Chinese Auricular Therapy, Bai Xinghua

CHINESE AURICULAR THERAPY

CHINESE AURICULAR THERAPY.

AUTHOR

Bai Xinghua

ENGLISH CONSULTANT

RB Baron

Scientific and Technical Documents Publishing House 1994

CHINESE AURICULAR THERAPY Copyright

(9 1994 by

the

Scientific · and

Technical

Documents Publishing House All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means: electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission in writing from the publishers.

Publisher: Scientific and Technical Documents Publishing House, 15 Fuxing Lu, Beijing, China Distributor: Scientific and Technical Documents Publishing House, 15 Fuxing Lu, Beijing, China ISBN 7-5023-2261-2/R • 385

To Xiaoli, for her love and dedication.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am .grateful to Zhang Aimin for his typing of the Chinese manuscript and to Xue Hengmin for the

exq~isite

illustrations he

drew for the book. I· am also grateful to have received the very professional support and advice of the Scientific and Technical Documents Publishing House. My thanks to RB Baron of Albion, California, USA who revised and typed the English manuscript. My Swedish friends Thea Renvall and Leena Nikker have given unfailing encouragement and support. Without the help of all those mentioned above, it would not have been possible to publish this book.

FOREWORD It was several years ago that I by chance first became interested in auricular therapy. At that time, I was a postgraduate student of acupuncture at the Beijing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. -I had been suffering for almost a month from urticaria, and had tried both modern and traditional remedies with no improvement. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to attend a lecture on auricular therapy being given at the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine by an eminent ear acupuncturist, and after the lecture I asked her for help. She taped several auricular points, and drew blood from Apex of Ear by puncturing it with a filiform needle. The miracle occurred the next day. The severe itching stopped, and over the following days the skin lesions gradually disappeared. Since that first experience, I have read many books concerning auricular therapy, and have also engaged in extensive clinical practice.

In my experience, the primary difference between

auricular therapy and body acupuncture lies in the method used to locate points .. It can be imagined how difficult it is to locate precisely the hundreds of points clustered together on the auricle. Due to the small size of the auricle, as well as individual differences, it is almost impossible -to accurately locate every auricular point in a healthy person. However, when disease or disorder is present in the body, auricular points corresponding to the affected areas of the body can be determined by detecting positive signs on the auricle. Only when these positive points are stimulated will positive therapeutic results be attained. In other

m

words, the relationship between the affected area of the body and the corresponding positive points on the auricle can be likened to that between a lock and its key, the "key" of stimulation of positive auricular points opening the "lock" of disease or disorder of the corresponding area of the body. Auricular therapy has several great advantages over body acupuncture. First, auricular manipulation is simple and safe; in many cases the only implement required is a matchstick. Secondly, auricular therapy has been proven effective in the treatment of more than two hundred diseases and disorders. And because it is less painful than body acupuncture, it is well accepted by the elderly, children, and people with a tendency to faint when receiving body acupuncture. Most importantly, the results of auricular therapy are obvious and rapid, in many cases following treatment as sqrely as a shadow is cast by a stick raised in the sunlight. I have given the writing of this book my best efforts, and I am confident that it will be of great benefit to those who need it.

Bai Xinghua Lecturer Department of Acupuncture Beijing College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion

N

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ............... _................................................ ( Xll)

. PART CHAPTER

ONE

FOUNDATION

ONE

ANATOMY OF THE AURICLE (3) Anatomical Nomenclature of the Surfaces of the Auricle ............................................................ (3)

II

Histological Structure of the Auricle

..................... (5)

Ill

Relationship of the Auricle, the Meridians, and the Zangfu Organs .. • .. · .. · .. · .. · .. · .. ••.. · .... • ..... · .. •.. · •....... · ( 8)

CHAPTER TWO MECHANISM OF AURICULAR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT ................................. 01). II

Homuncular Reflex Theory .. · .. •.. · .. · .. •..... · · .... • ..... · 01) Delta Reflex Theory .......................................... (13)

Ill

Meridian 'fheory

CHAPTER THREE

............................................. (15) AURICULAR

POINTS ............ 07)

The Distribution Rule of Auricular Points and Areas ········· ···························································· (17) .B:

Methods for Locating Auricular Points .................. 08)

1H

Nomenclature and Indications of Auricular Points ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••o••••••••••••••••••••••••••

IV

(19)

Locations and Indications of Auricular Points ......... (23)

1. Locations and Indications of Points on the Crus of the Helix and the Helix ········· ··· ··· ··· ··· ······ ······ ··· ······ (23) 2. Locations and Indications of Points on the Scaphoid

v

Fossa ···························································· (25) 3. Locations and Indications of Points on the Antihelix ..••.••.•••••••••.•.•••.•••••••••..••..•••••...•.••••..•.•••••••.•••. (27)

4. Locations and Indications of Points on the Triangular Fossa ............................................................ (30) 5. Locations and Indications of Points on the Tragus ..................................................................... (32) 6. Locations and Indications of Points on the Antitragus ································'-·················· .................. (34)

7. Locations and Indications of Points on the Inferior Concha ......................................................... (36) 8. Locations and Indications of Points on the Superior Concha ... ... ...... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... (38) 9. Locations and Indications of Points on the Peripheral Crus of the Helix ··· ·· · · ·· · ·· · ·· · · · ··· · · · · · · ··· ·· · ·· · ·· · · · · ·· · ( 40) 10. Locatisms and Indications of Points on the Earlobe ........................... ······ ................................. (41)

11. Locations and Indications of Points on the Dorsal Surface of the Auricle

.. •.. · ........... · .. · ........ · .. · .. · ( 44)

CHAPTER FOUR AURICULAR DIAGNOSTIC METHODS .............................. ;................................ (47) · Auricular Inspection .......................................... (47) 0

I

Auricular Palpation

.......................................... (50)

I

Measurement of AuricularElectrical Resistance

...... (52)

CHAPTER FIVE COMMONLY USED AURICULAR THERAPEUTIC METHODS ....................................... (55) Auricular Taping ............................................. (55) I I VI

Auricular Blood-Letting Puncturing ··· .................. (60) Auricular Pressure ............................................. (63)

Auricular Massage ···············•···············•·••·•········ (64) PRINCIPLES FOR THE SELECTION CHAPTER SIX N

AURICULAR POINTS ····•·•·······•························ (65) Choose Points According to the Location of the Disea-

OF

li

sed or Affected Area of the Body ·········•·•············ (65) Choose Points According to the Principles of Tradi-

tional Chinese Medicine ················•······················ (67) m Choose Points According to the Principles of Modern N

Medicine · · · ·· · · · · · · · · ·· · ·· ·· · · · · · · · · · · •· · · · · •·· · •· ·• · ·· · · ·• ··· ·· · ( 74) Choose Points According to Clinical Experience ( 74)

PART

TWO

PRACTICUM

CHAPTER SEVEN TREATMENT OF INTERNAL DISEASES AND DISORDERS ................................. (79) 1.

Hypertension················································ (79)

2.

Angina Pectoris

3. 4.

Cardiac Neurosis ··· ··· ••· •·• •·· ··· ·• •••··• ·•· ... •·• •·· •·· (82) Rheumatic Arthritis ....................................... (84)

s.

Chronic Bronchitis

6.

Bronchial Asthma ···········•···••-:•••••••••••••··········· (86)

7.

Vomiting

8. 9.

Hiccups ······································~··············· (89) Gastrointestinal Neurosis .............................. (90)

···••····••·••·•···•·····•••••····••·•·•·· (81)

....................................... (85)

··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· •·· ··· ··· ··· ··· (87)

10.

Esophagitis

··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ( 92)

11.

Gastritis······················································ (93)

12.

Acute Gastroenteritis .................................... (95)

13.

Peptic Ulcer ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ··· ( 96)

14.

Chronic Diarrhea ..................... ~ .................... (98) VI

15.

Constipation ................................................ (99)

16.

Headache ................................................... (100)

17.

Neurosism

18.

Peripheral Neuritis ....................................... (104)

19.

Epilepsy ................................................... (105)

20.

Hysteria ... : ................................................ (106)

21:

Rheumatoid Arthritis

22.

Hyperthyroidism .......................................... (110)

23.

Diabetes Mellitus

24.

Diabetes Insipidus ....................................... 013)

25.

Enuresis Nocturna ....................................... (114)

CHAPTER

EIGHT

DISEASES

AND

................................................ (102)

...... ...... ... ...... ...... ...... ...... 011)

TREATMENT OF SURGICAL DISORDERS ................................. (116)

1.

Acute Mastitis

2.

3.

Cystic Hyperplasia of the Breast ..................... (117) Cholecystitis ............................................. (119)

4.

Pancreatitis ...... ... ... ... ...... ...... ... ... ... ...... ... ... (120)

5.

Appendicitis

6.

Cholelithiasis ............................................. (123)

7.

Cystitis

9.

.......................................... (116)

...........,. ................................. (122)

.............................. ,.................... (125)

8. . Epididymitis

VI

................................. 008)

Prostatitis

............................................. (126) ...................................... , ......... (127)

10.

Hyperplasia of the Prostate ........................... 029)

11.

Hemorrhoids

12.

Pyelonephritis ............................................. (132)

........... · ....................... · .. · .. · ... ( 130)

13.

Urinary Stones

14.

Seminal Emission

··· ············ ········· ······ ········· ••• (133)

....................................... (135)

15.

Impotence

16.

Cervical Spondylopathy ................................. 038)

17. 18.

Costal Chondritis ·········•·••·•··••··•····•••••··•···•• (139) Scapulohumeral Periarthritis ........................ 040)

19.

External Humeral Epicondylitis ..................... 042)

20. 21.

Stiff Neck ··• ·•· •·· ···•··•·•••· ··••·••·· .................. (143) .Acute Soft Tissue Injury .............................. 044)

22.

Lumbar Muscle Strain ................................. 045)

23.

Postconcussional Syndrome ........................... 046)

24.

Facial Spasm ............................................. (147)

25.

Intercostal Neuralgia .................................... 049)

26.

Trigeminal Neuralgia .................................... 050)

27.

Sciatica ······················································ (151)

28.

Calcaneodynia ............................................. (152)

29.

Phantom Limb Pain .................................... (153)

30.

Erythomelagia ............................................. (154)

31.

Thromboangiitis Obliterans ........................... 055)

32.

Raynard's Disease ........................................ (157)

CHAPTER

NINE

DISEASES

AND

1.

··· ··························· ·················· (136)

TREATMENT OF GYNECOLOGICAL DISORDERS ................................. 059)

Dysfunctio'nal Uterine Bleeding ........................ 059)

2.

Dysmenorrhea

3.

Premenstrual Syndrome ................................. (162)

············································· (160)

4.

Menopausal Syndrome .................................... (163)

5.

Amenorrhea ·············································':'·· (164)

6.

Leukorrhagia················································ (165)

7.

Chronic Pelvic Inflammation ........................... 067) IX

8.

Prolapse of the Uterus

CHAPTER

TEN

DISORDERS

OF

................................. 068)

TREATMENT THE

OF

SENSORY

DISEASES AND

ORGANS ............ 070)

2.

Myopia •·· ••••·· ··· ··· ·····•·•· ··• ··· ··· ... •·· •·••·· ·•• ··· ··· (170) Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis ··· ··• ·•· ··· ·•· •·• ··· ··· 071)

3. 4.

Stye ······ .~........ ··· ··············· ··· ······ ········· ··· ··· (172) Central Retinitis .......................................... (173)

5.

Simple Glaucoma

6.

Allergic Rhinitis .......................................... (175)

7. 8·

Suppurative Nasal Sinusitis ........................... 076) Toothache ................................................ (178)

9.

Acute Tonsillitis .......................................... (179)

1.

....................................... (174)

10.

Chronic Pharyngitis

...... · ·· ......... · ........ · .. · .... · 080)

11.

Pharyngeal Paraesthesia

12.

Recurrent Ulcer of the Mouth ........................ 082)

13.

Chronic Otitis Media Purulenta

14.

Meniere's Disease

15.

Dysfunction of the Temperomandibular Joint ............................................................... (187)

.............................. (181) ..................... 084)

....................................... (185)

TREATMENT OF SKIN CHAPTER ELEVEN DISEASES AND DISORDERS ................................. 089)

X

1.

Urticaria .................................... , .............. (189)

2.

Eczema ...... ~ ............................................... (190)

3.

Herpes Zoster ............................................. (192)

4.

Cutaneous Pruritis ....................................... (193)

5.

Neurodermatitis ......... ••· .............................. (194)

6.

Acne Vulgaris ............................................. (196)

7.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

................................. 097)

8.

Erythema Multiforma

................................. (198)

9.

Furunculosis

............................................. (199)

10.

Brandy Nose ..............................................

11.

Chloasma ................................................... (202)

CHAPTER TWELVE DISEASES

AND

(20~)

TREATMENT OF MISCELLANEOUS

DISORDERS ... ...... ...... ... ......... ...... (204)

1. ·Influenza ................................................... (204) 2.

Mumps ...... •·• ............... ·•· ........................... (205)

3.

Motion Sickness ........................................... (206)

4.

Obesity

5.

Drug Withdrawal

6.

Tobacco Withdrawal .................................... (210)

7.

Alcohol Withdrawal .................................... (211)

8.

Childhood Anorexia

9.

Competition Syndrome ................................. (213)

10.

Childhood Hyperkinetic Syndrome .................. (214)

11.

Mental Retardation

................................................... (207) ....................................... (209)

.................................... (212)

.

.................................... (215) ... (217)

APPENDIX

GUIDE FOR INDEPENDENT STUDY

APPENDIX li

LIST OF AURICULAR POINTS ............ (219)

APPENDIX ][

TERMINOLOGY OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE .................... ~ ... (223)

XI

INTRODUCTION Auricular therapy has a very long history in China. The earliest recorded mention of the close . . relationship between the ear and the body is found in the Silk Book Meridians, written around

500 B. C. , which stated that the ear meridian originates in the dorsal surface· of the hand and ascends to enter the ear. Auricular diagnostic and therapeutic methods were first documented in Nei Jing, the Classic of Medicine, written around 200 B. C. , which stated that the nature and location of various diseases could be determined by inspection of the shape , color, moistness , and collaterals of the ear. It recommended the use of blood-letting puncturing of the collaterals of the ear to treat headache and pain in the hypochondriac region. Later

practitioners

continued

to

develop

the

practical

application of auricular diagnosis and treatrp-ent and to do research into the mechanisms of auricular therapy. During the Jin dynasty

( 265-420 A. D. ) , auricular massage was widely used both to preserve health and to diagnose and treat various diseases and disorders. The use of auricular acupuncture and moxibustion was first recorded during the Tang dynasty (608-907 A. D.). During the Ming dynasty 0368-1644 A. D. ) , auricularmedicinal coating came into use, and auricular massage for children was popular. During the Qing dynasty 0644-1911 A. D. ) , the use of auricular temperature measurement as a means of prognosis was· recorded, and the first somatotopic ear map and auricular massage chart ·XDI

appeared. (see Figures 1, 2) Further breakthroughs in both the theory and practice of Chinese auricular therapy have been made since the introduction in 1958 of French p-ractitioner Dr. Paul Nogier' s discovery of the inverted-fetus shape distribution pattern of auricular points. Using a combination of Dr. Nogier' s theory and traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese practitioners have developed Chinese auricular therapy, characterized by diagnosis and treatment according to Chinese meridian theory. Auricular

therapy

has

received

increasing

international

recognition and welcome in recent years due to its wide indications, good results, safety, and simplicity. It is currently being practiced in several dozen countries and territories, and the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has recognized auricular therapy as an effective means of treatment for a wide variety of diseases and disorders.

In

order

to

promote

international

exchange

of

information concerning auricular therapy, as well as continued research

into

its

mechanism,

m

1982

the

World · Health

Organization requested the <:;hinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion Association to formulate the International Standard of Auricular Points CISAP). The !'ractical Auricular Point and Area Map and Chinese Auricular Therapy, written in both Chinese and English, use the International Standard of Auricular Points as their basis. The newly designed Practical Auricular Point and Area Map represents a breakthrough in auricular therapy when compared with the traditional model.

Map-drawing theory, with clear

differentiation of colors and areas, has been utilized to produce a three-dimensional effect. Most importantly, areas as well as points are emphasized in order to more accurately reflect the nature and XIV

distribution of auricular points. Chinese Auricular Therapy is written clearly and practically in order to allow its use by the widest readership, from professionals to those engaged in independent study. It is composed of two parts.

The

Foundation

introduces

auricular

anatomy,

the

mechanism of auricular diagnosis and treatment, locations and indications. of auricular points, commonly used auricular diagnostic and therapeutic methods, and principles for the selection of auricular points. The Practicum discusses etiology, pathology, differ-entiation of signs and symptoms, and the treatment of one hundred and one different diseases and disorders. Both on the map and in the book, auricular points and areas are indicated by capital letters (e. g. Apex of Ear, Stomach, etc. ) , and structural parts of the ear are indicated by small letters (e. g. earlobe, scaphoid fossa , etc. ) . Parts of the body are also referred to by small letters (e. g. upper abdomen, bronchi, etc. ) . Throughout the book, prominence is gtven to three factors which directly influence the results of auricular therapy, i. e. accurate location, correct selection, and sufficient stimulation of auricular points. 1. Locate auricular points accurately. Because of the difficulty of locating points precisely on the small auricle,

the

International Standard of Auricular Points depicts points and areas in conjunction. Areas are relative and points are absolute: each area consists of a collection of points corresponding to a certain part of the body; areas are not discrete units but rather are closely related to one another. The ·Practical Auricular Therapy Point and Area Map utilizes map-drawing theory, with clear differentiation of colors and areas, to vividly and accurately reflect the distribution of XV

auricular points. As in using a geographical map to locate a small · town, when looking for a specific auricular point we must first determine the "state" or general area in which it is located. Its precise location may then be pinpointed by means of auricular inspection, palpation, or measurement of electrical resistance. In other words, the detection of auricular points is always combined with the diagnostic process. In fact, the French doctor Paul Nogier discovered the inverted-fetus distribution pattern of auricular points during the process of detecting and mapping tender points on the auricle. 2. Select auricular points correctly. Choosing auricular points is similar to prescribing herbal medicine-- good results in auricular therapy are dependent on correct selection of points to be treated.

Although choosing auricular points correctly is a

complicated process, there are specific rules to be followed. These rules are discussed at length in Chapter 6. In addition, auricular treatment of one hundred and one different diseases and disorders, based on the author's clinical experience as well as the most up-todate developments in auricular therapy, are given in detail. 3. Provide sufficient stimulation. Auricular therapy depends on the stimulation of auricular points in order to regulate the meridians, qi, blood, Zangfu or.gans, and the balance of yin and yang. In order for good results to be achieved, proper and sufficient stimulation must be provided.

Generally speaking, sufficient

stimulation refers to as much as the patient can bear. There should be sensations of heat and distension in the auricle being treat.ed. Simultaneous taping of main points on both frontal and dorsal surfaces and extended pressure are two methods used to provide increased stimulation. The latter is especially suitable for children, XVI

the elderly, and those with weak constitutions or who are prone to fainting.

If the above three points are followed in the clinical practice of auricular therapy, satisfactory results will assuredly be achieved.

Figure 1

Distribution of the five lang organs on the dorsal surface of the auricle (from Qing dynasty, Lizheng Anmoyao Shu by, Zhang Zhenyun, 1888)

XVI

r

Figure 2 Picture of auricular massage: Two Phoenixes Opening Their Wings (from Qing dynasty, Lizheng Anm2J&O Shu by Zhang Zhenyun,

1888)

XVI

PART ONE FOUNDATION

CHAPTER ONE ANATOMY OF THE AURICLE I

Anatomical Nomenclature of the Surfaces of the Auricle

Frontal Surface (Figure 1-lA)

-~--

Tubercle ol Helix

----'""-'~__..,....__

Superior Crus of Antihelix

Scaphoid Fossa Superior Concb,a--~-..---­

Crus of Helix

Helb -HI-r-Antibelb

Notch SuPI!rior to Tragus----'tr-:-~--"'\ Inferior Concha ---IL--J--Tragu,o--4-

J---1~~,__

Notch between Antitragus and Antihelix

~---¥---:f-:--Antitragus

Notch between ·Tragus-~'--_.,,. and Antitragus

Figure 1-lA Anatomical nomenclature of the auricle (frontal surface)

Helix: the portion of the auricular border that bends inward. Tubercle of the helix: the nodular process on the 3

laterosuperior portion of the auricle. Crus of the helix: the portion of the auricle which extends into the auricular concha. Antihelix: the prominence opposite the helix. Superior crus of the antihelix: the superior branch of the upper portion of the antihelix. Inferior crus of the antihelix: the inferior branch of the upper portion of the antihelix. Triangular fossa: the triangular depression between the two branches of the antihelix. Scaphoid fossa: the groove between the helix and the antihelix. Tragus: the valviform projection in front of the auricle. Antitragus: the projection superior to the lobe and contrary to the tragus. Supratragic notch: the depression between the crus of the helix and the tragus. Intertnragic notch: the depression between the tragus and the antitragus. Notch between antitragus and antihelix: the depression between the antitragus and antihelix. Superior concha: the concha above the crus of the helix. Inferior concha : the concha below the crus of the helix. Lobe: the lowest portion of the auricle, containing no cartilege. Dorsal Surface (Figure l-IB) Dorsal surface of the helix. Dorsal surface of the earlobe. Dorsal eminence of the scaphoid fossa.

4

-'\---Eminence of Triangular Fossa of Dorsal Surface

,_--~.----~Groove

Dorsal Surface of Helix

Figure 1-lB Anatomical nomenclature of the auricle (dorsal surface)

Dorsal eminence of the triangular fossa. Dorsal eminence of the superior concha. Dorsal eminence of the inferior concha. Groove of the dorsal surface: the groove on the dorsal surface of the auricle resembling a "Y," formed by the antihelix and its two branches.

n Histological Structure of the Auricle The auricle is a complicated structure consisting externally of skin and internally of elastic cartilege and supporting tissues such as ligaments, lipids, connective tissue, and muscle. There is a rich subcutaneous distribution of nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic

5

r f

vessels. Five primary nerves are present in the auricle.

(Figure 1-2A

and Figure 1-2B) 1. Great auricular nerve: stems from the second and third

cervical nerves and separates into two branches at the auricle. The lower branch distributes primarily to the frontal and dorsal surfaces of the earlobe, scaphoid fossa, helix, antihelix, antitragus, triangular fossa, and the lateral borders of both the superior and inferior concha. The upper branch distributes primarily to the lower two-thirds of the dorsal surface of the auricle, the helix, the antihelix, and the triangular fossa.

Great Auricular Nerve

Auriculotemporal Nerve Nerve, Vagus Nerve and Facial Nerve

Figure l-2A

Distribution of nerves on the auricle (frontal surface)

2; Lesser occipital nerve: stems from the second cervical nerve and separates into three branches at the dorsal surface of the auricle. One or two branches may pass through the auriclP to the 6

frontal surface. The lesser occipital nerve distributes primarily to the upper one-third of the dorsal surface of the auricle-, the posteriosuperior border of the helix, the triangular fossa, both superior and inferior crura of the antihelix, and the upper part of the scaphoid fossa. 3. Auriculotemporal nerve: stems from the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve and separates into three branches: 1 ) branch of the external auditory canal , distributing to the anterior border and anterior superior walls of the external auditory canal,., the drum membrane , the crus of the helix , and the superior

Great Auricular Nerve

pharyngt:'al :"'erve. Vagu~ Nerve and Facial Nerve

Figure l-2B

Distribution of nerves on the auricle (dorsal surface)

concha; 2) branch of the tragus, distributing to both the frontal and dorsal surfaces of the tragus; 3) anterior auricular branch, distributing to the crus of the helix, the upper portion of the helix, and the triangular fossa. 4. Combined branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve, vagus

7

r r

nerve, and facial nerve: separates into two branches: 1) anterior auricular branch distributing to the external acoustic foramen, the origin of the crus of the helix, and both inferior and superior concha; 2) posterior branch of the facial nerve, distributing to the middle dorsal surface of the auricle proximal to the ear root, and the internal and external muscles of the dorsal auricular surface. 5. Sympathetic n~rve: stems from the plexus sympathici of the carotid plexus and distributes along the auricular arteries. The nerves distributing to the auricle include both spinal and cranial. Spinal nerves (e. g. the great auricular nerve and the lesser occipital nerve) distribute primarily to the lobe, scapha, helix, and antihelix; cranial nerves (e. g. the auriculotemporal nerve and the combined branch of the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and facial nerves ) distribute primarily to the superior and inferior concha. Nearly all nerves send branches to the triangular fossa as ;Well. The blood supply of the auricle is very rich, all the arteries stemming from the external carotid artery (e. g. the superficial temporal artery and the posterior fiUricular artery). The lymphatic vessels of the auricle are also plentiful, usually being reticular in shape and connecting with the periauricular lymph nodes.

m Relationship of the Auricle, the Meridians , and the Zangfu Organs According to traditional Chinese medicine, the meridians link the internal organs and the external tissues, making the human body into an organic whole. There is an integral relationship between the meridians and the a~ricle as well. It is recorded in the Silk Book Meridians, the earliest book concerning the meridians, that there are five meridians that are connected with the auricle. 8

They are foot Taiyang, foot Shaoyang, arm Shaoyin, Ear Mai (i.e. the.San Jiao meridian of Hand Shaoyang), and Shoulder Mai (i.e. the small intestine meridian of Hand Taiyang). More extensive information is found in a later book, the Lingshu. According to this book, all of the meridians of the hand and the foot are directly connected with the auricle, i.e. , the collateral of Hand Yangming enters the ear; the stomach meridian of Foot Yangming is anterior to the ear; the small intestine meridian of Hand Taiyang enters the ear; the branch "of the urinary bladder meridian of Foot Taiyang is superior to the ear; the San Jiao meridian of Hand Shaoyang extends upward along the ear root and its branch enters the ear; the gallbladder meridian of Foot Shaoyang follows the ear root downward and its branch enters the ear, subsequently reappearing at the anterior portion of the ear. The Lingshu further states that the yin meridians of both the hand and the foot are also connected with the auricle through their major branches, which converge with the corresponding major branches of the yang meridians.

In

addition, the Yinqiao and Yangqiao meridians distribute to the area posterior to the ear .root, and the Y angwei meridian passes through the head and subsequently enters the ear. In short, all the meridians of the human body converge at the ear. There is also a close relationship between the Zangfu organs and the ears, since the meridians connecting with the ears also correspond internally to the Zangfu organs. According to Zangfu theory, the ears are particularly closely related to the kidneys. It is considered that the kidneys open into the ears and that the kidneyqi nourishes the ears. Modern research has found that the shape of the auricle is related to the development of the internal organs, especially the kidneys.

