Reflections on Point R

Blockages to healing.Written by Jim Chalmers.

Early references by Nogier and Bourdiol identify this point as the Reactional Brain

(phase2) Point, an influential point of the corpus callosum. Various others have

called it the psychic point, point recall, the psycho-analytical point, the past life

point and the autonomic master point. Point R is found on the superior aspect of

the tragus where the tragus meets the skin of the face almost at the junction of the

tragus and the curve of the ascending helix. Point R is considered an obstacle to

healing.

Nogier attributed special status to the points on the tragus. Its complex enervation

(sympathetic and parasympathetic) and embryonic origins (ectodermal phase 1)

afford it a special place in the hierarchy of auricular therapy protocols. Bourdiol

noted in "Elements of Auriculotherapy" that initially Nogier associated the tragus

with the ren and du mai meridians of traditional Chinese medicine, but later

research included concepts of a lateralised, potentialising tragus . Attention was

then drawn to the functional/master points, Point Zero Prime (master oscillation)

Point E(epiphyseal) and Point R, (Reactional – later recall) “and surprising

integration systems(vigilance system) that stressed the preponderance of the

tragus on the auricle, which it always conditions, sometimes directs, and often

orientates.” (Bourdiol "Elements of Auriculotherapy" 1982) Three major points

dominate the external surface of the tragus, Point R, Point Zero Prime, and Point

E. Point R – its location already described – Point Zero Prime at the middle of the

external tragus and Point E at the inferior end of the tragus where it connects with

the lobe.

Each of these points is included in the "obstacles to healing" so often mentioned in

auriculotherapy and auriculomedicine. None should be used without reference to

the others or to the consideration of the pathology of the patient and appropriate

treatment protocols. The whole of the tragus and therefore the points on the

tragus have reference to the habenular commissure, the corpus callosum, right-left

hemispheric communication and lateralisation of the patient, particularly point

Zero prime.

The utilisation of Point R in treatment is of special consequence and should be

investigated with some consideration of the psycho-emotional state of the patient.

Point R allows for the non traumatic processing of suppressed psychological

trauma in a way that facilitates the individual to identify (consciously or

unconsciously) and neutralise the inhibiting negative psycho-neuro-immuno

feedback. It may be that the individual recalls a past trauma and finds that they no

longer are constrained by that incident.

Commonly treatment at Point R results in the patient experiencing significant

dreams that recall aspects of past trauma and allow a subconscious release of that

trauma. One of my patients experienced four years of depression after her

husbands’ death. Her doctors were keen to prescribe antidepressants but she had

an instinctive distrust of medication. After three treatments of needling point R

and the Omega points she returned to say that she had seen her husband in a

dream, that he was ok and that she felt released from her grief. From that point on

she made great progress moving towards personal growth and fulfilment;

something especially heartening for a practitioner to witness. I see examples like

this regularly, some dramatic others happily subtle. I was taught to take care and

watch how the patient responds as there is a chance that the patient may go into

shock. I have never seen this and, on the contrary, have noticed this process to be

benign. In her book Insights of a Senior Acupuncturist, Miriam Lee describes "a

patient had experienced a period of intense depression, anger, and sadness,

following the ending of a relationship...excessive emotions, especially those

associated with a broken heart, sadness, anger, depression, worry, constant replay

of mental dialogues—" he said...I said..." - were the deeper root of her problem.

These mental dialogues were destructive, never-ending loops that can bind up a

person’s qi with a chain as strong as iron and consume it with nothing to show but

suffering..." Point R is indicated for this. It helps neutralise those negative

feedback loops.

In childhood trauma, especially in-utero trauma, the glucocorticod receptors in the

hippocampus develop an altered response that affects adult stress adaptation

(Nature Neuroscience 2004,7:847-854).I believe that point R influences this

process allowing the individual to have appropriate stress responses.

Point R can have surprising results but it is not a miracle point (remember the

words of Bourdiol and Nogier, "there is no miracle point!") and the practitioner

needs to remember that auriculotherapy alone will not solve every problem. The

patient"s diet, lifestyle, energetic imbalances and psycho-emotional well-being

have to be addressed. Point R is one factor in the healing equation and should only

be used only when it is revealed by the VAS as an appropriate treatment. It may be

active on either or both ears regardless of the handedness of the patient. It is

important that the patients laterality is corrected. Needle Point R on both ears if

both are VAS positive. Nogier recommended that these ‘higher level’ points are

best treated with Laser. In practice needles have been shown to be very effective.

Other points to consider using in combination with Point R should be those judged

appropriate to the presenting condition that test positive with the VAS and have a

direct relationship with the patients presenting condition. Whilst this advice

sounds somewhat imprecise, the practitioner should be aware that prescriptive

treatments are not the most appropriate. Consider the master points, Point E , the

Omega points, the Tranquillity point. Consider also the spiritual/emotional

concordances of the zhangfu organ systems; seek the appropriate organ locations

on the auricle and test the VAS response in all phases. Treat the strongest

responder/s.

Given the effect that Point R may have on promoting the psycho-emotional well-

being of a patient it is easy to understand how Point R can be considered an

obstacle to treatment. How many times have practitioners reached a conclusion

that an emotional issue is inhibiting healing and resolution of a complex condition?

Using Point R may well be the key to facilitate progress.

Utilizing the VAS

Treating scars.Written by Jim Chalmers.

Scars improperly healed can constitute an impediment/blockage to healing. In fact

they can be the whole cause of a metabolic dysfunction, pain, mental or emotional

disorders. Always ask patients for any history of accidents, operations, tooth

extractions (did they heal quickly?) cuts or scars. The slow to heal ones are more

often the cause of blockage but not the only cause. Point R, Point Zero, Laterality

and Point E, First Rib is also implicated in blockages to healing. This article

considers the treatment of scars.

The TCM treatment is to bridge the scar. A needle is placed at either end of a scar.

This is often effective and provides a basic method of dealing with superficial scar

tissue. Before the discovery of the VAS there was no clear method to determine

whether a scar was 'toxic' ' an impediment to healing. Practitioners routinely

bridged scars with no clear understanding of the nature of the scar. Sometime

after needling scars there would be a dramatic change in the condition of the

patient. The scars could be normal well-healed scars with no subsequent impact on

the energy balance of the patient or the focus of the blockage maybe on only one

small point along the scar, unaffected by a bridging treatment. By using the VAS it

is possible to determine whether or not a scar is 'toxic' and exactly where along

the scar the blockage manifests, and therefore the appropriate place to needle.

