New Paradigm in International Ear Acupuncture

Abstract

(1) Background: In the international auriculotherapy practice there are relatively big differences in the exact localization of one and the same ear acupuncture point. On one hand, there are specialists who devote their efforts to find the active points. In that case it becomes intriguing that near of the point to be treated there may be another one (at 1-2 mm distance) indicating a relatively strong, even stronger activity than the one they were initially aiming to find. That point may be active because of another health problem. On the other hand, it may also occur that the same acupuncture point is localized 10-20 mm away from its correct place. Owing to the inaccurate localization the treatment will not have the expected effect and will cause disappointment to the patient and frustration to the therapist. The ’Széchenyi Orientation Ear Map’ offers a solution to the internationally debated problem of the adequate localization and standardization of ear acupuncture points. The ear map offers a solution for finding the exact location of acupuncture points in one uniform/flexible arrangement in various ear acupuncture systems, from the Chinese or Nogier’s ear acupuncture points to Széchenyi’s 191 ear acupuncture points. It is important to emphasize that apart from the correct diagnosis, the basis of successful therapy is finding the adequate localization of the acupuncture points. (2) Methods: We localize the acupuncture points on a comparative basis, that is to say, we use relative localization. To attain this, we put to use the anatomical formulas of the ear. Furthermore, the orientation points, the main orientation lines and the auxiliary orientation lines help determine the exact localization. (3) Results: The exact place of the acupuncture point determined with the aid of the orientation map and the relative localization spot will always be at the same place. Using this method one soon discovers that every ear has basically the same shape. Thus, it can be avoided that within the same or in different countries minimum 2 points from among the NADA or BLF 5 ear points get to an unlikely position or 15-20 mm further away on the top of the ear. It is important not to mix the positions as it is not the same if the needles are inserted in the Allergy point instead of the Omega 2 point, or Zero point will take the place of the Liver point. (4) Conclusions: The orientation points, the main- and auxiliary orientation lines will unambiguously help the therapist to accurately localize the acupuncture points, no matter what shape the ear has. Furthermore, they also enable to better comprehend the location of those points on different maps. Therapists will not come to a dead-end by trying to find the active points, and meanwhile end up treating a point responsible for another health problem instead of treating what they aim for. Consequently, it is important to be able to identify the proper location of the active points in question.