9

r r

J)r •. Zhang Zhenyun of the late Qing dynasty proposed the

holistic concept that the dorsal surface of the auricle corresponds to the five Zang organs , and created the first chart showing the distribution of the Zang organs on the dorsal auricular surface. (Figure 1)

10

CHAPTER TWO MECHANISM OF AURICULAR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT Auricular therapy has been proven to be effective in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases and disorders, and extensive research based on clinical findings has been done to investigate its mechanism. At present, the following three theories concerning the mechanism of auricular diagnosis and treatment are widely accepted.

I

Homuncular Reflex Theory

The concept of homuncular reflex theory was first raised only a few years ago. In order to understand this concept, we must first introduce the theory of the inverted-fetus pattern of auricular point distribution developed in the 1950's by French scholar Dr. Paul Nogier, the founder of modern auricular therapy. In his Treatise of Auricular Therapy, published in 1972, Dr. Nogier explains the process of his discovery. After being trained in techniques of Chinese acupuncture and observing several patients who were successfully treated for sciatica by cauterization of a point on the inferior crus of the antihelix, Dr.

Nogier conducted further

investigation into this method, with equally successful results. After analyzing these clinical findings, he postulated that if the point on the inferior crus of the antihelix which related to sciatica

11

also represented the sciatic nerve, then the rest of the antihelix must represent the vertebral column, but in an inverted position. Confirming this hypothesis with several clinical studies, he made the logical extension that other parts of the ear must correspond to other parts of the body, also oriented in an upside-down position. Nogier came to view the auricle as a homunculus of the human body similar in shape to an. inverted fetus, with the head towards the lower lobe, the feet towards the upper rim of the ear, and the body in between. Dr. Nogier 's theory was collaborated by the following clinical observations. When there is dysfunction or disorder in a certain part of the body, there is an increase in tenderness when palpated and a decrease in electric skin resistance in the corresponding part of the ear. Sometimes there are observable structural changes at these points, such as shiny redness, white flakiness, or eminence. When these auricular points are treated with taping, pressure, massage, electrical stimulation, or puncturing, there is often immediate relief of discomfort or other somatic changes in the corresponding parts of the body. Homuncular reflex theory offers an explanation . for the somatotopic relationship between the ear and the body. In the homuncular reflex arc, the homuncularly related neurons in the brain are the center of the reflex arc, centrally located in the brain stem. Message transfer among auricular points, homuncularly related neurons, and parts of the body corresponding to the auricular points is bi-directional. (Figure 2-1)

12

r ! I

Cerebral Cortex

Brain Stem

I

\

Parts of the body correspon-

Auricular points, such as Feet,

ding. to the auricular points,

Heart, and Eye

such as Feet, Heart and Eye Figure 2-1

Diagram demonstrating the pathway of the

homuncular reflex arc between the ear and the body

1£

Delta Reflex Theory

The concept of Delta reflex theory was put forward by Korean-American M. H. Cho in the 1970's. Dr. Cho was an internist who had been trained in auricular therapy in Japan and France.

He developed a combination of auricular and body

acupuncture which he referred to as electrical stimulation of auriculosomatic

points.

He

later

conducted

the

following

experiment to further investigate the relationship between the ear and the body. The. detector of an electric thermometer was taped to various ~uricular points, such as Fingers, Feet, and Knee, one point at a time. After the indicator of the thermometer stabilized, the parts of the body corresponding to the auricular points were

13

stimulated by cold, heat, or acupuncture. After ten to fifteen

r

seconds, a 1. 0 to 5. 5 OC increase in the temperature of the auricular points corresponding to the stimulated body parts was reccorded. Conversely, when the auricular points were stimulated, there was also an increase in the temperature of the corresponding parts of the body. Dr. Cho named this phenomenon Delta reflex because the pathway of the reflex.arc is triangular. (Figure 2-2) Cerebral Cortex (higher center )

Inferior Colliculus

1l Medulla Oblongata

;wereen\ Spinal Cord

Parts of the body corresponding to

Auricular points, such

auricular points, such as Fingers,

as Fingers, Feet, and Knee

Feet, and Knee Figure 2-2 Diagram demonstrating the pathway of the Delta reflex

Based upon his further investigations, Dr. Cho postulated that

14

II

the relationship of the auricular points and their corresponding body parts is similar to that of a key and its lock, that is, the "key" of auricular stimulation can open tht: "lock,. of somatic response in the corresponding parts of the body. II[

Meridian Theory

In China, the discovery of the somatotopic relationship between the ear and the body occurred prior to the development of the practical application of auricular diagnosis and treatment. Through the processes of observing the phenomenon of the linkage of- the organs and tissues through meridian transfer and developing meridian theory, the ancient Chinese realized that the ear is closely related to the body. It was first documented in the Silk Book ,China' s earliest medical treatise written approximately 500 B. C, that the ear meridian originates in the dorsal surface of the hand and ascends to enter the ear. Nei Jing, the Classic of Medicine, written around 200 B. C. , concluded that all meridians converge at the ear. Modern clinical investigation has provided evidence in support of meridian theory by demonstrating that a phenomenon resembling meridian transmission may occur in meridian-sensitive subjects when auricular points are stimulated. For example, when Urinary Bladder is stimulated, somatic sensations such as flowing water, electric shock, or formication may be induced along the urinary bladder meridian; when Stomach is stimulated, somatic sensations may occur along the pathway of the stomach meridian. As in acupuncture, therapeutic results will be favorable if needling sensations such as heat, distension, pain, or radiation are achieved when auricular points are stimulated. Dr. Nogier explained the mechanism of auricular therapy by postulating that there ts a

15

r !

specific system of energy pathways in the auricle consisting of neither vessels nor nerves. His theory is consistent with Chinese meridian theory. Additionally, extensive clinical findings have shown that auricular points corresponding to the Zangfu organs can be used not only to diagnose and treat problems of the Zangfu organs, but also to diagnose and treat problems of the organs and tissues which are related to the Zangfu organs. For instance, the lungs are connected internally and externally with the large intestine, so Lung can be used to diagnose and treat problems of the large intestine such as constipation and diarrhea. Conversely, Large Intestine can also be used to diagnose and treat problems of the lungs, such as asthma and bronchitis. The stomach meridian distributes to the teeth, face, and front of the head, so Stomach can be used to diagnose and treat toothache, facial spasm, and frontal headache. The liver meridian distributes to the lower abdomen, hypochondriac region, chest, eyes, and vertex of the head, so Liver can be used to diagnose and treat lower abdominal pain, hypochondriac pain, feelings of fullness in the chest, optical problems, and vertex headache. The urinary bladder meridian distributes to the lumbosacral region and posterior side of the leg and thigh, So Urinary Bladder can be used to diagnose and treat lower backache and sciatica.

It should be emphasized that diagnosis and treatment according to Zangfu and meridian theory is one of the most important characteristics of Chinese auricular therapy, and will certainly provide the theoretical basis for further research and increased understanding of the workings of the human body.

16

l ! t

CHAPTER THREE AURICULAR POINTS I

The Distribution Rule of Auricular Points and Areas

The auricle is a miniature of the entire human body; each part of the body has a corresponding auricular point or area. These points and areas reflect the physiological and pathological condition of the body, and can be stimulated to regulc:le dysfunction of their corresponding body parts. The distribution of auricular points and areas resembles an upside-down fetu~ in shape·. (Figure 3-1)

Figure 3-1

Figurative drawing of the distribution of auricular points viewed as an inverted fetus

17

r The lobe corresponds to the head and face. The antitragus corresponds to the head and brain. The tragus corresponds to the throat and internal nose. The body of the antihelix corresponds to the trunk. The superior crus of the antihelix corresponds to the lower limbs. The inferior crus of the helix corresponds to the buttocks. The scaphoid fossa corresponds to the upper limbs. The triangular fossa corresponds to the pelvic cavity and the internal genitals. The crus of the helix corresponds to the diaphragm. The peripheral crus of the helix corresponds to the digestive tract. The superior concha corresponds to the abdominal cavity. The inferior concha corresponds to the thoracic cavity. Each part of the body has a corresponding auricular point or area. The distribution of auricular points and areas resembles an upside-down in utero fetus in shape. (See frontispiece)

n Methods for Locating Auricular Points Locating auricular points accurately is essential if auricular therapy is to have favorable results. In order to simplify the process, the International Standard of Auricular Points divides the auricle into sixty areas. Each area consists of a collection of points corresponding to a certain part of the body. The distribution of the points within each area' as well as the areas themselves' are upside down in relation to the body, in accordance with the distribution rule of auricular points and areas. For example, Stomach adjoining the crus of the helix represents the lesser curvature of the stomach; 18

Stomach adjoining the antihelix represents the greater curvature of the stomach; Stomach adjoining Duodenum represents the pylorus. In the case of Abdomen, the upper part of Abdomen represents the lower abdomen, the middle part of Abdomen represents the middle abdomen, and the lower part of Abdomen represents the upper abdomen. When. locating auricular points, as in looking for a small town on a geographical map, we must first determine in which "state", or area, they are located. Only then can auricular diagnostic methods such as inspection, palpation, and measurement of electrical resistance be used to determine their precise location. Thus, it can be seen .that in clinical practice the locating of auricular points is always combined with the diagnostic process. In addition to locating auricular points and areas according to the International Standard of Auricular Points, we can al~o deduce the location of additiopal points and areas corresponding to other parts of the body by using the distribution rule of auricular points. For instance, the area corresponding

to

the lumbar muscles is

found between Lumbosacral Vertebrae and the scaphoid fossa; the area corresponding to the bronchi is located between Trachea and Lung; the area corresponding to the breasts is found between Ghest' and Thoracic Vertebrae. The precise location of these areas can be determined by means of auricular diagnosis:

m Nomenclature and Indications of Auricular Points There are ninety points listed in the International Standard of Auricular Points. (Figure 3-2) They are classified into four types according to their nomenclature: 1. Sixty-one points named according to gross anatomy,

19

comprising 67. 8% of the total. These include points corresponding to the trunk, limbs, sensory organs, and internal organs, and are used in the treatment of diseases

and disorders of their

corresponding body parts. For example, Eye is used to treat opthal~atic

problems such as pseudomyopia, blurred vision and

conjunctivitis; Stomach is used to treat gastric disorders such as gastritis and gastric ulCer. In addition, points corresponding to the Zangfu organs can also be used to treat diseases and disorders of the organs and tissues to which the Zangfu organs are related. For example, the lungs nourish the skin, so Lung can be used to treat skin

diseases

such

as

cutaneous

pruritis,

acne,

and

neurodermatitis; the large intestine is connected externally and internally with the lungs, so Large Intestine can be used to treat pulmonary problems such as bronchitis and asthma; the urinary bladder meridian passes through the back and the posterior side of the lower limbs, so Urinary Bladder can be used to treat lumbago and sciatica. 2. Points named according to auricular anatomy. There are twenty points and areas in this group, comprising 22. 2% of the total. Indications of these points are usually determined according to clinical experience; for example, Apex of Ear has been found to dissipate heat and expel wind in inflammatory conditions; Groove of

Dorsal

Surface

can

lower

blood

pressure

in

cases

of

hypertension. 3. Points named according to

moder~

medicine. There are five

points, comprising 5. 9% of the total, in this group, having vanous

functions.

Subcortex

can

rebalance

excitiation

and

inhibition of the cortex in diseases caused by dysfunction of the cortex, such as neurosism, functional disturbance of the autonomic

20

nervous system, gastroduodenal ulcer, hypertension, and coronary heart diseases ..Adrenal Gland has anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and antirheumatic properties, so it is effective for treating inflammatory conditions, allergies, and rheumatic problems. 4. Points named according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). There are four points in this group, comprising 4. 4% of the total. Their indications are closely related to their names, for instance, Liver-Yang can soothe the liver-yang in conditions caused by its hyperactivity, such as dizziness, headache, and tinnitis; Wind Stream is effective for eliminating wind in diseases caused by invasion of wind such as allergies and skin conditions.

\

r

l

-21

Table Classification of Auricular Points Points named according to gross ariatomy

Trunk, limbs

Fingers, Wrist, Elbow, Shoulder, Clavicle, Toes, Heel, Knee, Ankle, Hip, Buttock , Cervical Vertebrae , Thoracic Vertebrae, Lumbosacral Vertebrae, Neck, Chest, Abdomen

Head, face, sensory organs

External Ear, External Nose, Internal Nose, Throat, Occiput, Temple, Forehead, Mouth, Eye 1, Eye 2, Teeth, Tongue, Jaw, Eye, Internal Ear, Cheek, Tonsil

Internal organs

Rectum, Urethra, External Genitals, Anus, Pelvis, Internal Genitals, Heart, Lung, Trachea, Spleen, Esophagus, Cardia, Stomach, Duodenum, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, Appendix, Liver, Pancreas &. Gallbladder, Kidney, Ureter, Urinary Bladder, Heart of Dorsal Surface, Spleen of Dorsal Surface, Liver of Dorsal Surface, Lung of Dorsal Surface, Kidney of Dorsal Surface

Points named according to auricular anatomy

Center of Apex of Ear, Helix 1-Helix 6, Middle Triangular Fossa, Superior Triangular Fossa, Apex of Antitragus, Apex of Tragus, Angle of Superior Concha, . Center of Superior Concha, Anterior Lobe, Midpoint of Rim, Upper Ear Root , Root of Ear ·Vagus , Lower Ear Root , Groove of Dorsal Surface

Points named according to modern medicine

Sciatic Nerve, Sympathesis, Gland, Subcortex, Endocrine

Points named according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

Liver-Yang, Wind Shenmen, &.n Jiao

22

Stream,

Adrenal

Ear

IV

Locations and Indications of Auricular Points

1. Locations and Indications of Points on the Crus of the Helix and the Helix (Figure 3-3)

Helix6

Figure 3-3

Distribution of auricular points on the crus of helix and helix

Center of Ear Alternative name: Zero Point, Diaphragm, Neurosis Point. Location: On the crus of the helix. Indications: Hiccups, urticaria, cutaneous pruritis, infantile enuresis, hemoptosis. Supplementary: The branch of the vagus nerve exits here and distributes to both the superior and inferior concha, so Center of Ear is also called Stimulating Point for the Vagus Nerve.

l

' 23

Rectum Alternative name: Lower Part of Rectum, Location: On the helix close to the notch superior to the tragus and level with Large Intestine. Indications: Constipation, diarrhea, prolapse of the anus, hemorrhoids. Urethra Location: On the helix superior to Rectum, level with Urinary Bladder. Indications:

Frequent,

painful,

or

dripping

urination;

retention of urine. External ·Genitals Location: On the helix superior to Urethra, level with Sympathesis. Indications: Testitis, ovritis, epididymitis, vulvar or scrotal pruritis. Anus Alternative name: Hemorrhoid Point. Location: On the helix level with the anterior border of the superior crus of the antihelix. Indications: Hemorrhoids, anal £issure. Apex of Ear Alternative name: Tonsill. Location: On the top of the helix level with the posterior border of the superior crus of the antihelix. Indications: Fever, hypertension, acute conjunctivitis, stye. Supplementary: Apex of Ear functions to eliminate wind, dissipate heat, .calm the mind, brighten the eyes, and benefit the ears' so it is commonly used in clinical practice to treat

24

such diseases and disorders as inflammatory conditions, rheumatic illness, allergies, and mental problems. Blood:. letting puncturing with a three-edged needle is usually used on this point. Liver Yang Alternative names: Liver Yang 1, Liver Yang 2, Lesser Occipital Nerve. Location·: On the tubercie of the helix. Indications: Dizziness, headache, hypertension. Helix 1- Helix 6 Location: A line drawn on the helix between the lower border of the tubercle of the helix and the midpoint of the lower rim of the lobe is separated into five equal sections. The six points thus delineated are, from top to bottom, Helix 1, Helix 2, Helix 3, Helix 4, Helix 5, and Helix 6. Indications: Tonsilitis, upper respiratory tract infection, fever. Supplementary: Blood-letting puncturing with a three-edged needle is usually used on these points.

2. Locations and Indications of Points on the Scaphoid Fossa (Figure 3-4) Fingers Alternative name: Appendix 1. Location: The scaphoid fossa ts separated into stx equal horizontal sections; the uppermost section is Fingers. Indications: Paronychia, pain and numbness of the fingers. Wind Stream Alternative name: Allergy Area, Urticaria Point, Internal Tubercle.

25

L

Location: Between Fingers and Wrist.

------Fingers ~-4c--Wind Stream ---'1.--~- Wrist

Figure 3-4 Distribution of auricular points on the scaphoid fossa

Indications: Urticaria, cutaneous pruritis, allergic rhinitis. Supplementary: Wind Stream functions to eliminate wind, dissipate heat ,_and remove dampness, so it is very effective for treating allergies, rheumatic illness and rheumatoid arthritis. Wrist Location: On the second section from the top of the scaphoid fossa. Indications: Wrist pain. Elbow Alternative name: Sleep Inducing Point. Location: On the third section from the top of the scaphoid fossa. Indications: Tennis elbow, elbow pain. Shoulder

26

Alternati-ve name: Appendix 2. Location: On the fourth and fifth section from the top of the scaphoid fossa. Indications: Scapulohumeral periatthritis, shoulder pain. Clavicle Alternative names: Nephritis Point, Appendix 3. Location: On the lowermost section of the scaphoid fossa. Indications: Scapulohumeral periarthritis.

J. Locations and Indications of Points on the Antihelix (Figure 3-5)

Cervical Vertebrae - -

Figure 3-5

-

Distribution of auricular points on the antihelix

Toes Location: On the posteriosuperior portion of the superior crus of the antihelix, close to the upper portion of the triangular fossa. Indications: Paronychia, pain in the toes.

27 (

l

Heel Location: On the anteriosuperior portion of the superior crus of the antihelix, close to the upper portion of the triangular fossa. Indications: Heel pain. Ankle Location: Between Heel and Knee. Indications: Strain of the ankle joint. Knee Location: On the middle one-third of the superior crus of the antihelix. Indications: Swelling and pain of the knee joint. Hip Location: On the lower one-third _of the superior crus of the antihelix. Indications: Pain of the hip joint, sciatica. Buttock

I

Locations: On the posterior one-third of the inferior crus of the antihelix. Indications: Sciatica, gluteal fasciitis. Sciatic Nerve Location: On the anterior one-third of the inferior crus of the antihelix. Indications: Sciatica. Sympathesis Location: On the juncture between the terminus of the inferior crus of the antihelix and the helix. Indications: Angina pectoris, gastrointestinal spasm, biliary colic, ureterolith., functional disturbance of the autonomic

28

I i

nervous system. Supplementary: 1. Sympathesis functions to alleviats spasticity of the smooth . muscles, so to is effective for treating pain of the internal organs. 2. Sympathesis can inhibit glandular secretions, so it is used to treat diseases and disorders caused by glandular hypersecretion such as hyperhydrocholia, hyperhydrosis, and seborrheic dermatitis. 3. Sympathesis should not be used in cases of abdominal distension or acute abdomen in order to avoid aggravating the condition by masking the symptoms and preventing correct diagnosis and timely treatment. Cervi~!

Vertebrae

Alternative name: Thyroid. Location : The body of the antihelix ( the area between the notch separating the antitragus and the antihelix, and the origin of the superior and inferior crus of the antihelix) is separated into five

equal

horizontal

sections. . Cervical

Vertebrae is located on the lowermost section. Indications: stiff neck, cervical spondelopathy. Thoracic Vertebrae Alternative name: Mammary Gland. Location: On the upper middle two sections as described above. Indications: Chest pain, premenstrual SV'{elling of the breasts, mastitis. Lumbosacral Vertebrae Location: On the upper two sections as described above.

29

Indications: Pain in the lumbosacral region. Neck Location: On the border of the concha anterior to Cervical Vertebrae. Indications : Stiff neck , neck pain, or swelling. Chest Location: On the border of the concha anterior to Thoracic Vertebrae. Indications: Pain in the chest or hypochondriac region, feeling of fullness in the chest, mastitis. Abdomen Location: On the border of the concha anterior to Lumbosacral Vertebrae. Indications: Abdominal pain or distension, diarrhea,· acute lumbar strain.

4. Locations and Indications of Points on the Triangular Fossa (Figu£e 3-6)

Superior Triangular Fossa --1.-__,4, Internal Genitals,--1-......,,_ Middle Triangular Fossa _:___,:.~r--

+---+-~--\.-Ear Shenmen

Pelvis•---111,.-~~

Figure 3-6

30

Distribution of auricular points on the triangular fos&a

Ear Shenmen Location: On the triangular fossa superior to the origin of the superior and inferior crus of the antihelix. Indications: syndrome.

Insomnia,

nightmares,

pain,

withdrawal

Supplementary: Ear Shenmen functions to tranquilize the mind and relieve pain, so it is used extensively for treating pain and mentai disorders. Pelvis Alternative name: Lumbago Point. Location: On the triangular fossa inferior to the origin of the superior and inferior crus of the helix. Indications: Pelvic inflammation. Middle Triangular Fossa Alternative name: Asthma Point, Hepatitis Point. Location: On the middle one-third of the triangular fossa. Indications: Asthma. Internal Genitals Alternative names: Uterus, Essence Palace, Tian Gui. Location: On the anterior one-third of the triangular fossa. Indications: Dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, leukor.rhagia, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, seminal emission, premature ejaculation. Superior Triangular Fossa Alternative name: Blood-pressure Lowering Point. Location: Anteriosuperior to the triangular fossa. Indications: Hypertension.

31

L

s.

Lo~ations and Indications of Points on the Tragus (Figure3-7A

and Figure3-7B)

External

Ear~

Figure 3- 'l A Distribution of. auricular points on the tragus (external side)

Figure 3-7B · Distribution of auricular points on the tragus (internal side)

External Ear Alternative name: Ear Location: Anterior to the notch supenor to the tragus and close to the helix. External Nose Alternative names: Nose and Eye Cleaning Point, Hunger Point.

32

Location: Slightly anterior to the center of the external side of the tragus. Indications: Nasal vestibulitis, rhinitis. Apex of Tragus Alternative names: Top of Tragus, Thirst Point. Location: On the top of the upper eminence of the tragus. Indications: Fever, toothache. Adrenal Gland Location: On the top of the lower eminence of the tragus. Indications:

Hypotension,

intermittenf

malaria,

rheumatic

vertigo

caused

arthritis, by

mumps,

streptomycin

poisoning. Supplementary: 1. Adrenal Gland functions to regulate the adrenal gland, so it is effective for treating diseases and disorders caused by dyscorticism. 2. Adrenal Gland has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and antirheumatic properties, so it is used for treating rheumatic diseases, allergies, inflammatory conditions, and collagenosis. 3. Adrenal Gland can strengthen constriction of the blood vessels, so it is useful for treating hemorrhagic conditions such as

I I I

dysfunctional

uterine

bleeding,

hemoptosis ,

and

hematochezia. 4. Blood-letting pnncturing of Adrenal Gland with a threeedged needle is used for treating inflammatory conditions. Throat Location: On the upper half of the medial side of the tragus. Indications: Hoarseness, laryngalpharyngitis, tonsilitis. Internal Nose 33

Location: On the lower half of the medial side of the tragus. Indications: Rhinitis, paranasal sinitis, epistaxi. 6. Locations and Indications of Points on the Antitragus (Figure

3-8A and Figure 3-8B) ·

tz r

-+-1:'-------7/<--- :~:;:~:t

Apex of Antitragus Temple Forehead

Figure 3-SA

of Rim

I I t J - - - """'- _, __ L..-..J-- - - -

Distribution of auricular points on the antitragus (internal side).

Subcortex

Figure 3-SB Distribution of auricular points on the antitragus (external side).

Apex of Antitragus Alternative names: Asthma ·Relief Point, Parotid Gland. Location: On the upper portion of the antitragus. Indications:

Asthma,

ovritis, epididymitis. Midpoint of Rim 34

parotitis,

cutaneous pruritis,

testitis,

Alternative names: Brain Point, Brain Stem, ·Enuresis Point. Location: On the midpoint between Apex of Antitragus and the notch between the antitragus and the antihelix. Indications: Nocturnal enuresis, Meniere's disease. Occiput Alternative name: Dizziness Point. Location: On the posteriosuperior portion of the external side of the antitragus. Indications:

Dizziness,

headache,

asthma,

epilepsy,

neurostsm. Temple Alternative name: Taiyang. Location: On the middle portion of the external side of the antitragus. Indications: Migraine. Forehead Location: On the anterioinferior portion of the external side of the antitragus. Indications: Dizziness, headache, insomnia, nightmares. Subcortex Alternative names: Ovary, Testicle, Excitation Point. Location: On the medial side of the antitragus. Indications: Pain, intermittent malaria, neurosism, myopia. Supplementary: 1. Subcortex functions to rebalance the excitiation and inhibition of the subcortex, and thus is useful for treating nervous problems such as neurosis, neurosism, and functional disturbance of the autonomic nervous system. 2. Subcortex can strengthen the digestive function in cases of

35

digestive disease or disorder such as indigestion, gastritis, gastroduedenal

ulcer,

nausea,

vomiting,

abdominal

distension, diarrhea, constipation, and biliary infection. 3. Subcortex functions to regulate the circulatory system and so is useful for treating circulatory diseases such as hypertension and coronary heart disease. 4. Auricular palpation should always be used on Subcortex in order to precisely locate positive points. 1. Locations and Indications of Points on the Inferior Concha (Figure3-9)

-Spleen -+--t---J:.__-Heart -+~--Lung

Figure 3-9 Distribution of auricular points on the inferior concha.

Heart Location: On the center of the inferior concha. Indications:

Tachycardia,

arrhythmnia,

angina pectoris,

pulseless disease, neurosism, hysteria, stomatoglossitis. Lung Alternative names: Pulmunary Point, Tuberculosis Point, Pulmonary Emphysema Point. Location: On the inferior concha peripheral to Heart. 36

Indications: Cough, asthma, feeling of fullness in the chest, hoarseness , acne , cutaneous pruritis , urticaria, flat wart , constipation, withdrawal syndrome. Supplementary: The area between Heart and the inferior border of the crus of the helix corresponds to the lower lobe of the lung; the area between Heart and Subcortex corresponds to the upper lobe of the lung; the areas between Trachea and the upper and lower lobes of the lung correspond to the bronchi. Trachea Location: On the inferior concha between the foramen of the external auditory canal and Heart. Indications: Cough, asthma. Spleen Location: On the posteriosuperior portion of the inferior concha. Indications: Abdominal distension, diarrhea, constipation, poor appetite, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, leukorrhagia, Meniere's disease. Endocrine Location: On the base of the inferior concha close to the notch

..

between the tragus and the antitragus. Indications:

Dysmenorrhea ,

irregular

menstruation,

menopausal syndrome, acne, intermittent malaria. Supplementary: 1. Endocrine functions to regulate the endocrinal system and thus can be used to treat endocrinal dysfunctions such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes and obesity. 2.