Whilst using your left hand to feel for the VAS on the patients left hand move the

white end of your Black/White hammer, your probe or point of white light or even

the tip of your middle finger (I use this because of the link with my pericardium

channel) and note the response. Note any point along the scar where there is a

significant VAS response; say six or more VAS pulses. For absolute accuracy let

your needle placement also be guided by the VAS. Whilst feeling for the VAS move

the needle tip slowly either side of the active area of the scar and a millimeter or

two above. Where the VAS is the strongest and greatest number of pulses, needle.

This will clear toxic scars. You may need to treat like this several times to clear;

check each time to ascertain whether the blockage has cleared.

For scars that are internal e.g. a trans-vaginal hysterectomy, tooth extraction

scars, tonsillectomy, internal injuries, even mental scars ' use the ear.

Look at your charts. A line drawn from point Zero through any projection of the

vertebrae on the anti helix will reflect the dermatome for that vertebra on the

helix. (See Figure 1).

For example a caesarian scar usually is in the dermatome of T12/L1 (Fig 2).

Draw an imaginary line from point Zero through T12/L1 to the helix and probe that

region with your white light/white probe or pointer and check for a positive VAS.

Several distinct VAS pulses is an indication of scar blockage and a requirement to

needle or laser that location. Dental scars may be found in the projection of the

cervical region on the helix and at the inferior/lateral border of the helix.

A scar may also project onto the region of an organ. For example a laparoscopic

excision of a diseased gall bladder may leave a toxic scar which projects on to the

region of the gall bladder or even, given its proximity and TCM association, the

liver. Scanning these regions on the ear may present a very strong VAS signal that

should be treated. The actual incision at the point of entry may also become a

focus of blockage and so should be checked both locally and at its representation

on the helix.

Psycho-emotional scars may well be treated with Point R, but be prepared for the

possibility of some emotional release after any scar treatment. Watch for shock.

Point R allows for the recall, often in dreams one or two days after treatment, of

traumatic incidents (emotional, psychological, physical) from any time of the

patients life, in an objective non-traumatic manner. This allows the release of the

'cellular memory' or the breaking of the wired loops in the brain that in their

perpetual regeneration of the trauma, inhibit the healing process. Stress in early

childhood has been shown to alter the neurological response in the adult

hippocampus to stress. I believe that Point R also resets that response to a more or

less normal value.

The identification and treatment of scars as a blockage to treatment is an

important part of a comprehensive treatment protocol. By using Auriculotherapy

and local points identified with the VAS this process can be accurately and readily

facilitated.

Auriculotherapy

Modern ear acupuncture.Written by Jim Chalmers.

Auriculotherapy is a term used to describe the treatment of pain, muscular skeletal

disorders, and a broad range of medical conditions by the application of massage,

low energy laser or acupuncture needles to specific locations on the ear.

Auriculotherapy, and by extension, Auriculomedicine, was discovered and

developed into a profoundly effective treatment protocol by Paul Nogier, a French

doctor. In the early 1950's he was able to determine the somatotopic presentation

of the inverted fetus in the ear, the anatomic regions of the fetus corresponding to

specific zones of the ear. This led to a lifetime of continued research which took

auricular therapy from the initial simple reflexive treatments to a powerful therapy

that can both identify and treat specific body systems, parts or functions that are

in disharmony.

Although there are historical references to ear acupuncture in China, it was not

until Dr Nogier's discoveries that advances in ear acupuncture progressed in

China. In respecting that, the Chinese acknowledged his contribution by

describing him as the 'Father of modern Ear Acupuncture'.But Auriculotherapy is

much more than ear acupuncture. Traditional Chinese Medical training provides a

powerful background, a theoretical basis for diagnosis and an approach to

treatment, but it is not Auriculotherapy or Auriculomedicine.

Dr Nogier noticed that there was a distinct change in the amplitude and dimension

of the pulse when certain points on the auricle were stimulated. This occurs

consistently and is both repeatable and measurable by modern equipment. Dr

Nogier called it the Vascular Autonomic Sign (VAS). Being able to detect the VAS

on the radial pulse of (generally) the patientsâ?? left hand enables the practitioner

to precisely determine the location of a point, whether there is a pathology in the

region of the body that relates to specific points, and whether certain substances

(foods, medicines, herbs, etc.) are indicated. Accurate employment of the VAS in

diagnosis and treatment is essential to Auriculotherapy and Auriculomedicine.

Auriculotherapy uses the ear to help determine whether the right and left

hemispheres of the brain are functioning as a dynamic whole, whether there are

specific neurological, musculo-skeletal or organ systems that are in imbalance, and

whether there are any blockages to treatment, such as scar tissue or emotional

disorders. It is diagnostic. Treatment is specific and points are precisely located by

reference to the VAS. Accuracy is important.

Auriculotherapy can be used to treat the same range of health conditions as

Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is safe, comfortable and highly effective. It is

important to note that painful conditions often respond very quickly to

Auriculotherapy.

Differences between Auriculotherapy and the Chinese system of Auricular Therapy

The earliest records of auricular treatment for health conditions date from China

(Su Wen) and Egypt (Hippocrates 450BC). More recent historical documentation

occurs in Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries, detailing ear cautery for the

treatment of various complaints including sciatica and sexual dysfunctions. There

certainly appears to have been a continuity of this knowledge within the

therapeutic communities since ancient times and it appears clear that those

treatments were functional treatments of specific conditions, empirical formulae.

However there was no systematic approach to the use of the auricle as a micro-

system to treat the whole body until the discoveries of the French physician, Paul

Nogier.

In the early 1950's Paul Nogier, a French physician noted that some patients

attending his clinic had a small scar from a burn on part of their ear. On enquiring

into this, he was told that a very small area of their ear had been cauterized by a

certain Madam Barrin for the treatment of sciatic pain - a treatment that proved

very rapid and effective.

This first observation put Dr Paul Nogier on the search for an explanation, a quest

that led to the discovery and development of Auriculotherapy and

Auriculomedicine. His first great insight was the recognition of the homunculus,

'the man in the ear', of the representation and anatomical correlation of the

inverted fetus in the ear. Points on the body, for example the knee, corresponded

precisely with the fetal representation of the knee in the auricle.

Dr Paul Nogier tells the story of this discovery in his book (now out of print) called

'The Man in the Ear'. (Maionneuve 1985) He collaborated with a group of medical

colleagues who, in a spirit of cooperation and discovery, shared their experiences.

