opinion and voting [16], current "ear maps" are no more reliable than other fanciful imagined maps such as those used in scalp acupuncture [17][18][19], Korean hand acupuncture [20], foot reflexology, and iridology. ...
As enthusiasm for alternatives to pharmaceuticals and surgery grows, healthcare consumers are turning increasingly to physical medicine modalities such as acupuncture. However, they may encounter obstacles in accessing acupuncture due to several reasons, such as the inability to locate a suitable practitioner, insufficient reimbursement for treatment, or difficulty gaining a referral due to perceived lack of evidence or scientific rigor by specialists. Claims made about a range of treatment paradigms outstrip evidence and students in acupuncture courses are thus led to believe that the approaches they learn are effective and clinically meaningful. Critical inquiry and critical analysis of techniques taught are often omitted, leading to unquestioning acceptance, adoption, and implementation into practice of approaches that may or may not be rational and effective. Acupuncture education for both licensed physicians (DOs and MDs) and non-physicians needs to include science (i.e., explanation of its effects based on contemporary explanations of biological processes), evidence, and critical thinking. Erroneous notions concerning its mechanisms such as moving “stuck Qi (Chi)” or “energy” with needles and that this energy stagnates at specific, tiny locations on the body called acupuncture points lead to mistakes in methodologic design. For example, researchers may select sham and verum point locations that overlap considerably in their neural connections, leading to nonsignificant differences between the two interventions. Furthermore, attributing the effects of acupuncture to metaphorical and arcane views of physiology limits both acceptance and validation of acupuncture in both research and clinical settings. Finally, the content and quality of education and clinical exposure across acupuncture programs varies widely, with currently no minimum basic educational requirements in a scientific methodology. Considering the pressures mounting on clinicians to practice in an evidence-based and scientific manner that also demonstrates cost-effectiveness, acupuncture schools and continuing medical education (CME) courses need to provide their students a strong foundation in rational approaches supported by research.
This overview provides a synopsis of the history and development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment methods, highlighting its foundational principles and key modalities. While certain concepts are exclusive to TCM, other applications of TCM intertwine with Western concepts, thus showing a holistic approach to medicine, diseases, and their treatment. Chinese Medicine (CM) originated during the Yin and Shang dynasties, with core concepts such as yin and yang and the five elements emerging in the Spring and Autumn Period. Key texts from the Qin and Han dynasties shaped various CM disciplines. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tuina, and cupping therapy have been central to CM’s development. Today, TCM is globally recognized, integrating modern technology and collaborating with academic institutions, ensuring its relevance in contemporary healthcare. Conducted through an online search using PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, this study also includes a review of ancient and modern Chinese medical textbooks, focusing on essential CM treatment methods over a chronological timeline. Only original articles on humans published in English, Chinese, French, or German in peer-reviewed international journals were considered eligible. In this narrative review, no further restrictions on study design were applied. The results were evaluated, analyzed, classified, and summarized. This overview explores the history and evolution of TCM treatment methods. It traces its origins and development, shedding light on its historical foundations and evolution over time, thus providing context for contemporary practice.
Background
Daith piercing is a special ear‐piercing method that punctures the crus of the helix. The penetrated site at the ear's innermost point is assumed to stimulate a pressure point associated with the vagus nerve. It has been reported that the pierced spot relieves migraine and tension‐type headaches by activating vagal afferents, leading to the inhibition of neurons in the caudal trigeminal nucleus via the nucleus tractus solitarii.
Objective
The objective of this narrative literature review is to summarize the current state of knowledge concerning daith piercing for the treatment of migraine and tension‐type headaches from the perspectives of the Chinese and Western auricular systems.
Methods
PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched using the keywords “daith piercing,” “auricular points,” “headache,” and “acupuncture” from database inception to September 1, 2023. Only studies on humans were eligible; otherwise, no further restrictions were applied to the study designs, type of headache, or patient population of the identified articles. Bibliographies of all eligible studies were screened for further eligible studies. The main outcome of interest was a quantitative measure of pain relief by daith piercing. Secondary outcomes were relapse time of headache and further outcomes related to daith piercing, if available.
Results
From a total of 186 identified articles, one retrospective study and three case reports fulfilled the inclusion criteria. No clinical trial was identified. The obtained studies describe patients experiencing chronic headaches undergoing daith piercing without changing or reducing their usual medication. In all case studies and the retrospective study, patients reported substantial reductions in pain immediately after daith piercing; however, headache symptoms recurred several weeks to months thereafter. From the perspective of the Chinese and Western auricular systems, no sufficient explanation for the described treatment effect of daith piercing was found.
Conclusion
The available literature, combined with the reported recurrence of pain as well as the associated side effects of daith piercing, indicate that current evidence does not support daith piercing for the treatment of migraine, tension‐type headaches, or other headache disorders.
Plain Language Summary
This paper summarizes what we know about Daith piercing (DP) for chronic migraine and tension‐type headache and discusses how DP might work. Current evidence does not support DP as an effective treatment of chronic migraine and tension‐type headache. These findings might assist clinicians in discussing this subject with patients as well as guide future research.