Endocrine

has

antirheumatic,

anti-inflammatory and 37

antiallergic properties, so it is effective in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, allergies, inflammation, and urogenital problems. San Jiao Location: On the base of the inferior concha superior to Endocrine. Indications: Constipation, abdominal distension, pain on the lateral side of the upper limbs. Supplementary: The mixed branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve, facial nerve, and vagus nerve passes through San Jiao, so this point is effective in the treatment of facial paralysis, facial spasm, toothache, and stomatosis.

8. Locations and Indications of Points on the Superior Concha (Figure 3-10)

Angle of Superior. Concha -",..,---Urinary Bladder Kidney Pancreas & Gallbladder

Ureter--~...,._-.

Middle Superior Concha

Liver

Figure 3-10 Distribution of auricular points on the superior concha

Liver Location: On the posteriosuperior portion of the superior 38

concha. Indications: Pain in the chest and hypochondriac region, vertigo, premenstrual syndrome, irregular menstruation, hypertension, vertigo , pseudomyopia, simple glaucoma. Pancreas &. Gallbladder · Location: Between Liver a·nd Kidney. Indications:

Gallstones,

cholecystitis,

biliary ascanas1s,

migraine, herpes zoster, otitis media, tinnitus, hearing loss, acute pancreatitis;· Kidney Location: On the superior concha inferior to the origin of the superior and inferior crus of the helix. Indications~ Lumbago, tinnitus, neurosism, pyelitis, asthma,

nocturnal enureisis, irregular menstruation, seminal emission, premature ejaculation. Ureter Location: Between Kidney and Urinary Bladder. Indications: Urethera.l colic. Urinary Bladder Location: Between Kidney and Angle of Superior Concha. Indications:

Urocystitis,

emires1s,

retention

of

urine,

lumbago, sciatica, occipital headache. Angle of Superior Concha Alternative name: Prostate. Location: On the posteriosuperior angle of the superior concha. Indications: Prostitis, urethritis. Middle Superior Concha Alternative names: Center of Umbilicus, Ascites, Drunk

39

Point, Anterior Peritoneum, Posterior Peritoneum. Location: On the center of the superior concha. Indications: Abdominal pain or distension, biliary ascariasis ~ parotitis. 9. Locations and Indications of Points on the Peripheral Crus of the

Helix (Figure 3-11)

Figure 3-11

Distribution of auricular points peripheral to the crus helicis

Mouth Location: The anterior one-third of the area inferior to the crus of the helix. Indications: Facial

paralysis,

stomatitis,

cholecystitis,

gallstones, withdrawal syndrome. Esophagus Location: The middle one-third of the area inferior to the crus of the helix. Indications: esophagitis, esophagospasm, globus hystericus. Cardia Location: The anterior one-third of the area inferior to the crus of the helix. Indications : Cardiospasm, neurogenic vomiting. 40

Stomach Alternative names: Pylorus, Gastroptosia Point. Location: On the terminus of the crus of the helix. Indications: Gastrospasm,. gastritis, gastric ulcer, insomnia, toothache, indigestion. Duodenum Location: The posterior one-third of the area superior to the crus of the helix. Indications:

Duodenal

ulcer,

cholecystitis,

gallstones,

pylorospasm. Small Intestine Location: The middle one-third of the area superior to the crus of the helix. Indications: Indigestion, b.bdominal distension, tachycardia, arrhythmia. Large Intestine Lo~ation:

The anterior one-third of the area superior to the

crus of the helix. Indications:

Abdominal distension, constipation, cough,

acne. Appendix Location: Between Small Intestine and Large Intestine. Indications: Simple appendicitis, diarrhea. 10. Locations _and Indications of Points on the Earlobe (Figure

3-12)

Eye 1 Alternative name: Glaucoma Point. Location: On the frontal surface of the earlobe, anterioinferior to the notch between the tragus and the antitragus.

41

Indications: Psuedomyopia. Eye 2 Alternative name: Astigmia Point. Location:

On

the

frontal

surface

of

the

earlobe,

posterioinferior to the notch between the tragus and the antitragus. Indications: Psue.domyopia.

Anterior Lobe

Figure 3-12

Distribution of auricular points on the earlobe

Teeth Alternative names f· Anesthesia Point:<£of Dental Extraction, Toothache Point, Blood Pressure Raising Point. Location: A grid of nine equal sections is delineated on the frontal surface of the earlobe by drawing three equidistant horizontal lines below the lower border of the cartilege of the notch between the tragus and the antitragus, and two equidistant vertical lines. The sections are numbered from anterior to posterior and from top to bottom. Teeth is located on the first section of the earlobe grid. Indications: Toothache_, periodontitis, hypotension.

42

Tongue Alternative names: Palate, Lower Palate.' Location: On the second section of the earlobe grid. Indications: Glossitis, stomatitis. Jaw Alternative names: Upper Jaw, Mandible. Location: On the third section of the earlobe- grid. Indications: Toothache, dysfunction of the temperomandibular joint. Anterior Lobe Alternative names: Anesthesia Point for Dental Extraction, Neurosism Point.

c.

Location: On the fourth section of the earlobe grid. Indications: Neurosism, toothache. Eye Location: On tihe fifth section of the earlobe grid. Indications: Acute conjunctivitis, electric opthalmitis, stye, psuedomyopia. Internal Ear Location: On the sixth section of the earlobe grid. Indications: Meniere's disease, tinnitus, hearing loss. Cheek Location: On the border between the fifth and sixth section of the earlobe grid. Indications: Peripheral facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, acne, flat wart. Tonsil Alternative name: Tonsil 4. Location: On the eighth section of the earlobe grid. 43

Indications: Tonsilitis, pharyngitis.

11. Locations and Indications of Points on the Dorsal Surface of the Auricle (Figure 3-13)

Liver of Dorsal Surface·--+Spleen of Dorsal Surface---+-_,+

Root of Ear Vagus --1---Lung of Dorsal Surface

Lower Ear Root

Figure 3-13

Distribution of auricular points on the dorsal surface of the auricle

Upper Ear Root Alternative names: Spinal Cord 1, Stagnation in the Interior. Location: On the upper portion of the ear root. Indications: Epistaxis. Supplementary: Electrical resistance of this point is taken as the basic electrical resistance. Root of Ear Vagus Location: On the juncture of the dorsal surface of the auricle and the mastoid process, corresponding to the crus of the helix. Indications: Cholecystitis, gallstones, biliary ascariasis, nasal obstruction, tachycardia~ abdominal pain, diarrhea. Lower Ear Root Location: On the lower portion of the ear root.

44

Indications 1 Hypotension. Groove of Dorsal Surface Alternative name 1 Blood Pressure Lowering Point. Location: The groove formed by the antihelix and its two branches on the dorsal surface of the auricle. Indications: Hypotension, cutaneous pruritis. Supplementary 1 Blood-letting puncturing with a three-edged needle is always used on this point. · It is frequently replaced with Apex of the Ear. Heart of Dorsal Surface Location: On the upper portion of the dorsal surface of the auricle. Indications: Palpipation, insomnia, nightmares. Spleen of Dorsal Surface Location: On the dorsal surface of the auricle close to tee terminus of the crus of the helix. Indications: Gastric pain, indigestion, poor appetite. Liver of Dorsal Surface Location: On the dorsal surface of the auricle lateral to Spleen of Dorsal Surface. Indications: Cholecystitis, gallstones, hypochondriac pain. Lung of Dorsal Surface Location: On the dorsal surface of the auricle medial to Spleen of Dorsal Surface. Indications: Cough, asthma, cutaneous pruritus. Kidney of Dorsal Surface Location: On the lower portion of the dorsal surface of the auricle. Indications: Dizziness, headache, neurosism.

45

l

Supplementary: The distribution of points and areas on both dorsal and frontal surfaces of the auricle are identical, so main points

and

areas

are

often

taped

on

both

surfaces

simultaneously in order to increase stimulation. For example, Knee on both frontal and dorsal surfaces is taped to treat pain of the knee joint; Anterior Lobe on both frontal and dorsal surfaces is taped to treat neurosism.

This method of

increasing stimulation is especially effective for relieving pain in various parts of the body.

46

CHAPTER FOUR AURICULAR DIAGNOSTIC METHODS Auricular diagnosis is an important aspect of auricular therapy. When disease or disorder is present in the Zangfu organs or tissues of the body, positive signs may occur on the corresponding areas of the auricle. For example, discoloration, deformities, desquamation, pimples, angioparesis, tenderness, or lowered auricular electrical resistance may be seen. These positive signs can be used not only for diagnosing the position, nature, and clinical development of the problem, but also to provide reliable evidence for determining the selection of auricular points to be used in its treatment.

I

Auricular Inspection

Auricular inspection consists of carefully che<;king for discoloration, deformities, desquamation, or pimples on the auricle in order to diagnose disease or disorders. It can be used to diagnose both acute and chronic diseases, as well as the acute onset of chronic diseases. Method 1: In adequate light, carefully examine the auricle from top to bottom and inside to outside.

I

2. When a positive sign is found, use the fingers to first stretch and then slowly loosen the dorsal surface of the auricle.

l

47

Repeat the manipulation several times in order to distinguish the size, shape, and color of the positive sign. 3. When an eminence is found, determine its stze, shape, hardness, mobility, and whether there is tenderness when it is palpated with the fingers or a probe. 4. Compare the positive signs on the bilateral auriculae in order to determine the exact position of the disease or disorder , and to confirm whether the signs are genuine or not. 5. When examining the triangular fossa and the superior and inferior concha, a detection probe should be used to open and completely expose these areas. Positive Signs and Their Clinical Significance 1. Discoloration Red: including bright, light, and dark red. The discolored area may be spotty, patchy, or irregular. Bright red indicates acute disease or pain; light and dark red indicate chronic disease or recovery from severe disease.

For example, cases of chronic

lumbagq may show patchy dark red or light red signs on Kidney and Lumbosacral Vertabrae. White: may be spotty, patchy, or spotty white in the center with reddish border. White usually indicates chronic or deficient diseases or disorders. For example, cases of chronic bronchitis or asthma may show spotty white eminences on Lung and Trachea; cases of rheumatic cardiac disease may show white patches with reddish border on Heart. Dark brown: resembling freckles. This usually indicates chronic diseases, especially refractory or proliferative. problems. For instance, cases of prolapse of the lumbar intervertebral disc may show, dark brown streaky pigmentation on Lumbosacral

48

Vertebrae. , 2. Deformities Eminence: including nodular eminences the size of a grain of wheat or mung bean, and streaky or patchy eminences. Nodular emmences usually indicate headache, proliferative or chronic problems.

Streaky emmences usually indicate proliferative or

organic diseases, for instance, cases of gastric ulcer may show streaky eminences on Stomach. Patchy eminences indicate acute problems, for instance, cases of neurosism may show patchy eminence on Anterior Lobe or Occiput, and cases of acute tonsilitis may show patchy eminence on Tonsil. Pitting or depression: may be spotty, patchy, or thread-like. Spotty pitting usually indicates tinnitus or astigmia; patchy pitting indicates chronic or organic problems such as gastroduedenal ulcer; thread-like pitting indicates tinnitus or coronary heart disease. Pimples: whitish spotty pimples indicate chronic inflammatory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, chronic diarrhea, pel vi tis, annexitis or cholecystitis. Patchy dark brown pimples usually indicate

skin

diseases

such

as

neurodermatitis

or

contact

dermatitis. 3. Desquamation Patchy desquamation usually indicates chronic inflammatory conditions or skin diseases. For example, desquammation on Wind Stream, Lung, or the entire auricle indicates, skin :diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis; desquamation on L~ng indicates . chronic bronchitis; desquamation on the triangular fossa indicates chronic genital or gynecological problems. P.oints to Remember 1. Take into account differences in sex, age, constitution, and

49

season; distinguish pre-existing nonpathalogical deformities of the auricle from genuine positive signs. 2. Light should be adequate; natural light is best. 3. Do not massage or wash the auricle prior to inspection; this may affect the results. 4. Distinguish genuine and false positive signs. For example, when a detection probe is used to press an eminence., discolored area, or pimple, genuine positive signs will show soreness, distension or even stabbing pain, while false positive signs will show no reaction.

n Auricular Palpation Auricular palpation consists of palpating auricular positive signs such as discolored areas, eminences, pimples, or tender spots with a .detection probe ( any instrument with a blunt point approximately the size of a matchhead) in order to diagnose disease or disorder of the corresponding body parts. Method Holding the auricle in one hand, with the other palpate auricular points with a detection probe in order to detect positive signs such as tenderness, discoloration or deformities (eminences, pitting or pimples). Positive Signs and Their Clinical Significance

1. Tenderness Tenderness is a commonly seen pos1t1ve sign m auricular diagnosis. It is classified into three grades: mild tenderness, with no other pain reactions; moderate tenderness, accompanied by frowning and blinking; severe tenderness or stabbing pain, accompanied by flinching. 50

Obvious auricular tenderness is usually present in cases of acute disease, pain, or tumors, so auricular palpation is suitable for the diagnosis of these conditions. 2. Eminence, including spotty, patchy, or streaky scleroma, or proliferation of the auricular cartilage Scleroma usually· indicates chronic, organic, or proliferative conditions, For example, cases of chronic cholecystitis may show patchy scleroma on Pancreas

& Gallbladder; cases of cervical

spondylopathy may show proliferation of cartilage on Cervical Vertebrae. 3. Indentation when palpated Carefully observe depth, color, and recovery time of the indentation after palpation. Generally speaking, deep whitish indentations with a long recovery time indicate deficient syndromes such as edema and asthma; superficial reddish indentations with a short recovery time indicate excessive syndromes such as acute tonsilitis and gastritis. Points to Remember 1. Palpate all points with even pressure and for the same length of time in order to avoid false positive or negative signs. 2. Compare tender points with adjacent points several times. 3. Carefully observe patients' reactions during palpation; inquire whether there are other sensations present such as soreness, distension, radiating pain, etc. 4. There may be several tender points on one auricle, but the most severe tenderness usually occurs on the area which corresponds to the major problem area of the body. 5. Positive signs usually indicate homolateral diseases or disorders, so it is important to compare bilateral auriculae in order

51

to correctly diagnose the location of the problem. 6. Take into account differences in age, sex and constitution. According to clinical experience , the pain threshold of women and children is usually relatively lower than that of men and the elderly; pressure

use(!_ when palpating should

be

adjusted

accordingly. Some people have a very high pain threshold, so it is almost impossible to locate tender points even when they have very severe problems; on the other hand, others have such a low pain threshold that many tender points may exist on their auriculae even though they have no problems at all.

lii

Measurement of Auricular Elect:t:ical Resistance

This diagnostic method uses an electrical detector to measure auricular electrical resistance. When disease or disorder is present in the body, there may be an obvious decrease in electrical resistance in the corresponding auricular points. This phenomenon allows measurement of. auricular electrical resistance to be an effective tool in establishing a diagnosis. Method Each individual's basic electrical resistance is different, so a basic standard should

be

established in each case

before

proceeding. It has been found that the electrical resistance of the upper root of the auricle can be taken as the basic electrical resistance. It is found by placing one electrode of the detector on the upper root of the auricle and regulating the potentiometer until a faint so,und is heard. The resulting measurement is used as the standard when measuring other auricular points, Areas where the electrical resistance is lower than standard are referred to as I

52

· positive, or highly conductive, electrical resistance points. Positive Electrical Resistance Points and Their Clinical Significance Positive electrical resistance points are classified into two grades according to their degree of electrical resistance.

The

electrical resistance of intensely positive points is the lowest, usually accompanied by stabbing pain on the points during measurement; the electrical resistance of pos1t1ve points is somewhat lower than standard,sometimes acoompanied by stabbing pain on the points during measuerment. Intensely positive points usually correspond to the primary affected area of the body. Cases of acute disease usually show an obvious decrease of auricular electrical resistance; cases of chronic disease often do not. Therefore, measurement of auricular electrical resistance can be helpful in distinguishing the course and stage of the problem. Points to Remember Auricular electrical resistance 1s affected by many factors, including constitution, season, dampness

of ·the skin, and

manipulation. So measures should be taken to a"~Wid influencing the results with extraneous factors. 1. Do not wash or rub the auriculae prior to measurement in order to avoid false positive points caused by increased conduction due to congestion of blood. If the ·auriculae must be washed because they are seborrheic,. there should be; a ten minute interval before beginning measurement. 2. During the winter, a short interval should be allowed before beginning measurement after coming in from outdoors, since auricular vessels contract and electrical resistance increases in the

53

presence of cold, causing possible false negative results. 3. Electrical resistance may vary among different areas of the auricle. For instance, the triangular fossa, the superior and inferior concha, and the scapha all show relatively lower electrical resistance. Therefore, light pressure should be used, and points of lower electrical resistance found when measuring these areas should be compared with other areas. The results of inspection and palpation should also be considered in order to assist in distinguishing genuine from false positive signs. 4. Electrical resistance on the auricle corresponding to the affected side will be much lower than that on the healthy side, so a comparison of bllateral electrical resistance should be made to establish location of the problem. 5. Individual differences should be taken into account. Some people's electrical resistance is relatively high, making it difficult to detect positive points with this method; on the other hand, that of others may be very low, resulting in easily occuring false p()sitive points. In clinical practice, the three methods of auricular diagnosis inspection, palpation, and measurement of electrical resistance as well as modern diagnostic methods and the differentiation of signs and symptoms, are

t~sed

in combination to establish an

accurate diagnosis and provide reliable evidence for determining the selection of auricular points t9 be treated.

54

CHAPTER FIVE COMMONLY USED AURICULAR THERAPEUTIC METHODS With the development of modern techniques, various new methods such as the use of electricity and lasers have been developed to stimulate the auricle. However, only four traditional methods noted for their safety, effectiveness~ simplicity and convenience are introduced here.

I

Auricular Taping

Auricular taping consists of taping small, round, hard, smooth .

.

objects such as mustard seeds or small beans, pills, or ball bearings to particular auricular points. The taped objects are then pressed in order to stimulate the points and attain therapeutic results. This method has been widely used in recent years because of its safety, effectiveness,

wide

range

of

applications, · and

lack

of

con traindica tions. Procedure 1. Choose small, round, hard, smooth objects of the appropriate size for stimulating the auricular points. The objects chosen should have no toxic properties or side-effects. Seeds of vaccaria segetalis (mustard)or semen impatientis,mung beans,Liushen pills,or small ball bearings are all suitable for use in auricular taping.

55

2. Prepare sufficient adhesive tape, cut into pieces Q. 5· em square. 3. Sterilize the auricle with tincture of iodine or alcohol. 4. Holding the auricle with one hand, with the other hand use a detection probe (any instrument with a blunt point the size of a matchhead) to press the auricular points hard enough to leave depressions. Tape the. seeds, etc. to the positive points and press for several minutes until a needling sensation of heat, pain'or radiating distension is achieved. 5. Tape the points in the order of upper to lower and frontal to dorsaL; mainly tape the affected side. Bilateral auriculae may be taped

si~:rmltaneously

or during alternate treatment sessions.

6. The distribution of points on the frontal and dorsal surfaces of the auricle is identical. Therefore, the main auricular points may be taped on· both sides simultaneously . in order to increase sf~mu\ation p~in

and effectiveness. This method is especially suitable for

such as headache, backache, and sore joints. 7. Leave the tape and seeds, etc. on the auricle for three to

seven days. Each point should be pressed for three to five. minutes, two to three times each day, until a needling sensation of heat, pain, or radiating distension is achieved. 8. Remove the tape a:nd seeds, etc. the ~vening before the next treatment and clean the auricle with soap and warm water. Indications Because auricular taping is safe, effective, and easily accepted, it is widely used in clinical practice for the treatment of pain, inflamm~tion, endocrine disturbance, functional disorders, motion

sickness, and allergic reactions. It is especially suitable for thildren, the elderly, and people with weak constitutions ~r drug allergies. 56~

Normal Reactions to Auricular Taping Therapy Reactions to auricular taping therapy are varied owing to differences · in constitution, age, and sex. The most common reactions include localized sensations of pain, heat, numbness, and distension. Radiating pain may occur in some cases. Some people may e~perience reflex muscle reactions or a sensation of flowing heat and comfort in the corresponding body area. Many people feel vigorous, h-ave a good appetite, and sleep well after taping. All of these reactions indicate that the therapeutic method and the points chosen were correct, and that the prognosis is favorable .. · Abnormal Phenomena in Auricular Taping, Their Prevention and Management' As in acupuncture, abnormal phenomena may also occur during or after auricular taping. They include the following types. 1. Fainting

Various degrees. of fainting may occur due to nervousness, hunger, weak constitution due to long-standing illness, overstrain, or use of inappropriate points or stimulation: Mild fainting, manifesting as dizziness, a sensation of fullness and discomfort in the chest, and nausea. Moderate fainting; manifesting as palpitation, vertigo, nausea . and vomiting_, pale complexion' perspiration' coldness of the limbs' and thready ,and rapid pulse. Severe fainting, manifesting as coldness of the entire body, profuse swe,ating 'low biood pressure' very weak and thready pulse' and even loss of consciousness. Mild and moderate fainting is common ·but severe fainting is quite rare in auricular tap~g. The fainting may occur either during or after taping. In mild (;ases, the patient should lie down in a

57

horizontal position, drink some hot water or hot sugar water, and relax. The treatment may be continued when the patient recovers. In moderate and severe cases, the tape should first be removed. Put the patient in Trendelenburg's position and loosen the collar and belt, being careful to keep the patient warm, especially in winter. Puncture Subcortex and Adrenal Gland auricular points. Additional emergency treatment

~hould

be instituted if necessary.

Prevention of abnormal phenomena is very important, and preventative measures should be taken according to specific conditions. Auricular taping therapy differs ·from acupuncture in that fainting caused by overstrain, hunger, or weak constitution due to long-standing illness is much more common than that caused by nervousness. Therefore, care should be taken with those who may

.

have these predisposing conditions. In these cases, a

'

p~iod

.of rest

in the clinic before and after taping is necessary, fewer· points are selected, a horizontal position is adopted during taping, and moderate manipulation is given. Additionally, these patients should be informed of the possibility of fainting and how to manage it, i. e. immediately lie down in a horizontal position and drink some hot water: or hot sugar water, and call for emergency assistance if necessary. Generally speaking, moderate and severe fainting always occur during taping, while mild fainting may occur well after

' taping. Mild fainting is usually induced by obvious factors or predisposing con,ditions such as hunger, overstrain, or severe , . motion: Therefore, adequate rest after taping is essential.

.-~~ 2. Infection of the auricle The main causes· of auricular infection following auricular taping are allergic reactions to the adhesive tape or incomplete sterilization. In !pild cases, there may be itching an& pain in the 58

taped areas, sometimes accompanied by a reddish rash or pimples. In severe cases, there may be swelling and redness of the auricie, ulcerative infection of the taped areas, or even necrosis and atrophy of the auricular cartilage resulting in deformity of the auricle. Because of the relatively poor blood circulation in the auriculae, auricular infections are difficult to cure. Therefore, prevention is very important. Hypoallergenic tape should be used when treating people with adhesive allergies. Since infection may still occur in these cases relatively easily, alternative auricular therapies such as auricular blood-letting, pressure, or massage should be considered. Precautions 1. A void exposure of the adhesive tape to moisture. In order to achieve a strong bond with the skin of the ear, apply the tape only after the alcohol used to sterilize the auricle has completely volatilized. 2. Use hypoallergenic: adhesive tape for people with adhesive allergies. At the time of treatment, also tape Adrenal Gland and Wind Stream, and puncture Apex of the Ear with a tnree:..edged needle to cause bleeding. Alternatively, use other methods such as auricular blood-letting, pressure, or massage. 3. Auricular taping is contraindicated

~n

cases of inflamed or

frostbitten auriculae. 4. If sleep is affected because bilateral auriculae have been taped simultaneously, tape each side alternately. 5. Auricular taping is contraindicated for people with .severe cardiac disease. 6. Mild manipulation should be adopted for pregnant women; do not tape points which may cause the uterus to contract.

59

Auricular taping 1s contraindicated for pregnant women with a history of repeated miscarriage. , 7. Because of increased perspiration m summer, tape for a shorter period (three days). In winter, pay attention to keeping the auriculae warm. 8. In order to prevent injury to the auricle, do not rub in a sideways or circular motion while pressing the taped auricular points.

li

Auricular Blood-Letting Puncturing

Auricular blood-letting puncturing consists of the use of a three-edged needle, plum blossom needle, or ensiform needle to draw blood from specific auricular points, areas, or collaterals for therapeutic effect. Blood-letting puncturing of auricular points, especially Apex of the Ear and Helix 1 to Helix 6, can stimulate blood circulation of the auriculae, thus improving the metabolism of the entire body. In addition to excessive or heat syndromes, auricular blood-letting puncturing is also useful in some deficient syndromes such as insomnia or dizziness. Procedure 1. Massage the auricle to cause congestion of blood. 2. Strictly sterilize the needles and the area to be

pun~tured.

3. Holding the auricle with one hand, use the other hand to either puncture the chosen points 2 mm deep with a three-edged needle, heavily tap the chosen areas with a plum blossom needle, or incise the chosen coliaterals on the dorsal surface with an ensiform needle. 4. Pinch the auricle to express five to eight drops of blood; absorb the blood with sterilized dry cotton. 60

5. Puncture bilateral sides alternately for general cases, or simultaneously for acute cases. 6. Treat twice a week for general cases ,or once every other day for acute cases. Commonly Used Points and their Indications 1. Apex of Ear Blood-letting puncturing of Apex of Ear with a three-edged needle is us~ful for relieving heat, eliminating wind, relieving pain, tranquilizing the mind, brightening the eyes, and benefiting the ears. It is widely used in clinical practice for treating fever, inflammatory infections, neuroses, hypertension, skin diseases, allergic reactions, pain, optic problems, tinnitus, and deafness. It is the most ideal point for blood-letting because the blood vessels here are plentiful and the manipulation easily mastered. 2. Liver-Yang Blood-letting puncturing of Liver-Yang with a three-edged needle can calm the liver to arrest endogenous wind, so it is useful in the treatment of headache, vertigo, and tinnitus caused by hyperactivity of the liver-yang. 3. Apex of Tragus Blood-letting puncturing of Apex of Tragus with _a three-edged need!~· relieves heat and pain and has a tranquilizing effect; so it is

used in the treatment of fever, inflammatory infections, and neuroses. ·4. Groove of Dorsal Surface Tapping Groove of Dorsal Surface with a plum blossom needle to cause bleeding can lower the blood pr.essure, so it is useful ii). the treatment of dizziness, vertigo,

head~che·,

blurred vision, and

tinnitus caused by hypertension.