One of those colleagues, Dr Jacques Niboyet, convinced Nogier to introduce his

discoveries to the Congress of the Mediterranean Society of Acupuncture in

February of 1956. Attending that Congress was Dr Gérard Bachmann who

published his research, translated into German, in a German Acupuncture journal

in 1957. This journal had an international circulation and it was not long before

Japanese acupuncturists became familiar with Nogier's reflex system. The

discovery of the system spread to China and led to intensive research by the

Chinese medical authorities at a time of renewed interest in Traditional Chinese

Medicine. The outcome of that research was very positive and resulted in the

utilization of this therapy by the 'Barefoot Doctors' of the Cultural Revolution. The

Chinese published an Ear Chart remarkably similar to that of Dr. Nogiers in 1958.

Nogier acknowledged that the Chinese had been using ear points for acupuncture

prior to his discovery, but these had been considered empirical points for

particular treatments and were not associated with a somatotopic representation

of the homunculus in the ear. This oversight appears to have inhibited an

awareness that options lay open to recognize and treat other points in the ear

following an anatomical relationship to the points already known at the time.

In recognition of Nogier's discoveries and research on the auricle, the Chinese

Government honored him by awarding him a formal title 'Father of Modern

Auricular Therapy'. The Chinese charts of the auricular points were published in

1958 and these have been the basis and reference point for teaching Auricular

Therapy in China. The first to apply this form of auricular therapy were the

Barefoot Doctors, young medical trainees who, during the Cultural Revolution,

were sent out to provide basic traditional medical care for the masses. In

researching the points Chinese medical authorities treated thousands of patients

and outlined a prescriptive approach for the treatment of many conditions. A TCM

diagnosis was unnecessary. Points could be found, as Nogier had noted, by

palpation; tender points indicated a dysfunction or pathology. Later, electrical

point detectors were used to find points that exhibited different electrical

resistance to the skin immediately adjacent to the point. This was also an

indication of a pathological point.

This is where the Chinese approach to auricular therapy stands today. Points are

either identified by visual reference to a chart and or a grid system, by palpation

for tender points or by electrical detection. Another interesting difference between

the Chinese and Nogier approach is in the identification of different locations for

similar points. At first this may seem strange and contradictory until an awareness

of Nogiers later research is understood.

The Vascular Autonomic Signal and the Phases.

Two further highly significant discoveries by Nogier advanced the European

practice of Auricular therapy towards an extremely sophisticated methodology. It

also, almost as a by-product, added the 'art' back into medicine. This is the epitome

of the good doctor, a scientist, researcher and artist. A healer. I digress.

Nogier was adept at reading the Chinese pulses and with this skill, a considerable

measure of patience and his incredible powers of observation, he recognized a

distinct change in the patient's pulse as points were investigated and as

substances were brought close to the skin. The pulse change was consistent and

reproducible. This was in 1966. Nogier called the pulse the ACR (auricular cardiac

reflex) but changed this to the Vascular Autonomic Sign (or signal), the VAS, when

he realized that it was a generalized autonomic signal that appeared on all arteries

in the body. The ability to detect the VAS allows the practitioner to accurately

locate active points, identify dysfunctional points that are not painful to palpate,

test for and locate areas of blockage to healing that are reflected in the auricle and

to question and identify hemispheric laterality. The VAS is essential in identifying

substances that provoke an allergic response or are toxic to the human organism.

Nogier found that on occasions the same point, would present in more than one

place. He postulated that the point might change according to the progression of

the disease from acute to chronic to degenerative. The outcome of this was

validation of the phases or the representations of the homunculus according to the

phase of the illness. The pathology may present in more than one phase, but

possibly only one phase is tender to palpation. The VAS can be used to check for

pathology in any of the phases and is an indicator of the progression of the

pathology and of the importance of a comprehensive treatment to receive a

satisfactory outcome.

The phases may well explain how a point appears at one place on a European chart

and at another on a Chinese chart.

Another reason is that the Chinese have named some points according to their

functional outcome e.g. Shenmen. These points may overlay anatomical zones of

organs, glands or neurological structures that produce those functions.

The Nogier system recognizes the fluid dynamic of points that are found in zones

rather than being fixed points. The projection, or neurological representation of a

particular organ or anatomical entity is not a fixed point but is found within a zone.

Its location within each phase and zone varies with the changes in pathology

and/or physiology of the dysfunction. The precise point is found with the VAS. This

is in contrast to the Chinese system that identifies fixed points in fixed locations in

a single phase.

The original Nogier system of auricular therapy and its development into auricular

medicine leaves all other systems wanting. Being able to ask of the organism a

question that can be answered with that organism's own response, the VAS; being

aware of the progression of a pathology through the phases and being able to

detect its location with the VAS, allows for a quantum leap in therapeutic

effectiveness and validity. This is the legacy of Doctor Paul Nogier.

Treating Sciatic Pain

Using Nogiers Phases & the VASWritten by Jim Chalmers.

The term sciatica describes a set of symptoms including pain, sometimes severe, in

the low lumbar region of the back, and or the buttocks, hip and along the course of

the sciatic nerve down the leg to the foot. It is most commonly the result of

compression of the vertebral nerve roots of L4 and L5 or of S1, S2 or S3. The

cause of the compression is the diagnosis; this may be due to a herniated disc, disc

degeneration, spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis where lumbar vertebrae slip

forward and compress the nerve. Other causes include the simple and transient

sublaxation of lumbar vertebrae and the rarer but more serious causes such as

tumours and infections.

Conditions that mimic sciatic pain are piriformis syndrome and referred pain from

arthritis and possible hip joint dysfunction. Sciatica is treated with Western

medicine by addressing the cause using surgery or treating the resultant

inflammation and pain with analgesics, muscle relaxants and anti inflammatory

medication.

Chinese Medicine considers sciatica a type of Bi syndrome. Depending on the

presentation it can be either Hot, Cold or Damp Bi or a combination of these.

Typical TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) acupuncture treatment involves

needling Back Shu points, Bladder Channel points, Huato Jiaji points and GB

Channel points on the buttock and the leg. Cupping and or moxibustion may also

be applied as appropriate.

Correct auriculotherapy treatment of sciatic pain requires the simple skill of being

able to recognise the pulse quality known as the Vascular Autonomic Signal (VAS).

This is an easy pulse quality for most practitioners to learn. It is present and

detectable at precise locations on the ear that reflect pathology in the anatomical

region represented by that location. The VAS pulse allows the practitioner to

identify which auricular points are appropriate to treat and to determine their

precise location. It is not possible to accurately treat with auriculotherapy by

judging a pointâ??s location from a chart. The practitioner needs a method to

identify exactly where the point is located and whether it needs treating. This is

accomplished by using the VAS. Electrical detection is an option but it may

interfere with the subtle dynamics of the energetic system of the auricle by

introducing an electric current. Using the VAS is the ideal method as it involves an

intimate energetic exchange between the practitioner and the patient; the

practitioner connects with and listens to the patients pulse whilst seeking the VAS.

