Ear acupuncture is a combination of science and art.
The science of ear acupuncture is based on the stimulation of the nerves innervating the ear. Four nerves have been identified to innervate the auricle. The great auricular nerve (cervical plexus), the auriculotemporal nerve (trigeminal nerve), the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, and the occipitalis minor nerve (cervical plexus).
Figure 1.
Source: emedicine.medscape.com
Figure 2.
Ear Acupoints
For example (in correspondence to the acupoints and the nerve distribution), the stomach point on Figure 2. correlates with the Auricular branch of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve has the largest amount of branches than any other cranial nerve and is one of the largest sensory nerves in the body. A Vagotomy (removal of the Vagus nerve) is currently being researched as a less invasive alternative weight-loss procedure to gastric bypass surgery. However, based on the risks associated with most surgeries, serious complications can occur. The associated risk factors for auriculotherapy is significantly less than surgery.
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Dr. Nick Hodgson is a chiropractor in Australia who specializes in auriculotherapy. His video explains the history, philosophy and application of auriculotherapy.
Auriculotherapy Part 1.