61

5. Collaterals on the Dorsal Surface Incising the collaterals with an ensiform needle to draw blood eliminates wind and relieves heat, so it is used for treatmg cases of skin diseases and inflammatory infection. 6. Helix 1 to Helix 6 Blood-letting puncturing of Helix 1 to Helix 6 with a threeedged needle relieves. heat, so it is used in the treatment of inflammatory

infections

such

as

tonsilitis,

conjunctivitis,

laryngopharyngitis, and mumps. 7. Other Points Blood-letting puncturing can be used on all the auricular points to treat excessive heat syndromes. Needles are chosen according to the position of the points to be treated. For e~ample, Cheek is tapped with a plum blossom needle for acne, flat wart, chloasma, or cosmetic purposes; Lung is punctured with a three-edged needle for skin diseases. Prec.autions · 1. Massage the auricle before puncturing to dilate the blood vessels and make blood-letting easier. 2. Strictly sterilize the needles and the areas to be punctured in order to avoid infection of the auricle. 3. In order to avoid damage to the auricular cartilage, be careful not to puncture to~.·deeply with the three-edged needle.

(2 mm is

sufficient. ) 4. Sufficient blood should be expressed, usually five to eight drops.· For severe. excessive or heat syndromes·, slightly more blood should be let. It is very easy to cause bleeding in patients with heat syndrome becaus.e t~e flow of blood is quite rapid. If the blood spurts like a foul}tain, the prognosis is yery good.

62

5. If it is necessary to draw blood repeatedly on the collaterals of the auricular dorsal surface, puncture the distal end first. 6. Auricular blood-letting puncturing is contraindicated in cases of immunological insufficiency, or hemorrhagic diseases such as hemophilia, primary thrombocylopenic p).lrpura, or aplastic anemia.

m Auricular Pressure Auricular pressure uses pressure on selected auricular points with a detection probe(any instrument with a blunt point the size of a matchhead) to achieve therapeutic results. It has been found in clinical practice that there is immediate improvement in symptoms in some cases when tender points on the auricle are located and pressed with the detection probe during the diagnostic process. For instance, pain, nausea, and. vomiting may be

reli~ved

or stopped as

soon as the associated points are pressed. This method can activate meridians and collaterals, regulate the qi and blood, and calm the mind, so it is suitable for treating pain, chronic illnesses, injury of the soft tissues, and neurosism. Procedure I. Press each point for two to three minutes until a needling sensation of heat, pain, or radiating distension is achieved. The pressure may vary from light to heavy. Patients can practice this method themselves at home, pressing the indicated points two to three times each day. 2. Pressing with sharply pointed instruments should be avoided · in order to prevent injury to the auricle.

63

lV

Auricular Massage

Auricular massage uses massage of the auricle with the hands to achieve therapeutic effects. Long-term massage of the auriculae can activate the meridians and collaterals, regulate the qi and blood, restore the functions of the Zangfu organs, nourish the brain, brighten the eyes, and benefit the ears. It can be used for treating problems such as neurosism, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, or tinnitus, as well as for raising the intelligence and improving general fitness.

It was recorded in The Effective

Prescriptions of Sushen, Song dynasty ( 907-1279 A. D. ) , that massage of the ears can strengthen antipathogenic qi. There are also records of early Taoists using this method for health preservation and longevity. Procedure 1. Rub the palms together until they are warm, then massage both the frontal and dorsal auricular surfaces between them. 2. With a loose fist, massage both the frontal and dorsal auricular surfaces from top to bottom, with the thumb on the dorsal surface and the index finger on the frontal surface. The index-finger should massage the auricular

art'
in the following order: helix,

scapha, triangular fossa, antihelix. superior concha, inferior concha, peripheral crus of the helix, medial side of the anti tragus, medial side of the tragus, lobe. The index finger should remain longer on points and areas specific to the patient's coi).dition. 3. The procedure should be repeated several times until the. '

.

auriculae are hot. The results will be greatly improved if the patient's mind is focused and attention concentrated during the massage. 64

CHAPTER SIX PRINCIPLES FOR THE SELECTION .OF AURICULAR POINTS The selection of auricular points to be treated directly affects the results of auricular therapy. The following rules will be beneficial for correctly choosing auricular points and areas.

Choose Points According to the Location of the Diseased or Affected Area of the Body I

'

Choosing auricular points which correspond to the location of the diseased or affected part of the body is of basic importance in auricular therapy. Every currently used treatment adheres to this principle. For example, Forehead is the major point used for treating frontal headache, Eye is used for all eye diseases and Large Intestine for all problems of the large intestine. Two aspects should be emphasized when applying ·this rule to ' the choice of points. First, every part of an organ or tissue has a corresponding point on the organ or tissue's corresponding auricular area. The distribution of these corresponding auricular points, like that of the auricular areas, is upside down in relation to the body. For instance, the area of Stomach adjoining the crus of the helix represents the lesser curvature of the stomach, and the area of

65

Stomach adjoining Duodenum represents the pylorus; the area of Abdomen adjoining the beginning of the branches of the antihelix represents the lower abdomen, the middle part of Abdomen represents the middle abdomen, and the area of Abdomen adjoining Chest represents the upper abdomen. Accordingly, the auricular point corresponding to the lesser curvature of the stomach is chosen •

for treating gastric ulcer of the lesser curvature of the stomach, and the point corresponding to the pylorus is chosen for treating gastric ulcer of the pylorus; the point corresponding to the lower abdomen is chosen for treating pain in the lower abdomen, and the point corresponding to the middle abdomen is used for treating pain in the middle abdomen, etc. Generally speaking, the most sensitive point on an auricular area usually indicates the precise location of the problem in the corresponding organ or ·tissue. Consequently, the use of auricular diagnostic methods to locate positive signs, especially tenderness, on the auricle can determine the specific location of a disease or disorder of the body, and provide a basis for good therapeutic results. Secondly, in addition to the auricular points described in the International Standard of

Aur~cular

Points, there

ar~

also points

and areas on the auricle corresponding to other tissues of the body. For example, the auricular area corresponding to the lumbar muscles is found between Lumbosacral Vertebrae and the scaphoid fossa, and the area corresponding to the forearm is found between Elbow and, Wrist. These auricular areas can be used to treat problems of their corresponding tissues, such as lumbago and pain in the forearm.·

66

Choose Points According to the Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine

H

The eleven auricular areas corresponding to the five Zang and srx Fu organs are especially significant in traditional Chinese medicine. These auricular areas are used extensively in clinical practice, not only to treat disorders of their corresponding Zangfu organs but also to treat the tissues with which the Zangfu organs connect. The physiology of the Zangfu organs and indications of their corresponding auricular areas are described here at.length for the benefit of beginners and those in independent study. Heart The heart governs the blood and blood vessels, so treating Heart can improve blood circulation. It is used to treat coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, hypertension, angitis, and Raynard's disease. The mind resides in the heart, so treating Heart can calm the mind. It is used to treat neurosism, hysteria, and

func~ional

disturbance of the autonomic nervous system. The fluid of the heart is perspiration, so treating Heart can regulate secretion of perspiration. It is used to treat hyperhydrosis and spontaneous or night sweatiqg. The heart opens into the tongue, so Heart can be used to treat hoarseness, recurrent ulcer of the i:nouth, and glossitis. The heart nourishes the face, so Heart can be used to treat pale complexion caused by defic;iency of qi and blood, or purple complexion caused by blockage .o( stagnant blood in the heart. The heart meridian distributes to the prothorax and the lower border of th~ medial side of the upper limbs , so Heart can be used 67

to treat pain in these regions. Liver The liver governs the flow of qi in the body, so Liver can be used to treat various conditions caused by stagnation of the liverqi, including nervous disorders such as neurosism and hysteria, gynecological

problems

such

as

irregular

menstruation,

dysmenorrhea, and hyperplasia of the mammary glands, and digestive disorders such as indigestion, abdominal distension, and diarrhea. The liver stores 'blood, so treating Liver can tonify the blood. It is used to treat anemia and hematochezia.

The fluid of the liver is tea~s, so treating Liver can regulate the secretion of tears. It is used to treat epiphora induced by wind, and dryness of the eyes. The liver opens into the eyes, so Liver can be used to treat eye problems such as glaucoma, pseudomyopia, conjunctivitis, and electric opthalmitis. The liver nourishes the tendons, so Liver can· be used to treat tendon problems such as facial spasm and epileptic spasm. The liver is connected internally and externally with the gallbladder, so Liver can be used to treat gallbladder problems such as cholecystitis, gallstones, and biliary ascariasis. The liver meridian distributes to the external genitals, bilateral lower abdomen, hypochondriac region, chest, and top of the head, so Liver can be used to treat diseases and disorders of these regions of the boqy. Spleen The spleen dominates transportation and transformation of water and food, so treating Spleen can remove dampness and

68

strengthen the digestive function. It is .,used to treat diarrhea, abdominal distension or pain, indigestion, childhood anorexia, edema, and to stimulate weight loss. The spleen governs the blood in the meridians , so Spleen can be used to treat hemorrhagic problems such as dysfunctional uterine bleeding, hypermenorrhea, thrombocytoperiac purpura, and hemorrhage of the internal organs. The spleen lifts clear-qi, so Spleen can be used to treat diseases caused by sinking of the qi in the Middle Jiao such as gastroptosis and prolapse of the anus or uterus. The fluid of the spleen is saliva, so Spleen can be used to regulate the secretion of saliva. It is used to treat ptyalism and dry mouth caused by deficiency of the spleen-qi. The spleen opens into the mouth, so Spleen can be used to treat recurrent ulcer of the mouth, glossitis, and dryness of the lips. The spleen nourishes the muscles and limbs, so Spleen is used to treat muscular atrophy, and weakness and soreness of the limbs. The spleen is connected internally and externally with the stomach, so Spleen can be used to, treat gastric problems such as stomachache, epigastric distension; and regurgitation. The spleen meridian distributes to the anterior border of the medial side of the lower limbs, so Spleen can be used to treat pain in these regions. Lung The lungs govern the breath, so treating Lung can regulate breathing. It is used to treat respiratory problems such as cough, asthma, feeling of fullness in the chest, and the common cold.

69

The lungs regulate drainage of water, so Lung can be used to treat dysfunctions of water metabolism such as edema and retention of urine~ The lungs nourish the skin and control the opening and closing of the pores, so Lung can be used to treat skin diseases and spontaneous night sweating. The lungs open into the nose, so Lung can be used to treat rhinitis. The lungs are connected internally and externally with the large intestine, so Lung can be used to

trea~

constipation, diarrhea,

and dysentary. The lung meridian distributes to the prothorax, throat, and upper border of the medial side of the upper limbs, so Lung can be used to treat diseases and disorders of these regions. Kidney The kidneys store essence, so treating Kidney can tonify the essence. It is used to treat various chronic deficiency diseases such as pre-dawn diarrhea, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and lumbago. The kidneys govern reproduction, so Kidney can be used to treat seminal emission, impotence, premature ejaculation, irregular menstruation' habitual miscarriage' and infertility. The kidneys regulate water metabolism, so Kidney can be used to treat edema, retention of urine, and ascites, and to stimulate weight loss. The kidneys nourish the bones and produce bone marrow, so Kidney can be used to treat degenerative conditions of the bones such as cervical spondylopathy, as well as mental problems such as mental retardation, senile dementia, neurosism, and functional · disturbance of the autonomic nervous system. 70

The kidneys open into the ears, the anterior external genitals, and the anus, so Kidney can be used to treat tinnitus, hearing loss, and Meniere's disease, as well as disorders of the external genitals and anus. The kidneys are connected internally and externally with the urinary bladder, so Kidney is usually combined with Urinary Bladder to treat urinary problems such as urinary tract infection, urinary stones, and retention or incontinence of urine. The kidney meridian distributes to the posterior border of the medial side of the lower limbs, chest, and throat, .so Kidney can be used to treat chronic pharyngitis and pain in the chest or medial side of the lower limbs. Gallbladder The gallbladder stores bile to enable the spleen and stomach to carry out digestion, so Gallbladder can be used to treat biliary tract infection, obstruction of the biliary ducts, cholecystitis, gallstones, biliary ascariasis, indigestion, abdominal distension, and vomiting. The gallbladder governs the power of decision, so Gallbladder can be used to treat hesitation and timidity, insomnia, and nightmares. The gallbladder meridian distributes to the temporal side of the head, the ears, hypochondriac region, and lateral side of the lower limbs, so Gallbladder can be used to treat migraine, otitis media, pain in the hypochondriac region, and sciatica. Stomach The stomach receives and digests water and food, so St0mach can be used io treat

~astritis,

gastric ulcer, gastric spasm,

gastrointestinal dysfunction, indigestion, and childhood anorexia. The stomach can pull down rebellious qi, so Stomach can be

71

used to treat ·nausea, vomiting, hiccups, belching, and acid regurgitation. The stomach meridian distributes to the face, forehead, teeth, throat, breasts, and anteriolateral aspect of the lower limbs, so Stomach can be used to treat facial spasm, frontal headache, toothache, sore throat, mastitis, and pain in the lower limbs. Small Intestine The small intestine governs digestion and absorption, so Small Intestine can be used to treat indigestion, abdominal distension, and childhood anorexia. The small intestine is connected internally and externally with the heart, so Small Intestine can be used to treat diseases caused by flaring-up of the heart-fire such as ulcerative stomatitis, glossitis, and various mental disorders. The small intestine meridian distributes to the posterioexternal aspect of the up 'per limbs, the scapular region, and the back of the neck, so Small Intestine can be used to treat pain in these regions, stiff neck, and scapulohumeral periarthritis. Large Intestine The large intestine governs transportation, so Large Intestine can be used to treat constipation, diarrhea, abdominal distension, and dysentary. The 1arge intestine is connected internally and externally with the lungs, so treating Large Intestine can help the lungs to pull down rebellious qi. It is used to treat bronchitis, asthma, skin · diseases, and nasal problems. The large intestine meridian distributes to the anterioexternal aspect of the upper limbs, shoulders, teeth, and nose, so Large Intestine can be used to treat pain in the anterioexternal region of

72

the upper limbs, scapulohumeral pe}jarthritis, toothache, and nasal problems. Urinary Bladder The urinary bladder stores and excretes urme, so treating Urinary Bladder can promote urination and eliminate dampness .. It is used to treat urinary tract infection, retention of urine, and urinary stones. The urinary bladder is connected internally and externally with the kidneys, so Urinary Bladder can be used to treat nocturnal eneuresis and urinary incontinence caused by deficiency of the kidney-qi. The urinary bladder meridian distributes to the occiput, back of the neck, back, lumbus, anus, and back of the lower limbs, so Urinary Bladder can be used to treat pain in the occipital region, stiff neck, backache, lumbago, hemorrhoids, and sciatica. San ]iao The Upper ]iao resembles a sprayer, sending water and essence produced by the Middle ]iao throughout the entire body, so San Jiao can be used to treat feelings of fullness and pain in the chest, cough' and asthma. The Middle ]iao resembles a fermentation tank, decomposing and digesting food and water, so San Jiao can be used to treat digestive

problems

such

as

abdominal

distension

or

pain,

indigestion, and retention of food in the stomach. The Lower Jiao resembles a system of passageways, excreting urine and stool, so San ]iao can be used to treat retention of urine, urinary tract infection, constipation, diarrhea, and dysentary: The San ]iao meridian distributes to the shoulders, ears, and the middle portion of the external side of the upper limbs, so San

73

Jiao can be used to treat pain in the external aspect of the upper limbs, scapulohumeral periarthritis, and ear problems.

nr

Choose Points According to the Principles of Modern Medicine Choosing auricular points according to the principles of modern

physiology, etiology,. and pathology is another important rule in auricular therapy. For example, the sympathetic nervous system functions to relax spasm of the visceral smooth muscles, regulate vasomotion, and inhibit glandular secretion; therefore, Sympathesis is a major point for the treatment of visceralgia, bronchial asthma, Raynard's disease ,and hyperhydrosis. The cerebral cortex functions to harmonize the digestive, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, therefore Subcortex is used extensively for treatment of diseases caused by dysfunction of these systems. Endocrine and Adrenal Gland are always used in conjunction for treatment of inflammatory and allergic conditions. Occiput and Temple are used for treatment of auditory and visual disturbances respectively because they correspond to the visual and auditory centers. Internal Ear and External Ear are used to treat Meniere's disease because the major pathogenesis of this condition is labyrinthine hydrops.

N

Choose Points According to Clinical Experience

Practitioners worldwide have accumulated extensive experience during their long-term practice of auricular therapy. The correct application of this knowledge in clinical practice is essential if good therapeutic results are to be attained. For instance, clinical t>xperience has shown that blood-letting puncturing of Apex of Ear

74

functions to dispel heat, lower blood pressure, tranquilize the mind, relieve allergic reactions, restore ·consci~usness, and brighten the eyes. Therefore, Apex of Ear is commonly used to treat fever, hypertension, insomnia , allergies , headache, poor memory, and blurred vision. Center of Ear has been found to function to expel wind and stimulate circulatioll: of the blood, therefore it is used to treat urticaria and cutaneous pruritis. Ear Shenmen is useful for calming the mind and relieving pain, and so is used for treating mental problems and all kinds of pain.

75

PART TWO .PRACTICUM

CHAPTER SEVEN TREATMENT OF INTERNAL DISEASES AND DISORDERS 1.. Hypertension Hypertension is a commonly seen complaint in clinical practice. It is characterized by high blood pressure of the arterial system, and is classified into primary and secondary types according to etiology and pathogenesis.

Primary hypertension

refers to hypertension with no clear cause. It is an independent disease marked by high blood pressure of the arterial system, other manifestations including headache, dizziness, tinnitus, flushed face, insomnia, and irritability. In severe cases, blurred vision, palpitation,

sho~tness

of breath, poor memory, numbness of the

fingers, or even stroke may occur. There is often a family history of

hypertension.

The

primary

pathogenesis

of

primary

hypertension is disorder of the central nervous system. Secondary hypertension refers to hypertension occurring secondary to organic problems such as nephric, cardiac, or endocrinal disorder. In these cases, hypertension is a symptom of the disease, therefore, secondary hypertension is also called symptomatic hypertension. Traditional ' Chinese

medicine

classifies

hypertension

as

headache or vertigo. It is considered to be caused primarily either

79

by mental injury resulting in stagnation of the liver-qi and subsequent flaring-up of the liver-fire, by improper diet resulting in deficiency of the spleen and accumulation of phlegm in the interior, or by wasting diseases which damage the kidney-yin, causing the liver-yang to become hyperactive. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Superior Triangular Fossa and Subcortex;· patchy hard eminence on Liver; whitish depression with long recovery time when palpated on Spleen. Therapeutic principle: Soothe the liver-yang to reinforce the kidneys and strengthen the spleen. Auricular points: Subcortex, Sympathesis: regulate vasomotricity to alleviate spasm of the blood vessels. Superior Triangular Fossa: shown to be clinically effective for treating hypertension, also called Blood Pressure Lowering Point. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind. Apex of Ear,

Groove of Dorsal Surface: Blood-letting

puncturing of these two points in turn with a three-edged needle lowers the blood pressure. Auxiliary points: For hypertension caused by hyperactivity of the liver-yang,

Liver,

Kidney,

and Heart are added;

for

hypertension caused by accumulation of phlegm in the interior, Spleen and Stomach are added. Use auricular taping, and blood-letting puncturing with a three-edged needle where indicated, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy can effectively alleviate the symptoms of hypertension, including headache, dizziness, blurred vision, and irritability, but a radical cure is difficult to achieve. Auricular therapy is suitable primarily as a preventative

80

fo:r both primary and secondary hypertension.

2. Angina Pectoris Angina pectoris is a type of coronary heart disease caused by coronary spasm or coronary arteriosclerosis resulting in temporary or long-term myocardial ischemia and subsequent damage to the cardiac· muscle. Typical angina pectoris is marked by paroxysmal constrictive pain in the retrosternal region or left chest, radiating to the left arm and shoulder. It is usually induced by physical activity, mental injury, overeating, or attack by cold. In some cases it may occur while resting. The pain recedes spontaneously after a short time, or may be relieved by the administration of nitroglycerin. Traditional Chinese medicine refers to angina pectoris as Xiong Bi(stagnation of qi and blood in the chest) ,or genuine cardiac pain. It is considered to be caused primarily by emotional injury resulting in stagnation of the liver-qi and heart-blood, or obstruction of the collaterals by turbid phlegm. Primarily affected are the heart, spleen, and liver. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Heart, Chest, and Subcortex; whitish depression with long recovery time when palpated on Spleen. Therapeutic principle: Regulate the flow of qi and blood to relieve pain; strengthen the spleen and stomach to remove phlegm. Auricular points: Heart, Chest: correspond to the affected regions of the body; widen the chest to regulate the flow of qi and activate the meridians to remove stagnant blood. 81

Liver: regulates the liver-qi to improve blood circulation. Small Intestine: assists the heart to improve blood circulation. Subcortex: regulates the circulation. Sympathesis: regulates vasomotricity to improve the blood supply to the heart. Spleen and Stomach: strengthen the spleen and stomach to remove phlegm in cases of angina pectoris caused by obstruction of the collaterals by turbid phlegm. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course. Strong stimulation should be avoided to prevent aggravating the condition.

Auricular therapy can effectively

alleviate the symptoms of angina pectoris, but long-term treatment should be given to consolidate the results.

3. Cardiac Neurosis Cardiac neurosis, also called neurocirculatory asthenia or effort syndrome, is a functional disorder of the cardiovascular system caused by disturbance of the central nervous system. It occurs mainly in adults, and more often in females than in males.

It is characterized by precardial dull pain lasting several hours or days, or stabbing pain in the apical region of the heart lasting one to five seconds. It is induced or aggravated primarily by exertion or mental injury. Other symptoms may include lassitude, palpitation, shortness

of

breath'

anxiety'

restlessness'

mild

fever'

perspiration, or trembling and numbness of the hands. According to traditional Chinese medicine, cardiac neurosis is caused either by extreme grief which damages the heart and spleen, causing an insufficiency of heart-blood, or by fright which damages

82

the kidneys , causing a disturbance of the balance between the heart and kidneys.

Cardiac neurosis caused by. grief is marked by

precardial dull pain,

lassitude,

pale complexion, and poor

appetite; cardiac neurosis caused by fright is marked by stabbing pain in the apical region of the heart accompanied by restlessness and fever of the Five Hearts, night sweating, extreme anxiety, and flushed cheeks. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Heart and Chest. Therapeutic principle: Nourish the heart to calm the mind and strengthen the spleen and kidneys. Auricular points: Heart, Chest: tranquilize the mind and widen the chest. Liver: regulates the flow of liver-qi to relieve pain. Subcortex:

regulates

the

nervous

and

cardiovascular

functions. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind and relieve pain. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a ·three-edged needle tranquilizes the mind. Auxiliary points: For deficiency of the heart and spleen, Spleen and Stomach are added; fr · imbalance of the heart and kidneys, Kidney is added. Use auricular taping, and blood-letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular self-massage may be practiced on the taped points twice a day. Auricular therapy can effectively relieve the symptoms of cardiac neurosis, and can also provide a radical cure.

83

4. Rheumatic Arthritis Rheumatic arthritis refers to a frequently recurnng collagen disorder of the joints, caused primarily by the Streptococcus rheumatosis bacteria. It occurs mainly in spring and autumn, and more often in fem~les than in males. It is marked by multiple, shifting, and symmetrical inflammation of the major joints, including the knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hips. The affected area is usually red, .swollen, hot·, and painful. The joints may recover no):'mal function with no residual deformity when the inflammation is relieved. Traditional Chinese medicine considers rheumatic arthritis to be a Bi syndrome, caused primarily by exogenous wind, cold, and dampness. These three pathogens combine to attack the body, leading to obstruction of qi and blood and insufficient nourishment of the joints and tendons. Auricular diagnoisis: In acute cases, severe tenderness or patchy eminence on areas corresponding to the affected joints; in chronic cases, dark brown pigmentation or patchy or streaky scleroma on areas

~orresponding

to the· affected joints.

Therapeutic principle: Dispel heat and expel wind and cold to remove dampness, alleviate swelling, and relieve pain. Auricular points : Areas corresponding to the affected joints: Tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Spleen, Liver: regulate the flow of qi and strengthen the spleen to remove dampness and alleviate swelling. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland, Wind Stream: main points for

84

antirheumatism, antiallergy and anti-inflammation. Kidney, San Jiao: induce diuresis to alleviate swelling. Apex of Ear: Blood -letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels heat and relieves pain. Ear Shenmen: main point for relieving pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating rheumatic arthritis.

5. Chronic Bronchitis Chronic bronchitis is a chronic non&pecific inflammation of the · mucosa and peripheral tissues of the trachea and bronchi caused by bacterial or viral infection or by irritation by physical or chemical factors or allergenic pathogens. It is marked by long-standing intermittent cough with sputum induced or aggravated by cold or overstrain, and usually accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the chest, shortness -of breath, and lassitude. Traditional

Chinese

medicine

classifies

bronchitis

as

endogenous cough. Affected :organs are the lungs, spleen, and kidneys. The lungs control dispersal and descent of qi, so cough occurs when the lungs are affected and the qi cannot descend. The spleen controls the transportation and transformation of dampness, so phlegm is produced when the spleen is deficient. The kidneys govern reception of qi, so respiratory difficulty occurs if the kidneys are deficient and the qi ~~n not be received. Auricular diagnosis: Moderate or severe tenderness on Lung, Trachea, and Chest; whitish eminence or streaky scleroma on

85

Trachea and Lung. Therapeutic principle: Strengthen the spleen and kidneys and regulate the flow of lung-qi to stop cough. Auricular points: Trachea, Lung, Chest: correspond to the affected regions of the body; regulate the flow of lung-qi and widen the chest to relieve cough. Spleen: strengthens the spleen to relieve cough. Kidney: reinforces the kidneys to improve reception of qi. Large Intestine:

The large intestine is connected both

internally and externally with the lungs, so Large Intestine is taped to help the lungs perform the function of dispersal and descent. Endocrine: relieves inflammation. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind and relieve inflammation. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course. The auricular area corresponding to the bronchi is located between Trachea and Lung; auricular palpation is used to precisely locate positive points.

6. Bronchial Asthma Bronchial asthma is an allergic condition of the bronchi, usually occurring in the autumn and winter. It is marked by paroxysmal

dyspnea

and

wheezing

in

the

throat,

usually

accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the chest, shortness of breath, productive cough, cyanosis, and orthropnia. According to traditional Chinese medicine , bronchial asthma is caused by exogenous factors, improper diet, emotional injury, or 86

overstrain which attack the interior phlegm, causing it to rise and obstruct the bronchi. Usually affected are the lungs, spleen, and kidneys. Bronchial asthma is deficient in origin and excessive in expression. Auricular diagnosis:

Moderate or severe tenderness on

Trachea and Lung; depression with long recovery time when palpated on Lung, Trachea, and Wind Stream. Therapeutic principle: Strengthen the spleen and kidneys and ease the lungs to relieve asthma. Auricular points: Trachea, Lung, Chest: correspond to the affected regions of the body; ease the lungs and widen the chest to relieve asthma. Spleen: strengthens the spleen to remove phlegm. Kidney: reinforces the kidneys' ability to receive qi. Large Intestine: helps the lungs to perform the function of dispersal and descent of qi. Sympathesis: alleviates spasm of the bronchial smooth muscle to relieve asthma. Apex of Antitragus,

Adrenal Gland,

Endocrine,

Wind

Stream: relieve inflammation and allergic reactions. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind and relieve inflammation. Use auricular ta.ping, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course.