Treatment precisely at these active points is the key to resolving the patientâ??s

condition.

Auriculotherapy treatment should initially address the specific anatomical areas

that are associated with the causal factors of the pain where they are reflected on

the auricle. The auriculotherapy practitioner familiar with the Vascular Autonomic

Signal (VAS) will look for positive VAS signals in the projected areas of the lumbar

and sacral vertebrae, the paravertebral muscular structures at L4-5 and the sacral

region on the ear. Needling those precisely located points can address the Bi, the

blockage, reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It can be used as a stand alone

treatment or in conjunction with TCM treatments such as cupping, moxibustion,

herbal compresses or supplements.

The VAS

The VAS results from a vasomotor change in the tone of the vascular wall, a reflex

mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. It is the bodyâ??s initial response to

changes in its immediate environment; a response that happens at a very

elementary biophysical level. In general, stimulus of the skin, be it by light or laser,

by heat, touch or even by proximity of a substance, will provoke a VAS (a few

slightly enlarged pulsations) as the nervous system responds and adjusts. It is a

sympathetic autonomic vasculo-cutaneous reflex, a cellular awareness of, and

response to, its immediate environment. In TCM terms the VAS pulse quality has

been described as an initial rising of the bodyâ??s wei qi. The VAS response can

now be documented by bidirectional Doppler ultrasonography.

Finding the VAS.

It is easier to feel for the VAS using your left hand to palpate the left radial artery

of your patient. Ideally have the patient lie supine, sit at the head of the treatment

table and hold their left hand (Fig 1). Place your thumb on the pulse, flexing the

thumb and facing the thumbnail toward their elbow. Ensure your thumb is flexed

and rest the pulpy tip of your thumb on their radial artery at the descending

portion of the apophysis of the styloid process of the radius. The axis of the thumb

and radius should be aligned. This gives a bony structure beneath the pulse for

ease of detection (Fig 2). The VAS response is a whole body response and

theoretically it could be felt anywhere on the body but the left radial pulse appears

to be the best location partly because of its proximity to the heart, partly because

of its location above a bony surface and because of the practicality of being able to

use your own left hand to detect whilst using your right hand to probe and treat.

[Figure 1] The practitioner sits at the head of the couch.

To learn to recognise the VAS, feel the left pulse with your thumb and bring a

white, preferably halogen light to the right ear. Immediately the beam of light

contacts the ear you should feel a change in the pulse for several beats. Initially it

will feel like an increase in amplitude of the pulse for several beats and then the

pulse will settle to its regular amplitude. Note the number of pulses before the

pulse returns to its normal resting state. (Fig 3)

[Figure 2] Correct position for VAS.

Various other stimuli have been suggested to evoke a VAS for the purpose of

recognizing (or calibrating your response to) the VAS. A single Polaroid filter just

above Yintang and rotated so that different polarized light falls on Yintang will

evoke a VAS. Crossed polarized filters placed on the midline of the body will also

evoke a VAS. There are instruments e.g. the 3-volt hammer as used by the Frank

Bahr school of Auriculotherapy, but the white light is as good as any. Once you are

comfortable with recognizing the VAS, these methods can be used at any time

during treatment to confirm the patients VAS response (i.e. confirm that you are

actually feeling and recognizing their VAS).

Not every patient will present with a strong and easily detectable VAS so the above

test is useful. There may be other reasons that the patient does not have that

strong and easily discernable VAS. It may be because of a blockage at the patient's

first rib or an occluded artery in their left arm, leaving the radial pulse very weak.

The VAS may also be masked if the patient is on beta-blocking medication or has a

pacemaker. It is possible to treat the first rib syndrome (sometimes identified as

thoracic outlet syndrome) with auriculotherapy but in practice a manual treatment

is often more efficient.

[Figure 3]

Difficulty in recognizing the pulse is usually due to improper placement of the

thumb on the artery (see correct placement in diagram Fig 2) or too light or too

heavy a pressure on the artery. The VAS has been described in TCM terminology

as the initial rise of the bodyâ??s wei qi. Feel into the body of the pulse between

the upper and mid levels. Experiment with the pressure you apply and adjust your

thumb carefully on the pulse. Trim your thumb nail and if necessary soften the skin

by rubbing with a pumice stone under water until any calloused hard skin is

abraded.

Treatment.

Given that the origin of true sciatic pain is in the region of the 4th and 5th lumbar

vertebrae and that pain from the sacro-iliac junction or even from piriformis

syndrome is often determined to be sciatica, it is appropriate to seek for an active

VAS in the corresponding regions on the auricle.

Both the Chinese and European systems of auriculotherapy are based on the

discoveries of the French physician, Dr Paul Nogier1. He identified and mapped

the anatomical representation of the inverted foetus in the ear and was responsible

for the subsequent development of modern auriculotherapy. The full protocol of an

auriculotherapy treatment requires first addressing Laterality, First rib, Scars, and

other high level blockages to treatment such as Point R and Point E. Whilst it is not

ideal to bypass this approach, for most cases of uncomplicated sciatic pain the full

protocol may be unnecessary. However this reduces the treatment to a

symptomatic one, treating the pain and local blockage and not addressing the

patient as a whole. TCM practitioners have the advantage of being able to

integrate modern approaches to auriculotherapy with a comprehensive treatment

using appropriate Chinese medicine diagnostic criteria.

In 1966, Nogier discovered that pathology of a particular region or organ would

present at a different location on the ear according to its degree of chronicity1. He

identified the acute phase (phase one) of this sciatic condition which involves the

4th and 5th Lumbar vertebrae to be found at the inferior crus of the anthelix just

inferior to the posterior junction of the triangular fossa (fig. 4). The origin of

chronic sciatic pain, curiously classified as a Phase 3 condition, projects on to the

inferior tragus (fig 4) whilst the origin of the degenerative condition, Phase2,

would project on to the root of the helix(fig 4). These so called phases of chronicity

apply to all conditions . It is as if the original inverted foetus represents only the

acute presentation of a malady.

Nogier noted that some conditions would consist of various combinations of

chronic, acute and degenerative stages and so points to treat those conditions

would be found in their relevant locations. (Fig. 4) Search using a probe, pinpoint

white light (or low energy infra red laser < 10mw eg a Girlase set to C frequency)

in this region of the ear, ipsilateral to the pain. First check the area reflecting the

lumbar region then moving your probe along and around the inferior crus and up

to the hip region in the triangular fossa. Note and mark any points with a positive

VAS. Note the duration of the VAS signal at each point that is active. Needle the

most active point or points. Follow by checking the region in the triangular fossa

reflecting the hip, thigh, knee and calf. Needle any very active points. Whilst

checking for the VAS, trace using your probe, a straight line from point Zero to the

needle with the most active VAS and on to the Helix. Look for any points along that

line up to and on the Helix that present with a strong positive VAS. Needle the

location with the strongest VAS (Fig 5)

When treating an acute condition, at this point ask the patient to sit up and move

around whilst the needles are retained. Observe and ask whether there is any

reduction in the level of pain. This may be all that is needed to resolve the

problem. Allow the patient to lie down again and retain the needles for 10 to 15

minutes to complete the treatment. If there is no change or only minor change in

relative pain, it will be necessary to investigate and treat the condition in the other

phases as well as the acute phase, Phase 1.

Phase 3 is identified as the so called 'chronic' phase. The lumbar region of this

phase presents on inferior end of a vertical line anterior to the tragus from the

level of Point R to the level of Point E (fig x). Follow with a scan of the region of the

ear that represents the hip in Phase 3. This phase projects on the external surface

of the anti-tragus from the post anti-tragal sulcus, along the anti-tragus to the

inter-tragal bridge. (Fig 4) Again strong VAS signal warrants needling.

Repeat this treatment for Phase 2 (note the order, Phase 1, acute, Phase 3,

chronic, Phase 2, degenerative) and needle active points. See fig 3 for locations. It

is possible that some points will be found in each phase; a chronic or degenerative

condition can also have an acute presentation, e.g. after heavy lifting and further

trauma to the area. Check all phases on the contra lateral ear and needle

appropriate points.

Other points that may support your treatment include - Thalamus point, often

showing active VAS is cases of chronic pain and the Cortisol points. These points

help the body deal with inflammation, and pain. See Fig. 5. Select one or two of

these points.

Ask patient to stand again and note level of discomfort/pain. If satisfactorily

reduced then rest patient for 15 to 20 minutes and treat again within 3 to 7 days.

TCM practitioners may find that adjunctive therapies including Tuina, Cupping and

or Moxibustion enhance the treatment. Support utilising Chinese Herbal Medicine

may be appropriate.

If there is no change, consider the possibility that the patientâ??s treatment

response may be altered by a previous steroid injection for inflammation or

because of opiate based medication. Question again their medication history.

Remember, the ear is a very sensitive organ and should not be needled excessively.

By judicious consideration of the VAS and choosing only those points with the

strongest and greatest number of VAS pulses, the practitioner should be able to

complete a treatment with a very few needles. In complicated cases more

treatments are preferable to using too many needles. Whilst there is no specific

maximum number of needles recommended in any one treatment, it is prudent to

try to limit the total number of needles placed to no more than six.

CAUTION.

Pain that does not respond to treatment must be investigated further. Refer for

Western Medical evaluation. Urgent referral is necessary when this pain is also

associated with any of the following:

Loss of bowel or bladder control.

Fever.

Numbness and progressive numbness and tingling.

Loss of sensation in the legs.

Auriculotherapy is a very effective method of treating sciatic pain. The Vascular

autonomic signal allows accurate choice and location of appropriate points and

rapid alleviation of discomfort. Understanding the concept of the phases facilitates

an awareness of the progression of the pathology and the region of the ear to apply

treatment.

[Figure 4]

Case History.

Fred 39 years old. Farm worker. Work requires occasional heavy lifting, operating

machinery and digging.

Fred is 10 stone physically robust with previous history of almost constant neck

pain after farm accident which damaged his cervical vertebrae 8 years prior. He

was told by his medical consultant that he would not work again but with

determination he has managed to continue his farming, doing lighter duties.

He presents with sudden onset severe leg and buttock pain on right side. Reported

pain occurred after heavy lifting 6 days prior.

Although in obvious pain and walking favouring the injured side Fred is stoic and

has what I describe as good shen.

He initially attended the local GP who prescribed anti-inflammatory medication

and told him he was suffering from sciatica. He was told to rest and stop work.

Straight leg raise test induced severe pain in area of buttock and low back and

along sciatic distribution indicating possible nerve root compression. Palpation

revealed tender zones at L4 L5 and at sacroiliac junction.

Congested vein at BL40 wei zhong.

On asking to describe the level of pain out of 10, 10 being severe ..he identified his

pain level at 7. His pain is relieved slightly with anti-inflammatory medication but

is always worse on rising from bed or from a chair after sitting.

Heat aggravates condition.

TCM pulse big, tight, slightly fast.

No operations ..no overt scars. There is no numbness and no paresthesia. Knee and

plantar reflexes normal.

Patient is right handed. Observation of Freds ear reveals an unusual change in the

topography, an erythematous papule like formation in the region reflecting his

cervical vertebrae (see photo). Chinese auriculotherapy considers changes in skin

colour and tone as well as such growths to be diagnostic.

Treatment.

Patient supine on treatment table pillow under knees helps ease discomfort in low

back.

Sitting at the head of the table I use my left hand to check Fred's left radial pulse

for an active VAS while I search in the Lumbar region of Phase 1 on his right ear.

At the region reflecting the region of L5 and S1 there is a particular spot that

produces 10 or 11 distinct VAS pulses.

On checking the line from Point Zero to the helix I find another distinct point

which induces 8 or 9 VAS pulses.

A ½ inch 22 gauge pre-sterilised disposable acupuncture needle is inserted at both

sites.

Fred is asked to try raising his leg whilst in his current position. He moves it with

apparent less difficulty and reports less pain.

A further check of Fred's right ear in Phase 3 reveals little response in the Lumbar

region. I look in Phase 3 of the hip region, there a distinct point evokes several

strong VAS pulses. No other responses in that area of the ear.

This point is needled.

I checked the cervical region at the raised lump. This is Phase One so I expected

little response but was surprised to find a strong VAS. The point was also treated.

Searching along an imaginary line from Point Zero through the CV needlepoint to

the helix revealed another strong VAS reaction on the helix. This area of the helix

is used to treat scars anywhere on the corresponding vertebrae's dermal zone that

have not healed well and constitute a blockage to healing. Again this point was

needled.

[Figure 5]

After 10 minutes rest whist retaining the needles Fred is asked to stand.

He is smiling, cautiously surprised at the reduced level of pain. Typically he tests

his range of movement and evaluates the pain responses.

To finish the treatment, BL 40 (Weizhong) was pricked and bled. This resulted in

further reduction of pain and improved mobility. Fred described the pain level as

about 4 out of 10.