7. Vomiting Vomiting is a common symptom of many diseases and disorders

including

acute

gastroenteritis,

cardiospasm,

87

pylorospasm, hepatitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and cerebral problems. According to

traditional Chinese medicine, vomiting 1s

classified into excessive and deficient types. The excessive type is caused by exogenous cold, mental injury, improper diet, or consumption of contaminated food, all of which may affect the stomach and result in rebellious rising of the stomach-qi. The deficient type is caused by febrile diseases or protracted illness which consumes the stomach-yin so that the stomach-qi cannot descend. The excessive type is relatively mild, of short duration, and easily cured; the deficient type is relatively severe, of longer duration, and more difficult to treat. Auricular diagnosis: For the excessive type, moderate or severe tenderness on Stomach; for the deficient type, depression or deformity on Stomach. Therapeutic principle: Regulate the stomach and suppress the rebellious qi to stop vomiting. Auricular points: Stomach, Cardia: correspond to the affected areas of the body. Spleen: The spleen is connected internally and externally with . the stomach, so Spleen is treated to strengthen the spleen and regulate the stomach to stop vomiting. Liver: soothes the liver-qi and. regulates the stomach to stop vomiting. Sympathesis: alleviates spasm of the smooth muscles to stop vomiting. Subcortex: regulates the digestive function. Abdomen, Center of Superior Concha: regulate the flow of qi to stop vomiting.

88

Use auricular taping, twice a ~eek, or auricular self-massage or pressure, twice a day. Five treatments constitute one course for the excessive type; ten treatments constitute one course for the deficient type. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating excessive type vomiting, which can often be relieved after just one or two treatments.

8. Hiccups Hiccups are a common symptom of various diseases and disorders such as phrenospasm, gastrointestinal neurosis, gastritis, and hepatic conditions. They are caused primarily by spasm of the diaphragm. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies hiccups into excessive and deficient types. The excessive type is caused by exogenous wind-cold, improper diet, or mental injury, all of which can result in rebellious rising of the stomach-qi. The deficient type is caused either by febrile disease consuming the stomach-yin or by chronic disease damaging the stomach-yang and spleen-yang,

with

subsequent failure to descend or rebellious rising of the stomach-qi. Auricular diagnosis: For the excessive type, moderate or severe tenderness on Center of Ear and Stomach; for the deficient type, depression with long recovery time whe,n palpated on Center of Ear and Spleen. Therapeutic principle: Regulate the stomach-qi to suppress its rebellious rising. Auricular points: Center of Ear: corresponds to the diaphragm; relieves spasm of the diaphragm.

89

Stomach, Spleen: regulate the stomach-qi to suppress its adverse rising. Liver: soothes the liver-qi and regulates the stomach-qi. Sympathesis: alleviates spasm of the diaphragm. Subcortex: regulates the digestive and nervous functions. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind. Use auricular taping or pressure. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating excessive type hiccups. In most cases, the hiccups will have stopped by the time the treatment session is finished.

For deficient type hiccups,

auricular therapy can

temporarily relieve spasm of the diaphragm as an expectant treatment.

9. Gastrointestinal Neurosis Gastrointestinal neurosis 1s a functional disorder of the stomach and intestines caused by disturbance of gastrointestinal movement and secretion. It occurs mainly in adults, and more often in females than in males. Manifestations include _anorexia, belching' acid regurgitation' hiccups' nausea' vomiting' a burning sensation in the epigastric region, and abdominal distension or pain. Certain types of gastrointestinal neurosis are characterized by typical primary symptoms, for example, nervous anorexia is marked by anorexia accompanied by emaciation and_ amenorrhea; nervous vomiting is marked by vomiting without nausea and with no difficulty in eating immediately afterwards; nervous belching is marked . by repeated continuous belching; globus hystericus is marked by the sensatio1;1 of a foreign body blocking the throat which cannot be swallowed or spit out, but with no accompanging

90

functional difficulty in swallowing. Intestinal enuresis is marked by abdominal pain, discomfort, or distension, borborygmi, and diarrhea or constipation. Nervous diarrhea is marked by watery diarrhea induced by mental injury; irritable colon syndrome is marked by paroxysmal intestinal colic in the left inferior abdomen, abdominal distension, and constipation or diarrhea. Traditional

Chinese

medicine

classifies

gastrointestinal

neurosis as stomachache, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, or hiccups, depending on the primary symptoms. It is considered to be caused primarily by mental injury resulting in stagnation of the liver-qi and subsequent attack on the stomach and spleen by hyperactive liver-qi. Auricular diagnosis: Patchy hard emmence on Liver; severe tenderness on Stomach, Small Intestines, and Large Intestine; whitish depression with long recovery time when palpated on Spleen. Therapeutic principle: regulate the flow of liver-qi and strengthen the spleen and stomach. Auricular points: Stomach,

Small

Intestine,

Large

Intestine,

Abdomen:

correspond to the affected area of the body; regulate the stomach and intestines. Spleen: strengthens the spleen and regulates the stomach. Liver: regulates the flow of liver-qi. Subcortex: regulates the central nervous system. Endocrine: regulates gastrointestinal endocrine function. Auxiliary points: for vomiting, Cardi~ is added; for hiccups, Center of Ear is added; for acid regurgitation, Sympathesis ts added; for abdominal distension, Center of Superior Concha ts

91

added;

for gastric or abdominal

pain,

Ear Shenmen and

Sympathesis are added; for di~rrhea, Ear Shenmen and Center of Superior Concha are added; for constipation, Rectum is added; for globus hystericus, Throat and Esophagus are added. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course. Auricular self-massage can also be practiced twice a day. In some cases,. there may be great improvement in such symptoms as abdominal pain, belching, or abdominal distension after just a few treatments. However, extended treatment should be given in order to achieve a radical cure.

10. Esophagitis Esophagitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the esophagus caused by physical, chemical, or biopathogenic factors, or by disorder of the esophagus itself. It is marked by discomfort, burning, and pain in the retrosternal region inferior to the xiphoid process, aggravated by eating, forward bending, rapid movement, or lying on the side or back. The pain may radiate to the back, interscapular region, ears, and upper arms. As the condition progresses, burning and pain may be alleviated but difficulty in swallowing gradually increases, swallowing sometimes becoming quite painful in severe cases. According to traditional Chinese medicine, esophagitis is caused by improper diet, consumption of contaminated food, overindulgence in cold or spicy food, or exogenous pathogens, all of which can lead to stagnation of qi and blood in the esophagus. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Esophagus and Chest.

92

Therapeutic principle: Regulate the flow of qi and blood to relieve pain. Auricular points:

"

Esophagus, Chest: correspond. to the affected region. Locate ... positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Stomach, Spleen: strengthen the spleen and stomach. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland: relieve inflammation. Ear Shenmen : relieves pain. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels heat and relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and blood-. letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course.

11. Gastritis Gastritis is an inflammatory condition of the gastric mucosa. It is classified into acute and chronic types. Acute gastritis includes acute simple gastritis, acute corrosive gastritis, acute erosive gastritis, and acute purulent gastritis. Chronic gastritis includes chronic superficial gastritis. chronic atrophic gastritis, and chronic hypertrophic gastritis. Most commonly seen in clinical practice is acute simple gastritis, characterized by distension and pain in the ' epigastric region, usually accompanied by poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, belching, and acid regurgitation. Traditional Chinese medicine refers to gastritis as epigastric pain, and classifies it into excessive and deficient types. Excessive gastritis is considered to be caused by invasion of the stomach by

93

cold, irregular diet, or attack on the stomach by hyperactive liverqi; deficient gastritis may either develop from the excessive type or be caused by injury of the spleen and stomach due to long-standing illness. Excessive gastritis is marked by distending pain in the epigastric region aggravated by pressure. It is a relatively mild condition of short duration with a good prognosis.

Deficient

gastritis is marked by- dull pain in the epigastric region relieved by pressure. It is a relatively severe condition of long duration and correspondingly difficult to treat. Auricular diagnosis: For acute gastritis, moderate or severe tenderness on Stomach; for chronic gastritis, whitish patchy or streaky eminence on Stomach. Therapeutic principle: Strengthen the spleen and stomach and regulate the flow of qi to relieve pain. Auricular points: Stomach: corresponds to the affected region of the body. Spleen: The spleen is connected both internally and externally with the stomach, so Spleen is taped to strengthen the spleen and stomach. Liver: regulates the flow of q1 to relieve pam and alleviate distension. Subcortex, Endocrine: regulate the digestive function. San Jiao, Abdomen, Center of Superior Concha: regulate the flow of qi in the Middle jiao to alleviate distension. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle relieves inflammation and pain. For acute gastritis, use auricular taping and blood-letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week.

Five treatments

constitute one course. For chronic gastritis, use auricular taping 94

and blood-letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week, or auricular pressure and massage, twice a day. Ten treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is especially effective for treating acute gastritis. It can relieve pain, alleviate distension, and improve digestion and absorption.

12. Acute Gastroenteritis Acute gastroenteritis is an acute inflammation of the intestines caused by overindulgence in food or alcohol or consumption of contaminated food, occurring mainly in summer and autumn. It is characterized by sudden onset of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Dilute or watery stool is passed ten or more times each day. In cases with severe vomiting, disturbance of the water/ electrolyte balance with subsequent lowered blood pressure or muscle spasm may occur. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies acute gastroenteritis as diarrhea. It is considered to be caused primarily either by invasion of the intestines by damp-heat, overindulgence in food or alcohol, or consumption of contaminated food, resulting in dysfunction of the stomach and spleen so that liquid and solid cannot be separated from and diarrhea occurs. Auricular diagnosis:

Moderate or severe tenderness on

Abdomen, Large Intestine, and Stomach. Therapeutic principle: Dispel heat and remove dampness to stop diarrhea. Auricular points: Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine: correspond to the affected parts of the body; regulate the function of the stomach and

95

large and small intestines. Spleen: The spleen governs transportation and transformation of water and dampness, so Spleen is treated to strengthen the spleen and remove dampness. Sympathesis: alleviates spasm of the smooth muscles to relieve pain. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind and relieve pain. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle relieves inflammation and pain. Use auricular taping, or blood-letting puncturing where indicated, once a day or once every other day. Five treatments constitute .one course. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating acute gastroenteritis; in most cases there will be great improvement in such symptoms as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting after just one or two treatments. I1;1 cases with severe disturbance of the water I electrolyte balance, concurrent emergency measures should be undertaken. ·

13. Peptic Ulcer Peptic ulcer refers to circular or oval lesions on the wall of the stomach or duodenum, occuring primarily on the gastric pylorus or the duodenal bulb.

Causes include physical, chemical, and

emotional factors, as well as some diseases, which may increase the corrosiveness of the gastric secretions. while at the same time weakening the defensive function of the gastric mucosa, leading to the formation of ulcers. Peptic ulcer is marked by regularly occuring pain in the epigastric region, accompanied by belching, acid regurgitation, nausea, vomiting, and poor appetite. Onset of

96

pain is generally related to intake of food, in cases of gastric ulcer usually occurring 30 minutes to two hours after eating 'and disappearing sometimes before the next meal. In cases of duodenal ulcer, the pain usually starts three to four hours after eating and is relieved after eating the next meal. Traditional

Chinese

medicine

classifies

peptic

ulcer

as

epigastric p~in, and considers it to be caused either by mental injury resulting in stagnation of the liver-qi and subsequent attack on the stomach by hyperactive liver-qi, or by improper eating habits such as irregularity of meals or overindulgence in raw, cold, or spicy food, resulting in injury to the stomach and spleen. The main pathogenesis of peptic ulcer is stagnation of qi and blood which affects the stomach, spleen, and liver. Auricular diagnosis: Moderate tenderness or streaky or patchy scleroma on Stomach or Duodenum. Therapeutic principle: Circulate qi and blood to relieve pain. Auricular points: Stomach, Duodenum, Abdomen: correspond to the affected regions of the body; relieve pain and accelerate healing of ulcers. Spleen: strengthens the spleen and stomach. Liver: soothes the liver-qi to relieve pain. Sympathesis: relieves pain and inhibits gastric secretion. Subcortex: regulates the function of the cerebrel cortex. Ear Shenmen and Occiput: tranquilize the mind and relieve pain. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy can effectively cure the clinical symptoms of peptic ulcer, but an extended period of treatment is required to cpmpletely heal the lesion.

97

14. Chronic Diarrhea Chronic diarrhea is a chronic problem of the digestive system, characterized by persistent di
intestinal tuberculosis,

functional

disturbance of the intestines, and allergic colonitis. According to traditional Chinese medicine, chronic diarrhea is caused either by deficiency of the spleen-qi or of the kidney-yang. The former is

marked by intermittent diarrhea containing

undigested food, aggravated by invasion by cold, consumption of greasy or raw food, or mental injury. Other manifestations include sallow complexion, emaciation, and listlessness. The latter is marked by pre-dawn diarrhea, aggravated by cold or exertion and accompanied by coldness of the limbs and· body and wealQless and soreness of the back and knees. Auricular diagnosis: For diarrhea caused by deficiency of the spleen-qi, whitish depression with long recovery time when palpated on Spleen; for diarrhea caused by deficiency of the kidneyyang, whitish depression with long recovery time when palpated on Ki.dney. Therapeutic principle: Strengthen the spleen and reinforce the kidneys. Auricular points: Large

Intestine,

Small

Intestine,

Rectum,

Abdomen:

correspond to affected areas of the body. Endocrine, Subcortex: regulate the function of the digestive

98

system. Ear Shenmen, Occiput:

tranquilize the mind and stop

diarrhea. Auxiliary points: for deficiency of the spleen-qi, Spleen is added; for deficiency of the kidney-yang, Kidney and Spleen are added. Use

~uricular

taping, twice a week, or auricular pressure or

massage, twice a day. Ten treatments constitute one course.

15: Constipation Constipation refers to difficult and infrequent defecation •. .It is a common symptom of various diseases and disorders such as habitual constipation, gastrointestinal neurosis, fever, and problems of the rectum and anus. abdominal

distension,

Additional symptoms may include

headache,

dizziness,

poor

appetite,

insomnia, nausea, vomiting, and weakness. According to traditional Chinese medicine, constipation ts caused either by accumulation of heat in the intestines which consumes the intestinal fluid, or by deficiency of qi, blood, or bodily fluid causing lack of moisture in the intestines. In both cases, peristalsis of the large intestine is affected, resulting in lengthy retention of digested food in the intestines. Excessive type constipation is caused by accumulation of heat in the intestines, and is characterized by difficult -and infrequent defecation with hard stool; deficient type constipation is caused by deficiency of qi, blood, and bodily fluid, and is characterized by difficult defecation with soft stool, usually accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, and weakness during defecation.

99

Auricular diagnosis: For the excessive type, severe tenderness on Large Intestine and Abdomen; for the deficient type, whitish depression with long recovery time when palpated on Large Intestine and Spleen. Therapeutic principle: For the excessive type, dispel heat to encourage defecation; for the deficient type, moisten the intestines to encourage defecation. Auricular points: Large Intestine, Abdomen, Rectum: correspond to the affected areas of the body; improve peristalsis. San Jiao: improves the flow of qi and bodily fluid. Center of Superior Concha: shown to be clinically effective for treating abdominal diseases and disorders. Auxiliary points: For excessive cases, Stomach and Apex of the Ear are punctured with a three-edged needle to draw blood and dispel heat; for deficient cases, Lung and Spleen are added to produce and distribute bodily fluid to moisten the intestines. For the excessive type, use auricular taping, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week;

five treatments

constitute one course. For the deficient type, use auricular taping, twice a week, or auricular pressure or self-massage, twice a day; ten treatments constitute one course.

16. Headache •

Headache is a very common symptom of various diseases and disorders. It is classified into two types according to pathogenesis. Functional headache occurs with no clear reason, for instance, migraine or headache occuring during neura'sism or menstruation.

100

Organic headache is usually caused by inflammation of or pressure on the meninges, cerebral blood vessels, or cranial nerves , for instance headache due to meningitis, hypertension, 'trigeminal neuralgia·, or intracranial space-occupying lesion. According to traditional Chinese medicine, headache is caused either by invasion of exogenous pathogens, or by endogenous injury sue~ as mental injury, improper diet, or excessive sexual act!Vlty.

It is classified according to meridian theory.

The

Yangming meridian distributes to the forehead, so frontal headache is called Y angming headache; the Shaoyang meridian distributes to the bilateral sides of the head, so headache in the temporal region is called Shaoyang headache; the Taiyang meridian distributes to the back of the head, so headache in the occipital region is called Taiyang headache; the Jueyin meridian distributes to the vertex, so headache in the vertex is called Jueyin headache. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness or patchy eminence on areas corresponding to the location of the headache. Therapeutic principle: Remove obstruction of the meridians to relieve pain. Auricular points: Ear Shenmen: tranquilizes the mind and relieves pain. Subcortex: regulates the central nervous system. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle tranquilizes the mind, clears the brain, and relieves pain. Auxiliary points: For frontal headache, Forehead and Stomach are added; for bilateral or unilateral headache, Temple and Gallbladder are added; for oceipital headache, Occiput and Urinary Bladder are added; for vertex headache, Liv<;_r and positive points

101

on the lateral side of the antitragus are added. Uses auricular taping, or blood-letting puncturing where inoicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. For chronic headache, auricular pressure or self-massage can be practiced twice a day. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating all types offunctional headache and some types of organic headache, but it is ineffective in cases of headache caused by intracranial space-occupying lesion.

17. Neurosism Neurosism is one of the most commonly seen neuroses m clinical practice, occurring mainly in adults and more often m females than in males. It is caused primarily by protracted mental injury, resulting in an imbalance between excitement and inhibition of the cortex. palpitation,

Manifestations include insomnia, nightmares,

restlessness,

irritability,

dizziness,

headache,

perspiration, poor appetite, listlessness, lassitude, and poor memory. Traditional Chinese medicine refers to neurosism as insomnia, and classifies it into the following three types.

( 1) Neurosism

caused by stagnation of the liver-qi, marked by insomnia, nightmares, a sensation of fullness in the chest, sighing, irritability, and depression; ( 2) neurosism caused by imbalance between the heart and kidneys, marked by refractory insomnia, palpitation, dry mouth, poor memory, flushed cheeks, and heat and restlessness of the Five Hearts; ( 3) neurosism caused by retention of food in the stomach, marked by insomnia, epigastric or abdominal distension, nausea, and vomiting ..

102

Auricular diagnosis: For neurostsm caused by stagnation of the liver-qi, severe tenderness or eminence on Liver; for neurosis~ caused by imbalance of the heart and kidneys, whitish depression with long recovery time when palpated on Heart and Kidney; for neurosism caused by retention of food in the stomach, severe tenderness on Stomach. Therapeutic

principle:

Regulate

the

flow

of

liver-qi,

harmonize ·the heart and kidneys, and strengthen the spleen and stomach. Auricular points: Subcortex:

harmonizes excitement and inhibition of the

cortex. Anterior Lobe: also called Neurosism Point; tranquilizes the mind. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle tranquilizes the mind and clears the brain. Auxiliary points: For stagnation of the liver-qi, Liver and Chest are added to soothe the liver, regulate the flow of qi, and open the chest; for imbalance of the heart and kidneys, Heart and Kidney are added to cause the heart-fire to descend and the kidneywater to ascend' thus correcting the imbalance; for retention of food in the stomach, Spleen, Stomach, and Abdomen are added to invigorate the spleen and stomach and promote digestion and drainage. Use auricular taping, and blood-letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular pressure or self-massage may also be practiced twice a day. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating all types of 103

neurostsm:

18. Peripheral Neuritis Peripheral neuritis, also called multiple neuritis, is a disorder of the peripheral nerves caused by various external factors including poisoning by heavy metals, drugs,

pesticides, or

biopathogens, or by disorders of the metabolism or endocrine system.

It is marked by symmetrical sensory disturbance,

dyskinesia, and autonomic nerve disturbance of the extremities. Sensory disturbance includes abnormal sensations such as stabbing or burning pain, electric shock, or formication, and both deep and superficial

hypoesthesia.

Dyskinesia

includes

myasthenia,

hypomyotonia, various degrees of paralysis and myoatrophy, and tendon hyporeflexia.

Autonomic

nerve

disturbance

includes

desquamation; cold, pale, or blueish skin; hyperhydrosis or anhydrosis, and coarse or brittle finger and toenails. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies peripheral neuritis as a Wei syndrome and refers to it as numbness. It is considered to be caused primarily by internal deficiency of qi and blood and external invasion by pathogens. The combination of deficient antipathogenic qi and excessive pathogens results in stagnation of qi and blood and insufficient nourishment of the muscles and skin. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on areas corresponding to the affected extremities. Therapeutic principle: Strengthen ·the bo.dy' s resistance m order to eliminate pathogenic factors; nourish the muscles and skin. Auricular points: Areas corresponding to the affected extremities: Locate

104

postttve points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Liver: regulates the flow of qi and blood. Heart: improves blood circulation. Spleen, Stomach: strengthen the spleen and stomach to tonify · qi and blood. Lung: disperses nutrients to the entire body. Subcortex: regulates the nervous and endocrinal functions. Wind

Stream,

Endocrine,

Adrenal

Gland:

relieve

inflammation. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course.

19. Epilepsy Epilepsy

is

caused

by

frequently

recurring

abnormal

neurogenic discharge leading to sudden and temporary dysfunction of the cerebrum. Clinically, epilepsy is classified into the following four types.

( 1 ) Grand mal epilepsy, marked by loss of

consciousness and spasm of the entire body, lasting from five to fifteen minutes; ( 2 ) petit mal epilepsy , marked by temporary disturbance of consciousness lasting for less than a minute, with no accompanying spasm; (3) localized epilepsy, marked by temporary localized spasm lasting for less than a minute' with no disturbance of consciousness; ( 4) psychomotor epilepsy, marked by temporary disturbance of consciousness and mental confusion, lasting from several minutes to half an hour. According to traditional Chinese medicine, epilepsy is caused either by deficiency of the liver and kidney leading to agitation of 105

the liver, or by accumulation of turbid phlegm obstructing the ascent of clear-qi. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Subcortex; patchy hard eminence on Liver. Therapeutic principle: Calm the mind and expel exogenous wind to restore consciousness and open the orifices. Auricular

points~

Subcortex, Forehead, Temple, Occiput: correspond to the affected areas of the body. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation . .Liver, Kidney: reinforce the liver and kidney. Spleen, Abdomen: strengthen the spleen to remove phlegm. Chest: widens the chest and regulates the flow of qi. Heart, Ear Shenmen: calm the mind. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting punctunng of this point with a three-edged needle calms the mind and restores consciousness. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and hloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course.

20. Hysteria Hysteria is a functional disorder caused by mental injury, occurring primarily in young people and more often in females than in males. The first hysterical attack is usually related to psychic trauma. Manifestations are various, for example, mental disorders including emotional outburst such as irra~ional laughing or crying, hysterical syncope, or mutism;

physical problems including

hysterical paralysis, aphonia, spasm, blindness, deafness, and

106

globus hystericus; and internal disorders

including nervous

vomiting, anorexia,· hiccups, and frequent urination. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies hysteria as a Yu syndrome, and c<;msiders it to be caused primarily by mental injury which results in accumulation of phlegm in the interior or· stagnation of the liver-qi. Protracted stagnation of the liver-qi may result in it~ transformation into hyperactive liver-fire. Hysteria caused by accumulation of phlegm in the interior is marked by depression, a feeling of fullness in the chest, and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat. Hysteria caused by stagnation of the liver-qi is marked by depresson, poor appetite, and distension or pain in the chest or hypochondriac region; hysteria caused by hyperactive liver-fire is marked by restlessness, irritability, pain in the chest or hypochondriac region, dry throat, bitter taste in the mouth, pink eye, tinnitus, and headache. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Chest; eminence or patchy scleroma on Liver; deep depression with long recovery time when palpated on Heart and Spleen. Therapeutic principle: Soothe the liver-qi to relieve mental depression; nourish the heart and strengthen the spleen to calm the mind. Auricular points: Liver: soothes the liver-qi to relieve mental depression. Chest: opens the chest to regulate the flow of qi. Heart: nourishes the heart to calm the mind. Spleen: strengthens the spleen and stomach to remove phlegm; used for hysteria caused by accumulation of phlegm in the interiOr. Subcortex: regulates the central nervous function.

107

Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle calms the mind and dispels heat; used for hysteria caused by hyperactive liver-fire. Auxiliary points: used according to symptoms. For example, for the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, Throat is added; for nervous vomiting; Cardia is added; for hysterical blindness, Eye is added. Use auricular taping with strong stimulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course.

21. Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is a non-suppurative inflammation of the small joints caused primarily by autoimmunity. It occurs mainly in young people and adults, and more often in females than in males. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by chronic, multiple, and symmetrical inflammation of the small joi~ts. The paracentral interphalangeal joints of the hands are most commonly affected, followed by the joints of the toes, ankles, and wrists. In some atypical cases, major joints such as the elbows, shoulders, knees, and hips may be affected. In the initial stage, there is pam, rigidity, swelling, and tenderness of the affected joints, most severe in the morning and gradually lessening with mild movement. In the intermediate stage, symptoms worsen, with the joints becoming swollen and fusiform. In the advanced stage, stiffness and deformity of the affected joints may be accompanied by atrophy of the surrounding muscles.

108

General symptoms may include

lassitude, emaciation, mild fever, poor appetite, and mild anemia. Traditional Chinese medicine classified rheumatoid arthritis as a Bi syndrome. It is considered to be caused by internal deficiency of qi and blood and external invasion by wind-cold or damp-heat. The combination of internal and external factors results in , obstruction of qi and blood and insufficient nourishment of the tendons, muscles, and bones. Auricular diagnosis: In the initial stage, severe tenderness on areas corresponding to the affected joints and on Wind Stream; in the intermediate and advanced stages, moderate tenderness with nodular scleroma on areas corresponding to the affected joints. Therapeutic principle: Reinforce antipathogenic qi and expel external pathogens to relieve pain. Auricular points: Areas corresponding to the affected joints: Locate positive points;

tape both frontal

and dorsal

surfaces

to increase

stimulation. Liver, Spleen, Kiqney: soothe the liver, strengthen the spleen, and tonify the kidneys to nourish the tendons, muscles, and bones. Endocrine,

Adrenal

Gland,

Wind

Stream:

main

antirheumatism, anti-inflammation, and antiallergy points. Ear Shenmen: main point for pain relief. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle expels external pathogens to relieve pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy can effectively relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but long-term treatment should

109

be given to consolidate the results.

22. Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is caused by autoimmunity or psychic trauma resulting in thyroid enlargement and hypersecretion of thyroxin, and is marked by hyperexcitation of the sympathetic nervous system and hypermetabolism. It occurs primarily in adult females. Manifestations include irritability, trembling of the fingers and tongue, lassitude, polyphagia, emaciation, frequent defecation, aversion to heat, and profuse perspiration. Signs include mild or moderate diffuse thyroid enlargement,

tremor and vascular

murmur, premature heartbeat, paroxysmal tachycardia, auricular fibrillation, and exophthalmus. In some atypical cases, there may be

symptoms

other

than

the

usual

manifestations

of

hyperthyroidism, such as listlessness, dry or cold skin, poor appetite, or bradycardia. According to traditional Chinese medicine, hyperthyroidism is caused primarily by mental injury or improper diet leading to stagnation of the liver-qi and accumulation of phlegm in the interior.

The

protracted

combination

of

stagnant

qi

and

accumulated phlegm results in the formation of pathogenic fire which consumes the body's yin. Finally, deficiency of fire occurs due to yin deficiency. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness or deep depression with long recovery time when palpated on Neck; patchy eminence or scleroma on Liver. Therapeutic principle: Nourish yin to balance fire. 110

Auricular points: Neck: corresponds to the affected area of the body. Liver: soothes the liver to regulate the flow of qi. Spleen: strengthens the spleen to remove phlegm. Kidney: nourishes yin to reduce pathogenic fire. Endocrine, Midpoint of Rim: regulate endocrine function. Subcortex: regulates nervous and endocrine functions. Auxiliary points: For aversion to cold and profuse sweating, Syrnpathesis is added; for cardiac problems, Heart is added; for sexual dysfunction or irregular menstruation, Internal Genitals is added; for exophthalmus, Eye is added. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course.

Auricular therapy can improve the symptoms of

hyperthyroidism, but long-term treatment should be given to consolidate the results.

23. Diabetes Mellitus Diabetes mellitus is a disturbance of the carbohydrate metabolism caused by relative or absolute hypoinsulism. Typical diabetes mellitus is marked by polydipsia, polyuria, emaciation, and lassitude. Laboratory tests will reveal high blood sugar and glucose-positive urine. Accompanying manifestations may include cutaneous pruritis, frequently recurring furuncle or carbuncle, multiple neuritis, sexual dysfunction, irregular menstruation, hypertension, arterial sclerosis, and disorders of the eye. According to traditional Chinese medicine, diabetes mellitus is caused either by overindulgence in greasy or spicy food which damages the spleen and stomach, resulting in accumulation of heat 111

in the interior; by emotional injury resulting in stagnation of the liver-qi which subsequently turns into hyperactive liver-fire; or by excessive sexual activity which consumes the kidney yin. All of these factors may result in yin deficiency and subsequent production of endogenous dry-heat. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies diabetes

mellitus

according to which organs are affected. Diabetes mellitus of the Upper Jiao refers to accumulation of heat in 'the lungs, and is marked by thirst, polydipsia, dryness of the mouth and tongue, and frequent urination; diabetes mellitus of the Middle ]iao refers to accumulation of heat in the stomach and is marked by frequent hunger, polyphagia, and emaciation; diabetes mellitus of the Lower Jiao refers to yin or yang deficiency of the kidney and -1s marked by turbid, sugary urine and frequent urination. Auricular diagnosis: Eminence or whitish depression with long recovery time when palpated on Pancreas &. Gallbladder. Therapeutic principle: Rein!orce the yin fluid to moisten endogenous dry-heat. Auricular points: Pancreas &. Gallbladder: stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin and lower blood sugar. San Jiao: The mixed branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve, vagus nerve, and facial nerve pass through this area, so San Jiao is treated to directly stimulate the vagus nerve and improve insulin secretion by the pancreas. Spleen, Kidney: tonify the body fluid and ym to moisten endogenous dry-heat. Midpoint of Rim, Endocrine: regulate endocrinal function to improve insulin secretion.

112

Subcortex:

regulates digestive,

nervous,

and endocrinal

function. Auxiliary points: correspond to the location of complicating conditions. For example, for cutaneous pruritis, Wind Streain and Ear Shenmen are added; for skin infections, Adrenal Gland and areas corresponding to the affected region of the body are added. Use a1,1ricular taping, primarily on the left auricle, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course. Sterilize the auricle and press carefully in order to avoid auricular infection. Auricular therapy can both alleviate the symptoms of diabetes mellitus and lower the blood sugar. Dietary measures and administration of hypoglycemic agents should be combined with auricular therapy. In cases of insulin dependence, the insulin dosage may be gradually decreased as symptoms improve and blood sugar approaches normal levels during the course of auricular therapy.

24. Diabetes Insipidus Diabetes insipidus is a dysfunction of the system of water resorption by the renal tubules, caused by insufficient diuretic hormone.

It is marked by polyuria, thirst, polydipsea, and

hyposthenuria. It is classified into ideopathic and secondary types. The idiopathic type has no clear and definite cause, although there may be a family history of diabetes insipidus; the secondary type is caused by diseases of the hypothalamus, neurohypophysis, head injury, or infection. According to traditional Chinese medicine, diabetes insipidus is caused primarily by congenital insufficiency, weak constitution due to protracted illness, or excessive sexual activity. Mainly

113

affected are the kidneys and urinary bladder. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness or whitish depression with long recovery time when palpated on Kidney, Midpoint of Rim, and Endocrine. Therapeutic principle: Reinforce the kidneys to arrest surplus urine. Auricular points:· Kidney,

Urinary

Bladder:

reinforce

the

kidneys

and

strengthen the urinary bladder to reduce urination. Spleen, Mouth: strengthen the spleen to produce bodily fluid and reduce thirst. Midpoint of Rim: corresponds to the pituitary gland; increases secretion of antidiuretic hormone. Subcortex, Endocrine: regulate endocrinal function to increase secretion of antidiuretic hormone. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course.

Auricular therapy can effectively improve the

symptoms of idiopathic diabetes insipidus, and can also be used as an expectant treatment for secondary diabetes insipidus.

25. Enuresis Nocturna Enuresis nocturna refers to unconscious urination during sleep. It occurs primarily m children: It is caused either by improper development of the brain resulting m hypoactive micturation reflex, or by enterobiasis resulting m hyperactive micturation reflex. According to traditional Chinese medicine, enuriesis nocturna is caused primarily by deficiency of the kidney-qi resulting in lack 114

of bladder control. In addition to unconscious urination during sleep,

other

complexion,

manifestations emaciation,

include

listlessness,

poor

appetite,

sallow

or even developmental

disability. Auricular diagnosis: Moderate tenderness on Urinary Bladder, Kidney, and Lumbosacral Vertebrae. Therapeutic principle: Reinforce the kidneys to control the urinary bladder. Auricular points: Kidney, Bladder, Lumbosacral Vertebrae: correspond to the affected area of the body; reinforce the kidneys to increase bladder capacity. Subcortex, Forehead: regulate the function of the cerebral cortex to strengthen the micturation reflex. Central Rim:

corresponds to the pituitary gland;

has

antidiuretic properties. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is effective for treating enuresis nocturna caused by improper development of the brain, since it can increase stimulation of the cerebral cortex and encourage the establishment of a complete micturation reflex. For cases caused by enterobiasis, auricular therapy should be used auxiliary to etiological

treatment with antibiotics.

Auricular therapy 1s

ineffective in cases of enuresis with organic causes such as cleft spine or spinal cord injury.

115

CHAPTER EIGHT TREATMENT OF SURGICAL DISEASES AND DISORDERS 1. Acute Mastitis Acute mastitis Is an acute suppurative inflammation of the breast caused by the staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It occurs primarily in primiparae women while breast-feeding, with onset usually occuring three to four weeks after delivery. There is often a history of cracked nipple, inverted nipple,

o~

glactostasis before

onset. In the initial stage, the breast is red and swollen with localized hard and tender regions; after several days the hard inflamed mass softens and an abscess is formed. General symptoms may include high fever, chills, headache, nausea, poor appetite, and even septicemia. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acute mastitis IS caused either by mental injury leading to stagnation of the liver-qi and its subsequent transformation into hyperactive liver-fire, or by overindulgence in greasy or spicy food resulting in accumulation of heat and toxins in the stomach. The combination of toxins, heat, and milk results in redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the breast. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness or reddish eminence on Chest and Thoracic Vertebrae. Therapeutic principle: Dispel heat and toxins to alleviate swelling and relieve pain.

116

Auricular points: Chest, Thoracic Vertebrae: correspond to the affected area of the body. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Auricular areas corresponding to the breast are located between Chest and Thoracic Vertebrae and between Thoracic Vertebrae and the scaphoid fossa. Stomach: The stomach meridian distributes to the breasts, so Stomach is taped to activate the meridian and dispel heat and toxins. Liver: regulates the flow of qi. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland: main anti-inflammation points. Subcortex: regulates the nervous and endocrine functions. Ear Shenmen: main point for relieving pain. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels heat and toxins, alleviates swelling, and relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating acute mastitis.

2. Cystic Hyperplasia of the Breast Cystic hyperplasia of the breast refers to cystogenesis of the mammary tubes caused by hyperplasia and acinar epithelia. It occurs primarily in women above forty years old who have a history of irregular menstruation, infertility, or miscarriage. It is marked by periodic descending pain in the breast, aggravated by mental injury or before menstruation and alleviated after menstruation.

117

Masses in the breast occur multiply and may be circular, oval, or lobulated, with an indistinct border and adhesion to peripheral tissues. The masses may vary with the menstrual cycle and state of mind. According to traditional Chinese medicine, cystic hyperplasia of the breast is caused primarily by mental injury resulting in stagnation of the liver-qi and accumulation of phlegm in the interior. Usually affected are the liver, spleen, and stomach. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Chest; dark brown pigmentation and nodular scleroma on Thoracic Vertebrae; patchy scleroma on Liver. Therapeutic principle: Soothe the liver and strengthen the spleen to regulate the flow of qi, remove phlegm, and soften and dissolve the hard masses. Auricular points: Chest, Thoracic V ertehrae: correspond to the affected area of the body. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Auricular areas corresponding to the breast are located between Chest and Thoracic Vertebrae and between 'J'horacic Vertebrae and the scaphoid fossa. Liver: soothes the liver to regulate the flow of q1 and strengthen the spleen. ·. Stomach: The stomach meridian passes through the breasts, so Stomach is taped to activate the stomach meridian and dissolve the masses. Endocrine, Midpoint of Rim, Internal Genitals, Subcortex: regulate nervous and endocrine function. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week.

118

Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating cystic hyperplasia of the breast.

3. Cholecystitis Cholecystitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the gallbladder. The acute type is marked by sudden persistent pain in the right upper abdomen with paroxysmal exacerbation and radiation to the right shoulder and back, usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. It occurs primarily in middle-aged women and is usually induced by overindulgence in greasy food. There is usually a history of acute cholecystitis in cases of

~hronic

cholecystitis. The manifestations of an acute attack of chronic cholecystitis are similar to those of acute cholecystitis.

The

remission stage of chronic cholecystitis is marked by distension and discomfort in the upper abdomen after eating, belching, and aversion to greasy food, usually accompanied by dull pain in the right shoulder and back which is aggravated by standing, motion, or cold showers. Traditional

Chinese

medicine

classifies

cholecystitis

as

hypochondriac pain, and considers it to be caused by exogenous or endogenous damp-heat leading to dampness and heat in the gallbladder and liver and subsequent discoordination between the stomach and spleen. Auricular diagnosis:

Severe tenderness on Pancreas

&

Gallbladder for acute cholecystitis and acute attack of chronic cholecystitis;

'

streaky

or

patchy

emmence on

Pancreas

&.

Gallbladder for chronic cholecystitis. Therapeutic principle: Dispel damp-heat and soothe the liver 119

and gallbladder. Auricular points: Pancreas &. Gallbladder: correspond to the affected organs. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Concentrate on treating the right auricle. Liver: soothes the liver and gallbladder. Abdomen, Thoracic Vertebrae: Locate positive points; tape both frontal and. dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. The Thoracic Vertebrae positive point is usually found between Thoracic Vertebrae and the scaphoid fossa. Spleen, Stomach: strengthen the spleen and stomach to transport and transform water and dampness. San Jiao: dispels damp-heat. Root of Ear Vagus: shown in clinical practice to be effective for treating cholecystitis. Endocrine: regulates the endocrine function. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels damp-heat. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week, Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is effective for treating both acute and chronic cholecystitis.

4. Pancreatitis Pancreatitis refers to acute or chronic inflammation of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis is caused by pancreatic secretions which overflow from the

pancr~atic

duct, resulting in inflammation

of the pancreas and its peripheral tissues. Acute pancreatitis is

120

marked by suddenly occurring, persistent stabbing pain in the left upper abdomen, with paroxysmal exacerbation and radiation to the lumbar region, back, and left shoulder, usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, profuse perspiration, and even tenamy or toxic shock. It occurs primarily in young peopie and adults, and is usually induced by biliary ascariasis, roundworm, overindulgence in food or alcohol, or mental injury. Chronic pancreatitis is marked by frequently recurring severe pain in the upper abdomen, radiating to the lumbar region, back, and left shoulder, and usually lasting for four to five hours. During the remission stage there may be no symptoms or minor dull pain in the upper abdomen. Some cases are marked by protracted, persistant, gradually-worsening pain in the upper abdomen, while others may have no pain at all. Chronic pancreatitis occurs mainly in middle-aged people, and more often in males than in females. Alcoholics and those with a history of cholecystitis, cholangitis, cholelithiasis, or acute pancreatitis are at high risk for chronic pancreatitis. Traditional

Chinese

medicine

classifies

pancreatitis

as

abdominal pain, and considers it to be caused primarily by overindulgence in food or alcohol or by mental injury leading to obstruction of qi and blood in the interior. Auricular diagnosis: For acute pancreatitis, severe tenderness on Pancreas &. Gallbladder and Abdomen; for chronic pancreatitis, moderate or severe tenderness or patchy eminence on Pancreas &. Gallbladder. Therapeutic principle: Regulate the flow of qi to relieve pain. Auricular points: Pancreas & Gallbladder: correspond to the affected organs. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to

121

increase stimulation. Concentrate on treating the left auricle. Spleen, Stomach: regulate the spleen and stomach. Sa'n Jiao: regulates the flow of qi to relieve pain. Abdomen, Center of Superior Concha: relieve abdominal pain. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland: relieve inflammation. Ear Shenmen, Sympathesis: relieve pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is only an auxiliary treatment for acute pancreatitis; other measures should be undertaken concurrently.

5. Appendicitis Appendicitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the appendix. Acute appendicitis is marked in the initial stage by shifting abdominal pain, starting in the upper abdomen or umbilical region and moving after several hours to the right lower abdomen and becoming persistent with paroxysmal exacerbation. A small number of cases may experience pain in the right lower abdomen at onset.

Other manifestations include nausea,

vomiting,

poor

appetite, constipation, diarrhea, and fever. Chronic appendicitis is marked by frequently recurring or persistent dull pain in the right lower abdomen, usually induced or aggravated by exertion or improper diet, and accompanied by distending pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, constipation, or frequent defecation. There is often a history of acute appendicitis. Traditional

Chinese

medicine

classifies

appendicitis

as

abdominal pain, and considers it to be caused primarily by exogenous cold or improper diet resulting in obstruction of qi and

122

blood in the abdomen. Auricular diagnosis: For acute appendicitis, severe tenderness on Appendix and Abdomen; for chronic appendicitis, severe tenderness on abdomen and whitish spotty eminence with scleroma on Appendix. Therapeutic principle: Regulate the flow of qt to relieve pain. Auricular points: Appen:dix, Abdomen: correspond to the affected region of the body. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Liver: soothes the liver-qi to relieve pain. Spleen, Stomach: regulate the spleen and stomach. San Jiao, Center of Superior Concha: regulate the flow of qi to relieve abdominal pain. Ear Shenmen, Sympathesis: main points for relieving pain. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland: relieve inflammation. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle relieves inflammation and pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is suitable for treating acute simple appendicitis and chronic appendicitis.

6. Cholelithiasis Cholelithiasis, or gall stones , is a commonly seen acute abdomenal condition. The formation of stones in the gallbladder or biliary ducts is due primarily to cholestasis, infection of the biliary tract, or metabolic disturbance of cholesteral. It occurs mainly in

123

middle-aged people, and more often in females than in males. There is usually a history of frequently recurring and persistent dull pain in the upper abdomen. During remission, there may be no symptoms or mild dull pain in the right upper abdomen; during the active stage, manifestations differ according to the location of the stones. The most common symptom is paroxysmal colicky pain in the right upper abdomen radiating to the right shoulder. Other commonly seen symptoms include aversion to greasy food, nausea, vomiting, bitter taste in the mouth, poor appetite, and fever. Traditional

Chinese

medicine

classifies

cholelithiasis

as

hypochondriac pain. It is considered to be caused by mental injury, exogenous damp-heat, or overindulgence in greasy food, leading to stagnation of the liver-qi and dampness and heat in the liver and gallbladder. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness, spotty eminence, or nodular scleroma on Pancreas &. Gallbladder. Therapeutic principle: Soothe the liver and gallbladder to relieve pain; dispel damp-heat to discharge stones. Auricular points: Pancreas &. Gallbladder, Liver, Chest, Abdomen, Thoracic Vertebrae: correspond to the affected regions of the body. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and· dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. San Jiao: dispels damp-heat and relieves pain. Sympathesis, Subcortex: regulate the nervous system to alleviate spasm of the smooth muscles and relieve pain. Duodenum: promotes discharge of stones. Ear Shenmen, Root of Ear Vagus: alleviate spasm of the smooth muscles to relieve pain.

124

Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels damp-heat and relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipu,lation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular self-massage or pressure can also be practiced when pain occurs, or twice a day during the remission stage.

Auricular therapy can effectively relieve the pain of

cholelithia'sis and improve other symptoms as well. Discharge of the stones depends upon their size, shape, and location.

7. Cystitis Cystitis is an acute bacterially caused inflammation of the internal wall of the urinary bladder. Acute cystitis is marked by sudden onset of lower abdominal pain and frequent, dripping, and painful urination, accompanied by macroscopic blood in the urine and pyuria. Frequency of urination is higher during the day than at night. The manifestations of chronic cystitis are similar to or milder than those of acute cystitis, and recur frequently. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies cystitis as a Lin syndrome, and considers it to be caused by exogenous or endogenous damp-heat which descends and accumulates in the Lower ]iao. Auricular diagnosis: For acute cystitis, severe tenderness on Urinary Bladder and Urethra; tender~ or

for

chronic cystitis,

severe

nodular scleroma on Urinary Bladder.

Therapeutic principle: Dispel heat and remove dampness. Auricular points: Urinary Bladder, Urethra, Abdomen, Pelvis: correspond to

125

the affected regions of the body. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Kidney: tonifies the kidneys to drain dampness. Spleen: strengthens the spleen to transport and transform water and dampness. San Jiao: dispels heat and removes dampness. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland: relieve inflammation. Ear Shenmen: relieves pain. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels heat and relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating cystitis.

8. Epididymitis Epididymitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the epididymides caused primarily by urogenital infection spreading to the epididymides through the spermatic ducts. Acute epididymides occurs mainly in young people and adults, usually unilaterally. It is marked by sudden swelling and sinking pain in the affected testicle, the pain radiating to the lower abdomen and groin. Accompanying general symptoms include chills and fever. Chronic epididymides is marked by persistent dull pain and sinking sensation in the affected testicle, with periodic acute attacks. There is usually a history of chronic prostatitis, acute epididymitis, or long-term indwelling catheter. According to traditional Chinese medicine, epididymitis ts

126

caused primarily by exogenous or endogenous damp-heat which descends and accumulates in the Lower Jiao. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Internal Genitals and External Genitals. Therapeutic principle: Dispel damp-heat. Auricular points: Internal Genitals, External Genitals: correspond to the affected a~ea of the body. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Pelvis, Abdomen: relieve pain in the lower abdomen. Liver: The liver meridian connects with the external genitals, so Liver is taped to activate the liver meridian qi. San Jiao: dispels damp-heat. Kidney: The kidneys open into both the external genitals and the anus, so Kidney is taped to dispel damp-heat. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland, Apex of Antitragus: relieve inflammation. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels damp-heat and relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating epididymitis. This method is also suitable for treating spermophlebectasia and hydrocele of the tunica vaginalis.

9. Prostatitis Prostatitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the prostate gland. Acute prostatitis occurs mainly in young people and adults

127

and is marked by frequent, painful, or dripping urination, sudden high fever, chills, and distending or severe pain in the lumbosacral region and perinium. It is usually caused by overindulgence in alcohol, excessive sexual activity or suppression of ejaculation, injury of the perinium, acute urethritis, or the common cold. Chronic prostatitis is marked by increased frequency of urination, burning sensation during urination, turbid terminal urine, and sinking pain in the lumbosacral region, perinium, and scrotum. It may be accompanied by sexual dysfunction including pain during ejaculation or impotence, and neurosism. There is usually a history o£ ?""te prostatitis. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies prostatitis as a Lin syndrome. It is considered to be caused primarily by accumulation of damp-heat in the Lower }iao leading to stagnation of qi. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Angle of Superior Concha and Urethra. Therapeutic principle: Dispel damp-heat to regulate the flow of qi and relieve pain. Auricular points: Angle of Superior Concha, Urethra: correspond to the affected region of the body. Tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Kidney, San }iao: drain water to dispel damp-heat. Liver: The liver meridian passes through the external genitals and lower abdomen, so raping Liver activates this meridian and relieves pain. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland: relieve inflammation. Ear Shenmen: relieves pain. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a

128

three-edged needle dispels damp-heat and relieves pain. Auxiliary points: For pain in the lower abdomen, Abdomen and Pelvis are added; for pain in the lumbosacral region, Lumbosacral Vertebrae is added; for pain in the perineum and external

genitals,

External

Genitals

is

added;

for

sexual

dysfunction, Internal Genitals is added; for neurosism, Anterior Lobe is added. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating prostatitis.

10. Hyperplasia of the Prostate Hyperplasia of the prostate is a common problem of older men, and is also a common cause of such disorders as retention of unne, urinary tract infection, and uremia. It is marked in the initial stage by frequent urination, more severe at night and worsening over time. As the condition develops, difficulty in urination, weak urinary stream, urinary stuttering, or interrupted urination may occur. In the advanced stage, there may be acute urinary retention or incontinence. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies hyperplasia of the prostate as a Lin syndrome. It is considered to be caused by deficiency of the kidney-qi and accumulation of damp-heat in the Lower Jiao. The combination' of deficient antipathogenic qi and excessive pathogens results in the protracted course of the disease. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness or nodular scleroma on Angle of Superior Concha and Urethra.

129

Therapeutic principle: Tonify the kidney-qi and drain water. Auricular points: Angle of Superior Concha, Urethra: correspond to the affected region of the body. Kidney: tonifies the kidney-qi to drain urine. San ]iao: drains water and dispels damp-heat. Liver: The liver meridian passes through the external genitals and lower abdomen, so Liver is taped to activate this meridian and promote drainage of water. Endocrine,

Subcortex:

regulate

endocrine

and

nervous

functions. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course.

Auricular therapy can control and alleviate the

symptoms of hyperplasia of the prostate, especially in the initial stage, but a radical cure is difficult to achieve.

11. Hemorrhoids Hemorrhoids refers to venous masses caused by backflow obstruction of the hemorrhoidal veins resulting in dilation and varicosity of the submucosal venous plexus of the blind end of the rectum and the submucosal venous plexus of the anal· canal. It is classified into three types according to the location of the venous :rp.asses. Internal hemorrhoids are marked by bleeding during defecation, prolapse of the hemorrhoids, or severe pain when complicated by infection. External hemorrhoids are marked by the sensation of a foreign body in the anus, and severe pain aggravated by· defecation, walking, or sitting, any of which may cause thrombosis or splitting

130

of the hemorrhoidal veins to occur. Mixed hemorrhoids have characteristics of both internal and external hemorrhoids, but the condition is more severe than either alone. According to traditional Chinese medicine, hemorrhoids are caused primarily by overindulgence in spicy or greasy food, or by protracted diarrhea or constipation, resulting in stagnation of qi and blood

~nd

subsequent injury of the collaterals of the anus.

Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness or nodular scleroma on Anus and Rectum. Therapeutic principle: Regulate the flow of qi and blood to relieve pain. Auricular points: Anus, Rectum: correspond to the affected regions of the body. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation .. Large

Intestine:

improves

transportation m

the

Large

Intestine. Liver: regulates the flow of qi and blood. '

Spleen: controls the flow of blood in the meridians and collaterals to arrest bleeding. Urinary Bladder: The urinary bladder meridian connects with the anus, so Urinary Bladder is taped to activate the meridian qi and improve blood circulation to relieve pain. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland: relieve inflammation. Subcortex: regulates the nervous and circulatory functions. Ear Shenmen: relieves inflammation and pain. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels heat and relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and blood-

131

letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. This method is also suitable for treating prolapse of the anus, anal fissure, and eczema of the anus.

12. Pyelonephritis Pyelonephritis is a bacterially caused suppurative inflammation of the renal pelvis and adjacent parenchyma. It is classified into acute and chronic types. The acute type is marked by sudden onset of pain in the lumbar and lower abdominal regions, accompanied by frequent, painful, and dripping urination.

General symptoms

include chills, fever, headache, heaviness of the body, lassitude, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. The chronic type usually develops from the acute. It is marked during onset by symptoms similar to or milder than those of acute pyelonephritis, including frequent, painful, and dripping urination, and pain in the lumbar and lower abdominal regions. During the remission stage, there are no obvious symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies pyelonephritis as a Lin syndrome, and considers it to be caused primarily by exogenous or endogenous damp-heat which descends and accumulates in the Lower }iao. Mainly affected are the kidneys and urinary bladder. Auricular tenderness

on

pyelonephritis,

diagnosis: Kidney

For and

acute Urinary

severe tenderness

pyelonephritis, Bladder;

for

severe chronic

and depression with long

recovery time when palpated on Kidney and Urinary Bladder. Therapeutic principle: Dispel heat and remove dampness. Auricular points: Kidney, Urinary Bladder, Ureter, Urethra, Lumbosacral

132

Vertebrae: all correspond to the affected regions of the body. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Spleen: strengthens the spleen to transport and transform dampness. San Jiao: dispels heat and removes dampness. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland: relieve inflammation. Ear Shenmen: tranquilizes the mind and relieves pain. Apex of the Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels heat and relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is effective for treating both acute and chronic pyelonephritis, but extended treatment should be given in order to consolidate the results.