He is advised to avoid stressing the injury, and especially to avoid heavy lifting.

Review in 3 days.

Second Treatment.

Patient reports less pain, still tender to palpate lumbar region of back. Fred

reports that his neck pain is considerably improved.

Auricular therapy treatment ..Two points again in Phase 1 lumbar region and noted

no VAS detected in Phase 3 hip region ...

Cervical Vertebrae region needled Phase One at active VAS location.

Cortisol point on Tragus needled. (see Cortisol points on chart )

Zhui Feng Tou Gu Wan Chinese Patent Formulae prescribed for Cervical Injury.

After another 2 follow up treatments a week apart the patient reported no further

pain in his lumbar region and full function of his left leg. He reports his neck has

never been better. He returned to work starting back on light duties.

Comment.

This is a relatively simple example of the basic process of auriculotherapy applied

to a clear cut case of acute onset sciatic pain. Typically patients present with more

than one issue and this was fortunately well addressed at the same time. On

resolution of the pain and return of full functionality the patients GP saw no need

for follow up radiological examination. Obviously not all cases are as simple and

many will require thorough study of the auricle and consideration of the phases

involved. Neurological (ectodermal) and endodermal tissue regions represented in

the ear should also be explored when more complex cases present.

Depression Treatment

Advanced Auricular TherapyWritten by Kia sang Law.

Abstract:

Conventional treatment of depression relies on the prescription of anti-depression

drugs, such as Saroxat and Prozac, which come with many side effects. As there

are many causes of depression, it is important to isolate the aetiology of depression

and treat according to the symptoms presented.

Auricular Acupuncture addresses the balance of the neurotransmitters which are

involved in causing the depression by treating the projections of the brain

structures associated with this condition. An integrated approach usually includes

distal body acupuncture points, on the upper or lower extremities, to enhance

treatment efficacy.

Brief History of Auricular Therapy

Auricular Therapy was pioneered by neurologist as well as expert TCM

acupuncturist, Dr Paul Nogier of France. He demonstrated that by stimulating a

certain part of the body, a certain zone on the ear became active. This was verified

and confirmed by Dr David Alimi, an auricular acupuncturist and neurologist at the

Paris School of Medicine, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Dr

Alimi showed that when the part of the ear that represents the thumb is

stimulated, then that part of the brain known to represent the thumb, lit up, under

fMRI.

How Auricular Therapy Works?

Auricular Acupuncture is a unique micro-acupuncture system in that it works

through a different pathway as compared to that of body acupuncture. Auricular

Acupuncture points are detectable only when there is a pathology in an organ or

part of an anatomy, whereas body acupuncture points (which have lower electric

conductance than the surrounding skin area) are fixed, arranged in a precise

pattern and always detectable with an electrical detector.

Auricular Therapy or Auricular Acupuncture is a physical reflex therapy that is

able to detect physical (somatic), physiological and psycho-emotional disturbances

in the body which are then projected onto the external auricle. The treatment of

ear points will then stimulate the brain which in turn will alleviate physical,

physiological or psycho-emotional problems in the body. The rich network of nerve

innervations allow energetic organ information to be conveyed through the

nervous system between the corresponding parts of the brain and the specific

anatomical area of the body.

For auricular treatment, the Auricular Acupuncture points on the external ear are

stimulated using various modalities; including micro current stimulator, electro

acupunctoscope, low level laser therapy (LLLT) or needles ( sterile, single use,

stainless, disposable), to alleviate allergy, pain, musculo-skeletal disorders and a

broad range of medical conditions.

Types of Depression

There are two types of depression, unipolar and bipolar depression. Patients with

unipolar depression experience sadness, despair and grief. Other symptoms of

unipolar depression include - loss of energy, increased or decreased appetite,

insomnia or over sleepiness, decreased sexual desire, restlessness, poor

concentration and slow in thoughts. Chronic depression patients suffer from loss of

interest in the world, low self esteem, guilt and pessimism.

Bipolar depression, or manic depression is a disorder of moods that causes unusual

swings in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function. The symptoms of bipolar

disorder are severe and debilititating. They can lead to damaged relationships,

poor work performance, and even suicide. Bipolar disorder typically develops in

late adolescence or early adulthood.

Existing Depression Treatments

One fifth of the UK population experience depression sometimes in their lives and

the prescription of anti depressants has increased to an alarmingly high level. At

present, there are two main therapeutic approaches for the treatment of clinical

depression: i) antidepressant (pharmaceutical) treatment ii) electroconvulsive

therapy (ECT),

The response rate of clinically depressed patients to anti-depressants is about 50%

and usually lasts for a short time. It is observed that there are some 30% non-

respondents to anti depressant treatment because of therapeutic blockage to

healing. On average, the time taken for the anti-depressant to take effect is 4 to 6

weeks. One of the side effects of the anti-depressant is the high risk of suicide

attempts leading to onset of any response, hence the need to monitor the patient

closely.

In order to achieve any response, high doses of anti-depressant may have to be

prescribed. This invariably leads to other side effects which include sexual

dysfunction, digestive and neurological damage because of the high drug dosage

needed to cross the blood-brain barrier. Table 1 gives a brief summary of the side

effects of some of the major classes of anti-depressants.

Some General Practitioners and gynaecologists who believe that depression is a

symptom associated with menopause, until recently, have prescribed hormones for

the relief of depression for menopausal women. This increase in female hormone

usage for depression and contraceptive treatments have seen in an increase in

incidence of breast and genital cancers, stroke and heart attacks.

Table 1. Side effects of some antidepressants

[img=auriculotherapy.info/downloads/depression_pub_table1.png]

[url=auriculotherapy.info/downloads/depression_pub_table1.png]Click here to

enlarge the image.[/url]

It has been reported that micro haemorrhages as a consequence of the ECT

treatment made the patient forget the depression thus leading to temporary

improvement of the symptoms. These micro haemorrhages heal over a short time.

Hence, the short-lived nature of the ECT improvement.

Because of the drastic nature of the treatment and severe memory impediment,

ECT is a less favoured treatment method used.

Auricular Therapy Approach

It is well established that depression is caused by defects in the neurotransmission

in the brain. The neurotransmitters involved are noradrenalin (or norepinephrine),

dopamine and serotonin. The neurons producing noradrenalin are sited in the

brain stem (pons, medulla and mesencephalon); whereas neurons which produce

serotonin are located in inferior pons and medulla. The dopaminergic neurons are

located in the forebrain and midbrain.

It is important to recognise that these neurotransmitters do not work

independently of one another; rather they function and interact in a concert

manner at multiple levels in the brain.