13. Urinary Stones Urinary stones occur in the urinary tract, including the kidneys, urinary bladder, ureters, and urethra. Nephrolithiasis, or kidney stones, are marked by persistent dull pain or paroxysmal colicky pain in the lumbar region, radiating to the back and lower abdomen.

Ureterolithiasis, or urter

stones~

are marked by

paroxysmal, severe, colicky pain, radiating downward along the ureters to the perineum and medial side of the thighs, usually accompanied by restlessness, nausea, vomiting, and profuse perspiration. Both kidney and ureter stones occur primarily in men twenty to forty years old. Usually only one side is affected. The presence of stones in the urethra or bladder is marked by dripping 133

or interrupted urination, accompanied by pain and blood in the urine. The pain may radiate to the perineum and glans of the penis or clitoris. Acute retention of urine may occur if there are stones blocking the urethra. Bladder and urethral stones occur primarily in boys younger than ten years old and older men with prostate hyperplagia. Urinary stones are referred to as Stone Lin in traditional Chinese

medicine.

They

are

considered

to

be

caused

by

accumulation of damp-heat in the Lower Jiao which consumes the yin fluid of the body and vaporizes the urine, resulting in the formation of stones. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on areas corresponding to the affected organs. Therapeutic principle: Promote urination to relieve pain and discharge stones. Auricular points: Kidney, Ureter, Urinary Bladder, Urethra: correspond to the affected organs. Select points according to the location of the stones;

tape both frontal

and dorsal surfaces to increase

stimulation. Abdomen, Lumbosacral Vertebrae: relieve pain in the lower abdomen and lumbosacral region. San }iao: promotes the passage of water to dispel damp-heat and discharge stones. Sympathesis: relieves colicky pain in the internal organs. Ear Shenmen : relieves pain. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels damp-heat and relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and blood-

134

letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular selfmassage or pressure can be applied when colicky pain occurs, or twice a · day to prevent attacks. Auricular therapy is very effective for alleviating the pain of urinary stones; in many cases the pain is relieved by the end of the treatment session. The discharge of stones depends primarily on their shape and location.

14. Seminal Emission Seminal emission refers to ejaculation in the male without sexual intercourse. Seminal emission that occurs while asleep and dreaming is called oneirogmus; spontaneous seminal emission that occurs while awake is called spermatorrhea. It is normal for healthy men to experience oneirogmus several times a month, but several times a week or every night is considered excessive. Excessive seminal emission is usually accompanied by weakness and soreness of the back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, lassitude, and poor memory. According to traditional Chinese medicine, oneirogmus 1s caused by mental InJury or excessive masturbation leading to imbalance between the heart and kidneys. It is marked by seminal emission while dreaming, insomnia, restlessness, palpitation, dry mouth, night sweating, and the sensation of heat in the palms and soles. Spermatorrhea is considered to be caused by excessive sexual activity or weak constitution after protracted illness, leading to deficiency of the kidney essence. It is marked by spontaneous seminal emission while awake, accompanied by soreness and weakness of the back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, poor memory,

135

spontaneous sweating, and coldness of the extremities. Auricular diagnosis: Deep depression with long recovery time when palpated on Kidney and Internal Genitals. Therapeutic principle: Harmonize the heart and kidneys and tonify the kidneys to arrest sperm. Auricular points: K~dney:

tonifies -the kidneys to arrest sperm.

Liver: soothes the liver-qi to regulate the emotions. Spleen, · Stomach: strengthen the spleen and stomach to increase acquired essence. Subcortex: regulates the central nervous function. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: calm the mind. Auxiliary point: For seminal emission while dreaming, Heart and Anterior Lobe are added. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular self-massage and pressure may also be practiced twice a day. This method is also suitable for treating premature ejaculation.

15. Impotence Impotence is a common male sexual dysfunction caused by functional disturbance of the central nervous system or organic disease. It is marked by inability to achieve or maintain an erection, making sexual intercourse problematic.

Other manifestations

include dizziness, blurred vision, lassitude, listlessness, insomnia, and night or spontaneous sweating. According to traditional Chinese medicine , impotence is caused primarily by excessive masturbation or excessive sexual activity

136

leading to decline of fire from the Gate of Life, or by mental injury which damages the heart and spleen or disturbs the kidneys. Auricular

diagnosis:

Moderate

tenderness

or

whitish

depression with long recovery time when palpated on Internal Genitals and External Genitals. Therapeutic principle: Reinforce the kidneys and strengthen yang. Auricul~r points:

Internal Genitals, External Genitals: correspond to the affected regions of the body. Kidney: The kidneys open into the external genitals and dominate reproduction, so Kidney is taped to activate the kidneyyang. Liver: The liver meridian connects with the external genitals, so Liver is taped to activate the liver meridian and regulate the flow of qi and blood. Heart, Spleen: strengthen the spleen and nourish the heart to calm the mind. Midpoint of Rim, Endocrine: regulate endocrine function. Subcortex, Forehead: harmonize excitement and inhibition of the central nervous system. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course.

Auricular self-massage and pressur~ can also be

practiced twice a day. Auricular therapy is very suitable for treating impotence because of its effectiveness in regulating functional disturbance of the central nervous system.

137

16. Cervical Spondylopathy Cervical

spondylopathy

is

caused

by

degeneration · and

hyperosteogeny of the cervical intervertebral discs, resulting in compression of the cervical root nerves or spinal cord. It occurs primarily in people over forty years old. There is often a history of cervical

trauma, strain, or

stiff

neck.

Clinically, cervical

spondylopathy is marked by persisent stabbing pain in the cervical region and shoulder, often radiating to one or both arms and wors~ning

at night. It is aggravated by backwa,.rd bending of the

neck and coughing, and alleviated by lying· down or lifting the shoulders. Additional manifestations include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, numbness of the forearms and fingers, and pain in the anterior pectoral region. According

to

traditional

Chinese

medicine,

cer.vical

spondylopathy is caused by internal deficiency of the liver and kidneys and external trauma or invasion by wind-cold or winddamp. The combination of internal and external factors results in obstruction of qi and blood and insufficient nourishment of the muscles and bones. Auricular diagnosis: In the initial stage, severe tenderness on Cervical Vertebrae; in the advanced stage, streaky eminence or nodular scleroma on Cervical Vertebrae. Therapeutic principle: Tonify the liver and kidneys; clear and activate the meridians and collaterals. Auricular points: Cervical Vertebrae: corresponds to the affected area of the body. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces

138

to increase stimulation. Liver, Kidney: The liver nourishes the tendons and the kidneys the bones, so Liver and Kidney are taped to strengthen the tendons and bones. Ear Shenmen : main point for relieving pain. Auxiliary points: For dizziness, Occiput is added; for nausea and

vomitin~,

Cardia is added; for numbness and pain of the arms

and fingers, positive points on the scaphoid fossa are added. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course.

Auricular therapy can effectively alleviate the

symptoms of cervical spondylopathy, but achieving a radical cure is difficult.

17. Costal Chondritis Costal chondritis is a chronic nonspecific inflammation of the costal cartilage. It occurs primarily in young people and adults, and is usually induced by chest trauma or infection of the respiratory tract. Usually affected is the costal cartilage of the second and third ribs.

'

Manifestations include swelling and

eminence of the affected costal cartilage and persistent dull pain aggravated by coughing, deep breathing, or movement of the chest or shoulders.

The pain may spontaneously disappear after

approximately one month, but recurs easily. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies costal chondritis as hypochondriac pain, and considers it to be caused by trauma, ... exogenous pathogens, or mental injury, which result in stagnation of qi and blood in the chest and hypochondriac region. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Chest and Thoracic

139

Vertebrae. Therapeutic principle: Clear and activate the meridians and collaterals to alleviate swelling and relieve pain. Auricular points: Chest, Thoracic Vertebrae: con-::spond to the affected area of the body. Locate posititve points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Sensitive points are usually found between Thoracic Vertebrae and the scaphoid fossa. Liver, Pancreas &. Gallbladder: Both liver and gallbladder meridians pass through the chest and hypochondriac region, so these points are taped to clear and activate the meridians and collaterals. Kidney: The kidneys nourish the bones and the kidney meridian passes 'through the chest, so Kidney is taped to activate the kidney meridian , nourish the bones , and relieve pain. Ear Shenmen: main point for relieving pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating costal chondritis.

18. Scapulohumeral Periarthritis Scapulohumeral

periarthritis · ts

a

chronic

retrograde

inflammation of the soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and joint capsules, peripheral to the shoulder joint. It occurs primarily in people above fifty years old, and more often in females than in males. It is marked by pain and limited abduction, outward rotation, backward extension, and raising of the shoulder joint. The pain may radiate to the neck and upper arm, and lessens during the

140

day and worsens at night. In severe cases, the shoulder joint may become completely frozen, with resulting atrophy of the shoulder muscles. According to traditional Chinese medicine, scapulohumeral periarthritis is caused by internal deficiency of qi and blood and external invasion by wind-cold, trauma, or strain. The combination of internal and external factors results in obstruction of qi and blood in the meridians and insufficient nourishment of the tendons and muscles. Auricular diagnosis: In the initial stage, severe tenderness on Shoulder; in the advanced stage, patchy eminence or streaky scleroma on Shoulder. Therapeutic principle: Clear and activate the meridians and collaterals to relieve pain; tonify the qi and blood to nourish the tendons. Auricular points: Shoulder, Clavicle: correspond to affected area of the body. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Small Intestine, Large Jntestine, San ]iao: The meridians of these three organs distribute to the shoulder, so these points are taped to activate the meridians and relieve pain. Liver ,Spleen ,Kidney: These three organs nourish the tendons, so these points are taped to nourish the tendons and muscles and lubricate the shoulder joint. Ear Shenmen: main point for pain relief. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, concentrating on the affected side, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy can effectively relieve the pain of

141

scapulohumeral periarthritis, but extended treatment should be given to improve movement of the shoulder joint.

19. External Humeral Epicondylitis External humeral epicondylitis, commonly called tennis elbow, ts caused by sprain or strain of the base of the carpal extensor muscle. It occurs mainly in young people and adults; carpenters and tennis players are at especially high risk for this condition. External humeral epicondylitis is marked by pain on the lateral side of the elbow joint, usually radiating to the lateral side of the forearm or shoulder and aggravated when making a fist or wringing a towel. There is severe tenderness on the external humeral epicondyle, but no sweliing or impairment of joint movement. According to traditional Chinese medicine, external humeral epicondylitis is caused primarily by strain of the· elbow leading to localized obstruction of qi and blood. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Elbow. Therapeutic principle: Clear and activate the meridians and collaterals. Auricular points: Elbow: corresponds to the affected area of the body. Locate tender points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. San Jiao: The San Jiao meridian distributes to the lateral humeral epicondyle, so San Jiao is taped to clear and activate the meridians and collaterals. Liver: The liver nourishes the tendons, so Liver is taped to strengthen the t.endons.

142

Ear Shenmen: relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating lateral humeral epicondylitis; in many cases two or three treatments are sufficient to relieve the pain. However, several additional treatments should be give to consolidate the results.

20. Stiff

Neck

Stiff neck refers to rigidity, pain, and-limited movement of the neck due to improper sleeping position, strain, sprain, or attack by wind-cold. It usually occurs in the morning upon arising. It is marked by rigidity of the neck and pain which usually radiates to the homolateral shoulder and upper arm, accompanied by muscular tension of the neck, severe tenderness on the medial angle of the scapula, and impairment of movement of ,the neck. According to traditional Chinese medicine, stiff neck is caused by obstruction of qi and blood in the meridians due to invasion of the neck by wind-cold, improper sleepiDJg position, or use of an overly thick pillow. Usually affected are the small intestine, gallbladder, and urinary bladder meridians. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Neck. Therapeutic principle: Activate the· meridians to relieve pain. Auricular points: Neck: corresponds to the affected region of the body; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Liver, Spleen: The liver nourishes the tendons and the spleen the muscles, so Liver and Spleen are taped to alleviate pain of the 143

tendons and muscles. Small Intestine, Pancreas & Gallbladder, Urinary Bladder: the meridians of these three organs pass through the neck, so these points are taped to activate their corresponding meridians. Ear Shenmen: relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricuiar therapy can effectively relieve the pain and rigidity of stiff neck.

21. Acute Soft Tissue Injury Acute soft tissue injury refers to sprain or contusion of the soft tissues, including the muscles, tendons ,ligaments ,or joint capsules. It usually occurs on the shoulder, elbow, wrist, fingers, lumbus,

hip, knee, or ankle. Manifestations include swelling, pain, and impaired joint movement. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acute soft tissue injury is caused by external trauma or improper motion resulting in .damage to the tendons and meridians, with subsequent localized . obstruction of qi and- blood. Auri<:ular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on areas corresponding to the injured regions. Therapeutic principle: Activate the

meridian~

to alleviate

swelling and relieve pain. Auricular points: Area:- corresponding to the injured regions: regulate the flow of qi and blood. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surface to increase stimulation. Ear Shenmen: main point for relieving pain.

144

Liver: nourishes the tendons and regulates the flow of qi to relieve pain. Spleen: nourishes the muscles; produces and reinforces qi and blood. Heart: improves the circulation of blood. Use auricular taping vvith strong manipulation, once every other day. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating acute soft tissue injury. In many cases one treatment is sufficient to relieve the acute symptoms.

22. Lumbar Muscle Strain Lumbar muscle strain refers to chronic lower back pain.· It is marked by intermittent or persistent soreness, pain, and heaviness in the lumbar region, alleviated after appropriate movement and aggravated by extended sitting or standing or cold and ramy weather. There is usually a history of acute lumbar sprain, work involving extensive standing or bending, or invasion by wind-cold or cold-damp. According to traditional Chinese medicine; lumbar muscle strain is caused by external trauma, or by internal deficiency of antipathogenic qi and external invasion by wind-cold or cold-damp, resulting in obstruction of qi and blood in the meridians. Auricular diagnosis: :severe

tenderness

on

Lumbosacral

Vertebrae and Kidney. Therapeutic principle: Reinforce anti pathogenic qi a·nd clear and activate the meridians and collaterals. Auricular points: Lumbosacral Vertebrae 1 The most tender point is usually 145

located between the crest of the antihelix and the scaphoid fossa. Tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Kidney: The kidney is connected with the lumbus, so Kidney is taped to strengthen tht lumbus. Urinary Bladder: The urinary bladder meridian distributes to the lumbus, so Urinary Bladder. is taped to clear and activate the meridians and collaterals. Liver, Spleen: nourish and strengthen the tendons and muscles. Ear Shenmen: main point for relieving pain. Use auricular taping, twice a week .. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular self-massage and pressure can be practiced twice a day as well. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating lumbar muscle strain.

23. Postconcussional Syndrome Concussion of the brain is caused by cephalic trauma resulting in temporary loss of consciousness, with poor memory, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness present after recovery. In some cases, distending or pulsating headache or a girdling sensation in the head may persist for up to three months after trauma. Other symptoms may include dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, hypomnesis; and insomnia. Traditional Chinese medicine categorizes postconcussional syndrome as headache, vertigo, or insomnia, and considers it to be caused by cephalic trauma leading to stagnation of qi and blood and imbalance of yin and yang. Auricular Diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Subcortex and areas

146

corresponding to the injuried regions. Therapeutic Principle: Regulate the movement of qi and blood and harmonize yin and yang. Auricular Points: Areas corresponding to the injuried regions: Tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation: Kidney: tonifies the kidney to stimulate the production of marrow. Liver: soothes the liver-qi and circulates the movement of blood to relieve pain and stop dizziness. Ear Shenmen,Subcortex: tranquilize the mind and relieve pain. Apex of Ear: Blooding-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle calms the mind. Auxiliary Points: For tinnitus, Internal Ear is added; for nausea and ·vomiting, Cardia and Stomach are added; for insomnia, Anterior Lobe is added. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. The sooner treatment is given, the better the results will be.

24. Facial Spasm Facial spasm is an involuntary, paroxysmal spasm of the unilateral facial muscles. Although some cases are sequela of facial paralysis, most do not have a clear and definite cause. The spasm usually originates in the orbicular muscle of the eye and gradually spreads to its homolateral facial muscles. Spasm of the angle of the mouth is most apparent. The spasm may spontaneously stop after

147

sleep, but in some cases it persists. According to traditional Chinese medicine, facial spasm is caused either by exogenous wind-cold which affects the stomach and large intestine meridians and obstructs the flow of qi and blood, by mental injury which disturbs the flow of qi in the meridians, or by yin deficiency of the liver and kidney which produces endogenous wind. -Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness or patchy eminence or scleroma on Cheek. Therapeutic principle: Expel wind to arrest spasm. Auricular points:Cheek, Eye, Mouth: correspond to the affected areas of the body. Tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Large Intestine, Stomach: Both the large intestine and stomach meridians distribute to the face ,so these points are taped to activate the meridians to expel wind and arrest spasm. Spleen: nourishes the facial muscles to arrest spasm. San Jiao: The mixed branches of the glossopharyngeal , vagus , and facial ner_ves pass through this auricular area, so San Jiao is taped to alleviate facial spasm. Subcortex: tranquilizes the mind. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: calm the mind. Auxiliary points: For facial spasm caused by mental injury, Liver and Gallbladder are added; for facial spasm caused by yin deficiency of the liver and kidney, Liver and Kidney are added. Use auricular taping, concentrating on the affected side, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy can effectively relieve facial spasm by regulating excitiation and inhibition of both the central and autonomic nervous systems.

148

25. Intercostal Neuralgia Intercostal neuralgia refers to pain in one or more intercostal spaces caused by inflammation of the intercostal nerves. It is caused mainly by pleuritis, pneumonia, costal chondritis, herpes zoster, or chest trauma resulting in inflammation of the intercostal nerves. It is marked· py persistent stabbing pain along the pathway of the affected intercostal nerves, radiating to the lumbar region ·of the affected side and aggravated by coughing or deep breathing. Localized hyperesthesia and tenderness are also present. · Intercostal neuragia is classified as ,hypochondriac pain in traditional Chinese medicine. It· is considered to be caused by stress, trauma, or exogenous pathogens which result in stagnation of qi and blood in the chest and hypochondriac region. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Chest and Thoracic Vertebrae. Therapeutic Principle: Clear and activate the meridians and collaterals to relieve pain. Auricular points: Chest, Thoracic Vertebrae: correspond to the affected region of the body. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Liver, Pancreas & Gasllbladder: The liver and gallbladder meridians pass through the chest and hypochondriac region, so these points are taped to clear and activate the meridians and collaterals. · Ear Shenmen, Subcortex: tranquilize the mind to relieve pain. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a

149

three-edged needle dispels heat and relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy can effectively relieve the pain of intercostal neuralgia.

26. TrigePl.inal Neuralgia Trigeminal neuralg'i~ refers to transient paroxysmal megalgia of the trigeminal nerve pathway. It occcurs mainly in adults and more often in females than in males. Usually affected are the second and third branches of the trigeminal nerve; the first branch is rarely involved. Trigeminal neuralgia is marked by sudden onset of stabbing or burning pain along the pathway of the affected nerve, usually evoked by speaking, chewing, washing the face, brushing the teeth, catching cold, or touching "trigger points" on the face. Other

manifestations

lacrimation.

include

facial

spasm, salivation, and

The pain usually spontaneously disappears after

several seconds or minutes, with no discomfort between episodes. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies trigeminal neuralgia as toothache and headache. It is-"·considered to be caused either by invasion of wind-cold or wind-heat or by flaring-up of the liverfire, obstructing the flow of qi and blood and resulting in pain in the teeth and face. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness or patchy eminence on Cheek, Jaw, and Teeth. Therapeutic principle: Activate the meridians to relieve pain. Auricular points: Cheek,Jaw, Teeth :correspond to the affected area of the body.

150

Tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. San Jiao: dispels heat and relieves pain. Subcortex: regulates the central nervous function. External Ear, External Nose: correspond to the location of the trigeminal nerve pathway. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind and relieve pain. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three edged-needle dispels heat and relieves pain. Auxiliary points: For trigeminal neuralgia caused by flaring-up of the liver-fire, Liver and Gallbladder are added; for trigeminal neuralgia caused by flaring-up of the stomach-fire, Stomach and Large Intestine are added. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, concentrating on the affected side, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy can effectively relieve the pain of trigeminal neuralgia; in some cases the pain may be alleviated by the end of the treatment session.

27. Scia tic a Sciatica is a commonly occuring lumbocrural pain frequently seen in clinical practice. It is marked by stabbing or burning pain

.

radiating along the pathway of the sciatic nerve, aggravated by walking, bending, qr coughing. Usually only one side is affected. Sciatica is classified into primary and secondary types. Primary sciatica is caused by infection affecting the sciatic nerve itself; secondary sciatica is caused by disease or disorder of the tissues adjacent to the sciatic nerve, such as prolapse of the lumbar

151

intervertebral disc, sacroiliitis, coxitis, or pelvic infection. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies sciatica as a Bi syndrome. It is considered to be caused either by exogenous windcold or cold-damp, or by trauma resulting in stagnation of qi and blood in the meridians. Usually affected are the meridians of the gallbladder and the urinary bladder. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Sciatic Nerve, Lumbosacral Vertebrae, and Buttock. Therapeutic principle: Clear and activate the meridians and collaterals to relieve pain. Auricular points: Sciatic Nerve, Lumbosacral Vertebrae, Buttock: correspond to the affected regions of the body. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Urinary Bladder, Gallbladder: clear and activate the meridians to relieve pain. Kidney: The kidneys are internally and externally connected with the urinary bladder and the lumbus, so Kidney is taped to reinforce the kidney-qi and strengthen the lumbus. Ear Shenmen: main point for pain relief. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course.

Auricular therapy IS

especially effective for treating primary sciatica.

In cases of

secondary sciatica, treatment of the primary cause should be undertaken concurrently.

28. Calcaneodynia Calcaneodynia Is a common manifestation of vanous heel

152

disorders, including calcaneal spur, calcaneal bursitis, epiphysisis of the calcaneum, and calcanei tis. It is marked by pain in the calcaneal region, aggravated by walking or standing. There is usually a tender point on the tuberosity of the calcaneus, but 'no redness or swelling. Calcaneodynia occurs mainly in adults and older people, and more often in females than in males. According to traditional Chinese medicine, calcaneodynia 1s caused primarily by deficiency of the kidneys due to age, resulting in insufficient nourishment of the bones. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Heel and Kidney or nodular scleroma on Heel. Therapeutic principle: Reinforce the kidneys to nourish the bones and relieve pain. Auricular points: Heel: corresponds to the affected region of the body. Tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Kidney: tonifies the kidney-essence to nourish the bones. Liver: tonifies the liver-blood to reinforce the kidney essence. Ear Shenmen: relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week. Five treatment constitute one course. Auricular therapy can effectively relieve pain of the heel.

29. Phantom Limb Pain Phantom limb pam occurs primarily in adult amputees who experience severe burning or stabbing pain at the site of the amputated limb. Analgesics such as morphine or dilantin are ineffective in many cases. Phantom limb pain may be caused by

153

post-amputation formation of neuromae which result in functional disorder of the central nervous system. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on areas corresponding to the painful area of the body. Therapeutic principle: tranquilize and relieve pain. Auricular points: Areas corresponding to the painful areas of the body: Tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Subcortex: regulates the central nervous function. Ear Shenmen: main point for pain relief. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle tranquilizes and relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Auricular therapy is very effective for relieving phantom limb pain.

30. Erythomelagia Erythomelagia is a problem of the capillary tips caused by vagotonia. It occurs mainly in winter and more often in females than in males. It is marked by paroxysmal burning or stabbing pain and redness of the extremities and aversion to heat' and is aggravated at night, by walking, or by exposure to heat. There may be mild numbness and pain during the remission stage. The feet are affected much more often than the hands. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies erythomelagia as a Bi syndrome. It is considered to be caused by exogenous cold leading to

stagnation of the qi

transformation into fire.

154

and

blood and

their subsequent

Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on areas corresponding to the affected regions of the body. Therapeutic principle: Regulate the flow of qi and blood and dispel heat to relieve pain. Auricular points: Areas corresponding to the affected regions of the body: Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Heart, Liver, Lung: improve the circulation of qi and blood. Sympathesis, Subcortex :regulate the function of the autonomic nervous system to harmonize vasomotricity. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize and relieve pain. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels heat and relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy can effectively relieve the symptoms of erythomelagia and also treat the cause.

31. Thromboangiitis Obliterans Thromboangiitis obliterans refers to chronic, progressive, and segmental inflammation of the arteries and veins of the entire body. It occurs mostly in young people and adults, primarily in males. Usually affected are the lower extremities. There is frequently a history of long-term smoking, trauma, mental injury, or invasion of the body by cold or dampness. Thromboangiitis obliterans is marked in the initial stage by numbness and coldness of the extremities, fixed pain, and intermittent claudication. In the

155

intermediate and advanced stages, there is persistent severe pain worsening at night, myoatrophy, and black pigmentation or dry or moist necrosis of the affected extremities. According to traditional Chinese medicine, thromboangiitis obliterans is caused by exogenous cold or dampness, trauma, or mental injury, which lead to stagnation of qi and blood and subsequent insufficient·nourishment of the muscles and skin. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on areas corresponding to the location of the affected region. Therapeutic principle: Warm and activate the meridians and collaterals to expel cold and relieve pain. Auricular points: Areas corresponding to the affected region of the body: Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Heart, Lung: improve circulation of qi and blood. Liver, Spleen: soothe the liver and strengthen the spleen to tonify qi and blood. Kidney: reinforces the kidney-yang to warm the meridians. Sympathesis, Subcortex: harmonize vasomotricity to improve peripheral circulation. Use· auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course. Auricular therjipy can effectively relieve pain caused by thromboangiitis obliterans, but extended treatment should be given in order to improve the peripheral circulation. This method is also suitable for treating thrombotic phlebitis.

156

32. Raynard's Disease Raynard's disease is a disorder of the peripheral circulation caused by spasm of the peripheral arterioles. It occurs mainly in young women and is usually induced by cold, mental injury, or endocrine dysfunction. There may be a family history of Raynard's disease as well. Raynard's disease is marked by symmetrical, intermittent change in the color of the extremities, most often the hands. During onset, the skin of the affected areas first becomes pale and then deep purple in color, with accompanying localized coldness,numbness,and stabbing pain. After several hours or days, the skin becomes warm and its color returns to normal. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies Raynard's disease as a Bi syndrome, and considers it to be caused primarily by exogenous cold or mental injury which result in obstruction of qi and blood in the meridians. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness and depression with long recovery time when palpated on areas corresponding to the affected regions of the body. Therapeutic principle: Clear and stimulate the meridians and collaterals. Auricular points: Areas corresponding to the affected regions of the body: Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Liver, Heart, Lung: regulate the flow of qi and blood. Spleen: reinforces the spleen-qi to improve blood circulation. Sympathesis: alleviates spasm of the arterioles. 157

Subcortex: regulates nervous, circulatory, and endocrine functions. Ear Shenmen: relieves pain. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle activates the meridians to relieve pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating Raynard's disease. It can not only alleviate the symptoms, but also treat the cause.