Both Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and functional Magnetic Resonance

Imaging (fMRI) have demonstrated that there is anatomical abnormality in the

prefrontal cortex and in the corpus callosum of familial unipolar and bipolar

depressive patients.

A normal person's limbic system is believed to be stimulated by noradrenalin,

serotonin, and dopamine system to give a sense of well-being. In general, such

individual experiences joy, happiness, a healthy appetite for food, normal sexual

interest and satisfaction with life.

Auricular Therapy treatment is effective and free of any side effects. Advanced

Auricular Therapy will endeavour to identify the auricular zones corresponding to

the serotonin producing part of the brain in 3 phases which are more effective than

typical recipe symptom treatment. The active ear points that should be sought in

the areas of the brain include: prefrontal cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus,

epiphysis (Pineal Gland) and brain stem (see figure 1). It is common that the

Psychoanalysis, or â??Râ?? point and anti anxiety point may be active and can be

treated where appropriate, see Figure 1.

According to the French school of Auricular Acupuncture functional illness or pain

of an organ or tissue would present itself in different phases depending on the

stage of the disease see Figure 2. It is now well established that as the disease

progresses, the ear reflex zone will shift from Phase 1 to 3 to 2 and that recovery

will follow the path below:

Phase 2 >>>> Phase 3 >>>> Phase 1

Depending on the stage of a disease process, the active ear point of a specific

organ or tissue could be identified in one or more locations on the auricle.

The auricular ear zones are explored with the use of a sophisticated micro current

detector and treated, if active. Only those points which are most active are treated.

In some of the patients suffering from depression the ear zones may be tender on

palpation.

Depending on the patient preference, needles, laser or ear seeds may be used. It

has been found that acute mania and depressions are usually presented in Phase 1

& 3 and in chronic cases in Phase 2 & 3 of the above brain structures cited

(prefrontal cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus, epiphysis and brain stem ).

As in many serious diseases, such as coronary heart diseases and diabetes, manic

depression is a long-term ailment that must be carefully managed throughout a

person's life. According to B L Frank, bipolar depression is associated with

pathologies within the reward system of the brain, repeated activation of

prefrontal regions and the deeper reward-related network innervated by the

prefrontal cortex by precise targeted auricular therapy treatment of brain

structures involved with depression, may offer effective treatment of this chronic

disease. In order to enhance the treatment efficacy, it is advantageous to include

body acupuncture points. Depending on the conditions presented at the time of

treatment 5 of the following body acupuncture points, may be selected: Bai

Hui(GV20), Jianshi PC5, Nei Guan ( PC6), Tai Chong (LR3), Xiao Hai (HT3), Body

Shen Men (HT7), Wei Zhong (BL40), Zusanli (ST36), Hegu (LI4)

Case History (names of Chinese Ear Points are given in the parenthesis)

Case 1. JC, a 46-year male with acute depression presented with unknown

aetiology & weight loss of 5 to 6 kg in two months. Patient also complained of lack

of energy. He mentioned that he had epididymitis a few years ago. At the time of

visit he complained of pain in the testicular and genital areas as well as a few

months ago. Sex life had become a painful experience. Being made redundant

recently, has added more worries . It was decided that the genital pain and

depression symptoms were addressed to before the underlying auricular zones

were treated. After the first session JC reported that he had substantial reduction

in the pain in the testes and area surrounding the genital. In addition, his mind

was clear, no fuzziness as compared with conditions when he first arrived.

There was complete resolution to the pain after the second session as well as

freedom from depression symptoms. He was able to enjoy a good holiday break

with the family for 2 weeks. Treatment was terminated after the patient reported

complete resolution of depression and pain symptoms after the 3rd session.

Treatment Details:

Auricular Points:

Hypothalamus ф3 (Heart),

Cerebellum ф1 ( Occiput),

Thalamus ф2 (Shen Men),

Corpus Callosum ф2 (Zero),

Frontal Cortex (Master Cerebral),

Bulbar Pertuberans (Anti depression point),

Adrenal, Testes ф1 ф2 ф3 (treated with microcurrent stimulator)

Body Points: GV14, LI4, LR3, HT7 (1st treatment)

Lu7, KI8, LR2, BL40, ST36

Patient was also asked to administer Auricular massage on both left and right ear

twice daily to improve sympathetic and parasympathetic tonality of the auricle and

hence flow of energy for the body.

Case 2. AL is a 51 year old teacher with long term depression and anxiety. She has

low self esteem and came completely stressed out. She does not like the side

effects of anti-depressants and tried not to ask for the prescription of these. Patient

was treated with Auricular Therapy twice a week initially. After first session, she

was more relaxed and slept well. She said she was less anxious after second

treatment session. Family saw noticeable improvement in the patient after 4th

session. The treatment was then spaced out on weekly basis and supported by the

used of ear pellets at Anti- depression and Heart Auricular points. AL is now on

monthly maintenance treatment.

Auricular Points:

Hypothalamus ф3 (Heart),

Cerebellum ф1 ( Occiput),

Thalamus ф2 (Shen Men),

Corpus Callosum ф2 (Zero),

Frontal Cortex (Master Cerebral),

Bulbar Pertuberans (Anti depression point),

Anti anxiety point. Pineal Gland ф1,2,3

Body Points: PC6, LI4, Lu7, ST36, HT7

Dr Kiasang Law may be contacted at:

The Nonsuch Auricular Therapy Clinic

223, Church Hill Road, Sutton

Surrey SM3 8BL

Telephone: 020 8644 8853 Mobile: 07710 270508 email:

nonsuchaa@btinternet.com

[url=nonsuchtherapy.co.uk]www.nonsuchtherapy.co.uk[/url]

[img=auriculotherapy.info/downloads/depression_pub_image007.gif]

Figure 1. Auricular Projections of Brain Structures in 3 Phases on the Ear

(reproduced with permission from B L Frank, Auricular Medicine & Auricular

Therapy-A Practical Approach)

[img=auriculotherapy.info/downloads/depression_pub_image009.jpg]

Figure 2. Phase Dynamics of Auricular Acupuncture (reproduced with permission

from

B L Frank, Auricular Medicine & Auricular Therapy-A Practical Approach)

Tinnitis Treatment

Through Advanced Auricular TherapyWritten by Kia sang Law.

Auricular Therapy or Auricular Acupuncture was pioneered by a French physician,

Paul Nogier in early 1950's and subsequently developed by the Chinese

acupuncturists. The treatments are carried out on the ear acupuncture points

using various acupuncture modalities, including hand massage, ear pellets( or

magnetic pellets), needles, micro current stimulator as well as low level laser

therapy. The advantages of Auricular Therapy are i) it is very effective and ii) there

is no need for the clients to remove clothing as only the external ears are used in

treatment. Occasionally, some practitioners may include distal body acupuncture

points, on the upper or lower extremities, to enhance treatment efficacy.

Introduction

Tinnitus is the hearing of sounds in the ears, or in the head in the absence of an

external source of sound. This can take the form of ringing, hissing, hushing,

whistling and low or high pitch sounds. It is believed to be the misinterpretation of

sound signals in the central auditory pathway or in the brain. These misinterpreted

signals can take place in any part of the auditory system, cochlear, auditory nerve,

or in the brain.

Conventional medical treatment of tinnitus involves the correction of underlying

conditions including: counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), sound

therapy (using a tinnitus masker) and relaxation techniques (usually any form of

complementary therapies). The combination of the above elements is known as

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) as proposed by Pavel Jastreboff.

Brief History of Ear Acupuncture

Although Traditional Chinese body acupuncture has a long history dating back

more 3000 years, only the acupuncture points around the ears belong the major

body acupuncture meridians. It was in the early 1950's that ear acupuncture was

developed by Dr Paul Nogier in Lyon, France. He observed that some of his

patients had cauterisation at certain position on the ear. On questioning, they

informed him that this was performed by a lay healer, Madam Barrin to cure their

lower back pain or sciatica. Subsequently, he attempted treating some of his

patients using this point which was found to be very effective in relieving lumbar

pain of many of his patients. Through one and a half decades of investigations,

Paul Nogier was able to map the reflex points on the auricle which resembles an

inverted foetus, see Figure 1.

These early research findings were reported in the Congress of the Societiete

Mediterraneene by Paul Nogier in February 1956 and were subsequently

published by Dr Gerard Bachmann in the German acupuncture journal 'Deutsche

Zeitschrift fur Akupunctur'. The Japanese learnt of this discovery from the above

journal, and the Chinese, in turn, learned about these new findings through the

Japanese source. The Chinese then enlisted the Nanjing Army in their research

effort and later constructed their own ear reflex chart, see Figure 2. In recognition

of Paul Nogier's contributions, the Chinese credited Paul Nogier and referred to

him as 'Father of Auricular Acupuncture' in a publication 'Ta-Chung-I Xue' (Popular

Medicine), in 1959.

How Auricular Acupuncture Works?

Auricular acupuncture is unique in that it works through a different pathway as

compared to that of body acupuncture. Ear acupuncture points are only detectable

when there is pathology in an organ or part of an anatomy, whereas body

acupuncture points (which have lower electric conductance than the surrounding

skin area) are fixed, arranged in precise pattern and always detectable with an

electrical detector.

Auricular Therapy or Ear Acupuncture is a physical reflex therapy that is able to

detect physical (somatic), physiological and psycho emotional disturbances in the

body which are then projected onto the external auricle. Treatment of ear points

will then stimulate the brain which in turn alleviates physical, physiological or

psycho emotional problems in the body. Energetic organ information is conveyed

through the nervous system between the corresponding parts of the brain and the

specific anatomical area of the body. The ears receive this energetic information

through its rich network of innervations thus allowing the feasibility of detection

and treatment.

For treatment, the auricular acupuncture points on the external ear are stimulated

using various modalities; including micro current stimulator, electro

acupunctoscope, low level laser therapy (LLLT) or needles ( sterile, single use,

stainless, disposable), to alleviate allergy, pain, musculoskeletal disorders and a

broad range of medical conditions.

Because of their many unknown aetiologies, Tinnitus and Menierâ??s disease are

extremely difficult to treat successfully. However, even some of the most severe

tinnitus sometimes does response to Auricular Therapy and significant

improvement of the conditions have been reported by some practitioners.

In addition to the conventional medical treatments using Tinnitus Retraining

Therapy(TRT), Auricular Therapy can offer some help for tinnitus sufferers in

relieving the intensity of both the tinnitus and the psycho-emotional symptoms

associated with this condition.

The Auricular approach will address to stress and anxiety (Shen Men &

Sympathetic points), tinnitus symptoms (Occiput, External and Internal Ear) and

restore the homeostatic balance of the bodily function (Zero point) & enhancing

the primodial energy of the body (Kidney and Zero points).

Auricular acupuncture is very effective in relaxing muscle tension through the

treatment of Muscle Relaxation Point on the auricle, and hence it can have a

profound effect in reducing stress and anxiety. It is well known that depression,

anxiety and stress aggravate the perception to tinnitus of many sufferers. Auricular

treatment is able to offer a state of calmness and well being by treating or needling

ear points associated with these conditions. Nervous exhaustion, stress and anxiety

can exacerbate tinnitus, and therefore auricular acupuncture treatments can help

a person to bring their tinnitus to a more manageable level.

Depending on the symptoms presented at the time of treatment, psychic points

such as depression, anxiety and aggression points as well as the Omega points

should be explored and treated if active.

Advanced Auricular Therapy will examine the Vestibular Cochlear Nerve (cranial

nerve VIII) projections in 3 differences phases, superior cervical ganglion, and

cervical spine (to relax neck and shoulder muscles). According to the French

School of auricular acupuncture, all diseases progress through acute, chronic and

degenerative phases. Additional improvement can be gained through the treatment

of auditory line whereby both high and low pitch sound perception can be treated

and brought to a more tolerable level

It is well known that dysfunction of the Temporo-Mandibular joint (TMJ) sometimes

is one of the main causes of tinnitus and is also a blockage to healing of many

bodily disorders. TMJ dysfunction can be effectively treated using auricular

therapy.

In order to enhance the treatment, the modern thinking is to include a multi-

modality approach. Hence, it is advantageous to include body acupuncture points

from the Gall Bladder and Large Intestine meridians as well an acupuncture points

around the ear (GB20, LI1, GB2, SJ17, SI19, 21).

Dr Kiasang Law can be contacted at:

The Nonsuch Auricular Therapy

223, Church Hill Road, Sutton

Surrey SM3 8BL

Telephone: 020 8644 8853 Mobile: 07710 270508 email:

nonsuchaa@btinternet.com

[img=http://www.auriculotherapy.info/downloads/tinnitus_1.jpeg]

Figure 3. Principal treatment points for Tinnitus & Meniere's Diseases

1. Occiput (Ear Point according to Frank Bahr) 2. Phase 2 CN VIII 3. Phase 3 CN VIII (hidden surface of tragus) 4. Shen Men 5. Sympathetic Nerve 6. CN VIII - Mastoid Surface 7. Phase 1 CN VIII ( Internal Ear)

8. Auditory line