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CHAPTER NINE TREATMENT OF GYNECOLOGICAL DISEASES AND DISORDERS I. Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding Dysfunctional uterine bleeding refers to abnormal uterine bleeding caused by gonadal dysfunction, but with no accompanying organic or genital problems. It is classified into ovulatory and anovulatory types. The anovulatory type occurs primarily during adolescence or the climacteric, and is marked by irregular menstrual cycles and periods with unusually profuse or scanty menstrual blood. The ovulatory type occurs primarily during the reproductive period of life, and is marked by short menstrual cycles ~ith long periods, or normal length cycles and periods with unusually scanty or profuse menstrual blood. According to traditional Chinese medicine, dysfunctional uterine bleeding is caused by mental injury, overeating of spicy food, or exogenous cold, all of which may lead to irregular menstruation. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Endocrine, Internal Genitals and Pelvis. Therapeutic Principle: Harmonize menstruation. Auricular Points: Internal Genitals, Pel vis, Abdomen: correspond to the affected

159

region. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Liver, Spleen: soothe the liver and strengthen the

spleen~

Endocrine, Midpoint of Rim, Subcortex: regulate endocrine function. Auxiliary points. For abdominal pam, Ear Shenmen and Occiput are added; for restlessness and irritability, Chest is added and Apex of Ear is punctured with a three-edged needle to cause bleeding. Use auricular taping, and blood-letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course.

2. Dy_smenorrhea Dysmenorrhea is a commonly seen gynecological disorder, marked by pain in the lower abdominal region before, during, or after menstruation. It is classified into primary and secondary types. In primary dysmenorrhea, lower abdominal pain commences with onset of the menarche, with no abnormal genital conditions present. It is caused primarily by hypoplasia of the uterus, mental injury, or endocrine disorder. In secondary dysmenorrhea, lower abdominal pain commences some time after the menarche; it is caused primarily by organic problems of the internal genitals. Manifestations of both primary and secondary dysmenorrhea include cramps in the lower abdominal region during menstruation, sometimes radiating to the vulva, anus, and back, and often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, pale complexion, and sweating and coldness of the hands and feet. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies dysmenorrhea into

160

excessive and deficient types. Excessive dysmenorrhea is caused either by invasion of exogenous cold or dampness, or by mental injury leading to stagnation of blood and qi in the uterus. It is marked by distending pain in the lower abdomen aggravated by pressure,

and

scanty,

dotty

menstrual

blood.

Deficient

dysmenorrhea is caused by deficiency of qi and blood or deficiency of the liver and kidneys leading to inufficient nourishment of the uterus. It is marked by dull pain in the lower abdomen relieved by pressure, and scanty, dilute menstrual blood. Auricular diagnosis: For excessive dysmenorrhea; severe tenderness on Abdomen, Pelvis and Internal Genitals; for deficient dysmenorrhea, deep whitish depression with long recovery time when palpated on Spleen, Kidney and Abdomen. Therapeutic principle: For excessive dysmenorrhea, regulate the flow of qi and blood; for deficient dysmenorrhea, nourish the uterus. Auricular points: · Internal Genitals, Pelvis, Abdomen: correspond to the affected areas. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Liver: The liver meridian passes through the lower abdomen, so Liver is taped to activate the liver meridian qi and relteve pain. Endocrine, Midpoint of Rim: regulate endocrine function. Subcortex, Ear Shenmen: harmonize nervous function. Auxiliary

points:

For

excessive

dysmenorrhea,

strong

manipula.tion is used; for deficient dysmenorrhea, Spleen and Kidney are added. Use .auricular taping, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Treatment is usually given between menstrual periods,

161

I

providing obvious relief of pain during menstruation.

3. Premenstrual Syndrome Premenstrual syndrome refers to a senes of symptoms occuring in some women. for several days before each menstrual period. It is caused by dysfunction of the cerebral subcortex and the autonomic nervous system and disturbance of the sex hormones. Manifestations

include

nervousness,

depression,

anx~ety,

irritability, insomnia, headache; swelling of the hands, face, or feet; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea , cramps or sinking pain in the lower abdomen, lower back pain, and painful swelling, redness or fever of the breasts. According to traditional Chinese medicine, premenstrual syndrome is caused primarily by mental injury leading to stagnation of the liver qi and subsequent obstruction of the qi and blood. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Liver, Subcortex and Internal Genitals. Therapeutic principle: Regulate the flow of qi and blood. Auricular points: Internal Genitals, Endocrine, Midpoint of Rim: regulate the endocrine function. Ear Shenmen, Subcortex: tranquilize the mind. Liver: soothes the liver to promote the flow of qi and blood. Auxiliary points: For mental symptoms, Heart is added; for gastrointestinal problems, Stomach and Cardia are added; for lower abdominal pain, Abdomen and· Pelvis are added; for painful swelling of the breasts, Chest is added; Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week.

162

Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular self-massage may also be practiced twice a day.

4. Menopausal Syndrome Menopausal syndrome .refers to a series of symptoms occuring in some women during the climacteric. It is caused by gradual decline of ovarian function leading to disturbance of the endocrine and autonomic nervous systems. Women with anovarism due to trauma, surgery, or pelvic radiotherapy may also experience this condition. Manifestations are various. Cardiovascular symptoms include intermittent flushing and sensations of heat on the face, neck and chest' accompanied by profuse perspiration (popularly known as "hot flashes"), palpitation, discomfort or pain in the precardial region, formication, and numbness or pain of the extremities. Me.ntal symptoms include restlessness, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and poor memory. Symptoms of metabolic dysfunction, such as obesity and edema, may also occur. According

to

traditional

Chinese

medicine, 'menopausal

syndrome is caused by gradual decline of the kidney yin or yang due to age, leading to dysfunction of the Zangfu organs. Usually affected are the liver, spleen, and heart. Auricular diagnosis: Deep depression· when palpated on Internal Genitals and Kidney. Therapeutic principle: Regulate yin and yang. Auricular· points: Internal Genitals: corresponds to the affected region. Kidney: strengthens the congenital essence to

r~·gulate

yin and

yang.

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Liver: soothes the liver qi. Endocrine, Midpoint of Rim: regulate the endocrine function. Subcortex, Ear Shenmen: regulate the nervous function. Auxiliary points: For insomnia, Anterior Lobe and Occiput are added; for palpitation, Heart and Chest are added; for edema, Spleen and Central Superior Concha are added; for problems of the extremities, Sympathesis and points corresponding to the affected areas are added. Use· auricular taping, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular self-massage may also be practiced twice a day.

5. Amenorrhea Normal menstruation depends upon coordination among the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and 9varies producing periodic changes of the endometria in response to changing levels of sex hormones. Organic or functional disturbance of any aspect may result in amenorrhea. Amenorrhea is classified into primary and secondary types. Primary amenorrhea refers to lack of onset of menstruation, even after eighteen years of age; secondary amenorrhea refers to cessation of previously normal menstruation for more than three months. Traditional Chinese

medicine classifies amenorrhea into

excessive and deficient types. The excessive type is caused primarily by stagnation of qi and blood and blockage by phlegm and dampness; the deficient type is caused primarily by deficiency; of '

.

liver and kidney or qi and blood. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Internal Genitals,

164

Endocrine and Subcortex. Therapeutic principle: Regulate the circulation of qi and blood to promote menstrual flow. Auricular points: Internal Genitals, Pelvis, Abdomen: correspond to the affected region. Subcortex, Midpoint of Rim, Endocrine: regulate the endocrine function. Kidney, Spleen: strengthen both congenital and acquired essence. Liver 1 regulates the flow of qi and blood. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course.

Auricular therapy is very effecfive for treating

secondary amenorrhea.

6. Leukorrhagia Leukorrhagia refers to abnormal changes of the vaginal secretions. It is a common symptom of various diseases and disorders of both the internal and external female genitals. Simple leukorrhagia, with profuse, thin, clear vaginal discharge, occurs mainly during the preovulatory phase, before or after the menstrual period, during pregnancy, or after administration of estrogen. Yellowish, sticky, strortg - smelling vaginal discharge occurs primarily in the presence of inflammation of either the internal or external genitals; bloody vaginal discharge occurs primarily in the presence of senile vaginitis, cervical polyps, or tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies ieukorrhagia into excessive and deficient types. The excessive type is caused primarily

165

by invasion of damp-heat or toxic pathogens, or by downward flow of damp-heat in the Liver meridian, and is marked by sticky, yellowish, strong-smelling vaginal discharge. The deficient type is caused primarily by deficiency of the spleen or kidney, resulting in accumulation of dampness in the interior and its subsequent downward flow, and is marked by profuse, thin, clear vaginal discharge. Auricular diagnosis: For excessive

leukorrhagia, severe

tenderness on both Internal and External Genitals; for deficient leukorrhagia, moderate tenderness and whitish depression with long recovery time when palpated on Spleen. Therapeutic principle :For excessive leukorrhagia, dispel dampheat; for deficient leukorrhagia, strengthen the spleen and kidneys to eliminate dampness. Auricular points : Internal Genitals, External Genitals, Pelvis, Abdomen: correspond to the affected region. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. San Jiao: drains water. Endocrine, Midpoint of Rim, Subcortex: regulate endocrine function. Adrenal Gland, Wind Stream: relieve inflammation. For excessive leukorrhea, Liver is added and Apex of Ear is punctured with a three-edged needle to cause bleeding; for deficient leukorrhea , Spleen and Kidney are added. Use auricular taping, and blood-letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course.

166

7. Chronic Pelvic Inflammation Chronic pelvic inflammation refers to chronic inflammation of the internal genitals, pelvis, peritoneum, and pelvic connective tissues. It usually develops from acute pel vic inflammation, and there is often a history of sterility or menstrual disorder. Manifestations include mild fever, fatigue, sinking pain in the lower abdomen, lower back pain, and profuse vaginal discharge. Traditional

Chinese-

medicine

classifies

chronic

pelvic

inflammation as abdominal pain, and considers it to be caused by exogenous or endogenous damp-heat accumulating in the Lower Jiao. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness, streaky scleroma, or desquammation on the triangular fossa. Therapeutic principle: Dispel damp-heat. Auricular points: Pelvis, Internal Genitals, A~domen: correspond to the affected area. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. San Jiao, Spleen: eliminate dampness. Liver: The liver meridian distributes to the lower abdominal region, so Liver is taped to activate the liver meridian qi. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland: relieve inflammation. Ear Shenmen: relieves pain. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels damp-heat. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments

167

constitute one course. This method is also suitable for treating acute pelvic inflammation, vulvitis, bartholinitis, vaginitis, and cervicitis.

8. Prolapse of the Uterus Prolapse of the uterus refers to descent of the uterus from the normal position, with the cervix dropping to below the level of the ischial spine. In extreme cases, the entire uterus may extrude out of the vaginal opening. Prolapse of the uterus is usually accompanied by prolapse of both the anterior and posterior vaginal walls. In the initial stage, the prolapsed uterus may spontaneously return to normal when a horizontal position is

assumed.

But

with

development of the condition, the prolapsed uterus remains exposed outside of the vaginal opening, with accompanying difficulty in defecation, urinary retention or incontinence, or urinary tract infection. According to traditional Chinese medicine, prolapse of the uterus is caused primarily by frequent deliveries or general asthenia, leading to deficiency and subsequent sinking of qi in the Middle Jiao or deficiency of the kidneys. Auricular diagnosis: Moderate tenderness and deep whitish depression when palpated on Internal Genitals. Therapeutic principle: Strengthen qi to lift the uterus. Auricular points: Internal Genitals, Pelvis, Abdomen: correspond to the affected region. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Kidney, Spleen: strengthen both the congenital and acquired

168

essence. Liver: The liver meridian passes through the external genitals and the lower abdomen, so Liver is. taped to activate the liver meridian qi. Auxiliary points: for difficulty in defecation, Lung and Large Intestine are added; for urinary retention oi: incontinence, Urinary Bladder is added; for urinary tract infection, Endocrine and Adrenal Gland are taped and Apex of Ear is punctured with a three-edged needle to cause bleeding. Use auricular taping, and blood-letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course.

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CHAPTER TEN TREATMENT OF DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF THE SENSORY ORGANS 1. Myopia MyopiJt is a visual disorder caused by dysfunction of the optic dioptric system. The visual focus is formed in the front of the retina when parallel light passes through the optic dioptric system; dysfunction of this system affects the ability to focus normally. Myopia is marked by poor distance vision and normal near-range vision. The more extreme the condition, the shorter the range of · normal vision. A common cause of myopia is improper or overuse of the eyes, although severe myopia is usually related to heredity. According to traditional Chinese medicine, myopia is caused primarily by deficiency of the liver and kidneys leading to insufficient nourishment of the eyes. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Eye and patchy eminence on Eye 2. Therapeutic principle: Reinforce the liver and kidneys. Auricular points: Eye, Eye 2: correspond to the affected area. Locate positive points;

tape

both frontal

and dorsal surfaces to increase

stimulation. Liver, Kidney: reinforce the liver and kidney.

170

Spleen: strengthens the spleen qi. Occiput, Subcortex: regulate the optic nerve function. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of. this point with a three-edged needle brightens the eyes. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is effective for treating myopia; the younger the patient when treatment is instituted, the better the results will be.

2. Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is a communicable viral infection of the corneoconjunctival region, usually occurring in the summer and autumn. It is marked by burning pain or the sensation of a foreign body in the eye, palpebral edema, con]unctival congestion, and watery secretion. If the cornea is affected, pain, photophobia, lacrimation, and hypopsia may occur. According

to

traditional

Chinese

medicine,

epidemic

keratoconjunctivitis is caused internally by accumulation of,heatin the lungs and stomach and externally by invasion of epidemic pathogens, the combination of which attacks the eyes. Auricular

diagnosis:

Severe

tenderness ,

sometimes

accompanied· by eminence , on Eye. Therapeutic principle: Dispel heat and pathogens. Auricular points: Eye',· Eye 2: correspond to the affected tissues. Locate pdsitive points;

tape both ·frontal and dorsal · surfaces

to increase

stimulation.

171

Lung: According to the Five Orbiculus theory·, the lung corresponds to the conjunctiva, so Lung is taped

tb

dispel heat in

the conjunctiva. Liver: The liver opens into the eyes, so Liver

IS

taped to

dispel heat and brighten the eyes. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels heat and pathogens, Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated,· twice a week.

Auricular

therapy is very effective for treating epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. This

method is also suitable for

treating other types of

conjunctivitis.

3. Stye Stye is classified into two types according to its location. External stye refers to acute suppurative inflammation of the ciliary glands. It is marked by red and swollen eyelids with pain and scleroma, with pustulation appearing several days after onset. In severe cases, congestion and edema of the bulbar conjunctiva may occur. Internal stye refers to acute suppurative inflammation of the tarsal glands, with manifestations similar to but more severe than those of external stye. According to traditional Chinese medicine, stye is caused by exogenous wind-eat or overindulgence in spicy or greasy food, leading to stagnation of qi and blood in·the eyelid. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Eye. Therapeutic principle: Expel wind and dispel heat. Auricular points:

172

Eye, Eye 2: correspond to the affected tissues. Locate positive points;

tape

both frontal

and dorsal

surfaces

to increase

stimulation. Spleen: According to the Five Orbiculus theory, the spleen corresponds to the eyelid, so Spleen is taped to dispel heat in the eyelid. Liver: The liver opens into the eyes, so Liver is taped to dispel wind-heat in the eyes. · Apex of Ear: Bwod -letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels heat and relieves pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week.

Auricular

therapy is very effective for treating stye; in many cases one treatment will be sufficient to effect a cure. This method is also suitable for treating tarsal cyst and blepharitis.

4. Central Retinitis Central retinitis 1s an eye disease caused by spasm of the capillaries of the macula lutea retinae. Manifestations include hypopsia, metamorphosia, micropsia, and fixed area opaca in the center of the visual field. Tests of visual acuity will reveal central scotoma. The condition may recur after recovery. According to traditional Chinese medicine, central retinitis is caused either by stagnation of the liver and deficiency of the spleen resulting in accumulation of phlegm and dampness in the interior, or by deficiency of the liver and kidneys leading to insufficient nourishment of the eyes. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Eye.

173

11 Therapeutic principle: Soothe the liver and strengthen the spleen to remove phlegm; reinforce the liver and kidneys to brighten the eyes. Auricular points : Eye: corresponds to the affected area. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Liver, Kidney: strengthen the liver and kidneys to nourish the eyes. Spleen: reinforces the spleen to remove dampness and phlegm. Sympathesis: relaxes vasospasm. Subcortex, Occiput: regulate the optic nerve function. Apex of Ear: blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle brightens the eyes. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course.

5. Simple Glaucoma Simple glaucoma, a disease of the eye, is marked by moderately or temporarily high intraocular pressure in the initial stage and continuously high intraocular pressure in the advanced stage. Manifestations include distension of the eyeballs and easily tiring vision. Headache and hypopsia may occur in the advanced stage. There may be a family history of glaucoma. According to traditional Chinese medicine, simple glaucoma is caused either by hyperactive liver-fire and gallbladder-fire which produce endogenous wind, or by deficiency of the kidney-yin 174

•

leading to relative hyperactivity of the liver-yang. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Eye and patchy hard eminence on Liver. Therapeutic principle: Dispel the liver-fire and nourish the kidney-yin to subdue the liver-yang. Auricular points: Eye,

E~e

1 : correspond to the affected tissues.

Liver: dispels the liver-fire. Kidney: nourishes the kidney- yin to suppress the liver-yang. Occiput: corresponds to the visual center. Subcortex, Ear Shenmen: regulate the nervous function. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels fire and lowers the intraocular pressure. Use auricular taping, and blood-letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy can effectively alleviate the symptoms of simple glaucoma and lower intraocular pressure. This method can also be used as an auxiliary treatment for other types of glaucoma.

6. Allergic Rhinitis Allergic rhinitis is an allergic problem of the nasal mucosa. It is characterized by rhinochesmus , persistant paroxysmal sneezing, dilute nasal discharge, and intermittent or persistent nasal obstruction. There is often a history of other allergic problems or a family history of allergy. According to traditional Chinese medicine, allergic rhinitis is caused internally by deficiency of the lung-qi and externally by invasion of wind-cold or wind-heat. The combination of excessive

1.75

1l pathogenic qi and deficient antipathogenic qi results in dysfuntional dispersal and descent by the lungs and subsequent accumulation of body fluid which obstructs the nose. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Internal Nose and Wind Stream. Therapeutic principle: Reinforce the antipathogenic q1 and expel the pathogenic qi. Auricular points: Internal Nose, Esternal Nose: correspond to the affected area. Lu~g: The lungs open into the nose, so Lung is taped to

regulate dispersal and descent by the lungs to clear the nose. Spleen: strengthens the spleen to transform and transport water and dampness. Kidney: reinforces anti pathogenic qi. Endocrine,

Adrenal

Giand,

Wind

Stream:

relieve

inflammation and allergic reactions. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle relieves inflammation and allergic reactions. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatr;nents constitute one course. This method is also suitable for treating chronic rhinitis.

7. Suppurative Nasal Sinusitis Suppurative nasal sinusitis is an acute or chronic suppurative inflammation of the mucosa of the nasal sinuses. The acute type is caused by diseases of the nasal cavity, or may occur secondary to systemic disorders. It is marked by persisent nasal obstruction,

176

pussy nasal discharge, and pain m the nasal smuses. General symptoms may include chills, fever, poor appetite, and general malaise. The chronic type usually develops from the acute type, and is marked by intermittent or persisent nasal obstruction, profuse nasal discharge, mild headache, and hyposmia or anosmia. According to traditional Chinese medicine, suppurative nasal sinusitis is caused by invasion of the lungs by wind-heat, mental injury leading to stagnation of qi which transforms into fire and flares up along the gallbladder meridian, or overindulgence in spicy or greasy food leading to accumulation of dampness and heat in the interior which rise along the meridians. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Internal Nose and Cheek. Therapeutic principle: Dispel heat and remove dampness. Auricular points: Internal Nose, Cheek: correspond to the affected area. Locate positive points; tape Cheek on both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Lung: regulates the flow of qi to clear the nose. Pancreas & Gallbladder: dispels gallbladder fire. Spleen, Stomach: _regulate the spleen and stomach to remove dampness. Endocrine,

Adrenal

Gland,

Wind

Stream:

relieve

inflammation. Forehead: relieves pain in the forehead. Ear Shenmen: relieves inflammation and pain. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels heat. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and blood-

177

letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is quite effective for treating this condition.

8. Toothache Toothache is a common symptom of various oral problems, including

caries,

pulpitis,

apical

peridontal

inflammation,

pericoronitis, and periodentitis. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies toothache into three types.

( 1) Toothache due to pathogenic wind-fire, marked by

paroxysmal toothache, alleviated by cold and aggravated by heat, and usually accompanied by general symptoms such as fever and aversion to cold; ( 2) toothache due to hyperactive stomach-fire, marked by severe toothache and reddish and swollen gums which may ooze pus and bloody fluid; ( 3) toothache due to deficient kidney-fire, marked by intermittent or persistent dull toothache, mild redness and swelling or atrophy of the gums, gomphiasis, and loss of teeth.

Acute pulpitis and acute apical periodontal

inflammation are present in toothache due to pathogenic wind-fire; pericoronitis and periapical abscess are present in toothache due to hyperactive stomach-fire; chronic periodentitis and chronic apical periodontal inflammation are present in toothache due to deficient kidney-fire. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Jaw, Teeth, and Mouth. Therapeutic principle: clear and activate the meridians and collaterals to relieve pain. Auricular points:

178

Jaw, Teeth, Mouth: correspond to the affected area. Locate positive points; tape Jaw and Teeth on both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. San Jiao: clinically effective point for toothache. Adrenal Gland, Endocrine: relieve inflammation. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: relieve inflammation and pain. Auxiliary points: For upper toothache, Large Intestine is added; for lower toothache, Stomach is added; for toothache due to pathogenic wind-fire or hyperactive stomach-fire, Apex of Ear is punctured with a three-edged needle to cause bleeding; for toothache due to deficient kidney-fire, Kidney is added. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting

punctur~ng

where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments

constitute one course. Auricular self-massage may also be practiced twice a day. Auricular therapy can effectively relieve the pain of toothache.

9. Acute Tonsillitis Acute tonsillitis is an acute nonspecific inflammation of the tonsils. It occurs mainly in the spring and autumn and primarily in children and young people. Manifestations include chills, fever, headache, sore throat aggravated by swallowing, and general soreness of the body. Because acute tonsillitis may develop into chronic tonsillitis or develop accompanying complications such as otitis media, endocarditis, nephritis, and rheumatic arthritis, immediate and proper treatment is essential. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acute tonsillitis is caused either by exogenous wind-heat invading the throat through

179

the mouth and nose, or by endogenous pathogenic fire from the lungs and stomach flaring up along the meridians and accumulating in the throat. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Tonsil and Throat. Therapeutic principle: Expel wind and dispel heat. Auricular points: Tonsil, Throat: c"arrespond to the affected area. Tape Tonsil on both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine: expel endogenous heat. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland: relieve inflammation. _ Apex of Ear, Helix 1 to Helix 6: Blood-letting puncturing of these points in rotation with a three-edged needle dispels heat. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, once every other day. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating acute tonsillitis. It is also suitable

for

treating

chronic

tonsillitis

and

acute

pharyngolaryngitis.

10. Chronic Pharyngitis Chronic pharyngitis is a chronic and diffuse inflammation of the

pharyngeal

mucosa.

It

1s

characterized

by

long-term

discomfort, the sensation of a foreign body or obstruction in the

.

throat, and itching, dryness, and mild soreness of the pharynx. '

Coughing and vomiting may occur if the pharynx is furthur irritated. According to traditional Chinese medicine, chronic pharyngitis is caused primarily by yin deficieny of the lungs and kidneys which allows deficient fire to flare up along the meridians and damage the

180

throat. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Throat and deep depression with long recovery time when palpated on Lung and Kidney. Therapeutic principle: Tonify yin to moisten the throat. Auricular points: Throat, Mouth: correspond to the affected area. Lung, Kidney: tonify the yin of the. lungs and kidneys to moisten the throat. San Jiao: regulates the flow of qi. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland: relieve inflammation. Ear Shenmen: relieves inflammation and pain. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is effective for treating chronic pharyngitis, but extended treatment should be given in order to consolidate the effect. ~his method is also suitable for treating chronic laryngitis.

11. Pharyngeal Paraesthesia Pharyngeal paraesthesia, also called globus hystericus, is a functional

problem

of

the

pharynx,

caused

by

functional

disturbance of the autonomic nervous system, irritative diseases of the esophagus and gastrointestinal tract, cervical spondylopathy, or disturbance of the metabolism or endocrine system. It occurs mainly in adult females. It is characterized by the subjective sensation of a foreign body or mass stuck in the throat or of the throat being compressed. The sensation occurs or worsens when swallowing saliva, but there is no abnormal sensation or difficulty

181

when

swallowing

food.· Additional

symptoms

may

include

depression, a feeling of fullness in the chest, poor appetite, abdominal distension, or acid regurgitation. According

to

traditional

Chinese

medicine,

pharyngeal

paraesthesia is caused primarily by mental injury leading to stagnation of the liver-qi which attacks the spleen, resulting in the accumulation of phlegin in the interior.

The combination of

stagnant qi and accumulated phlegm obstructs the throat. Auricular diagnosis: patchy hard eminence on Liver and severe tenderness on Throat. Therapeutic principle: Soothe the liver-qi and strengthen the spleen to remove phlegm. Auricular points: Throat, Esophagus: correspond to the affected area. Liver, Chest: Soothe the liver-qi and open the chest. Spleen, Abdomen: strengthen the spleen to remove phlegm. San Jiao: regulates the flow of qi and drains water. Subcortex, Ear Shenmen: tranquilize the mind. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating this condition.

12. Recurrent Ulcer of the Mouth Recurrent ulcer of the mouth is the most commonly seen ulcerative condition of the mucous membrane of the mouth. It is marked by frequently recurring, painful, small, circular or oval ulcers of the mucous membrane of the mouth. The pain is aggravated by exposure of the ulcers to heat, cold, acid, or salt,

182

and may be seve.re enough to affect diet and sleep. The problem may become more severe or recur more frequently in the presence of insommia , poor diet , or overstrain. According to traditional Chinese medicine, recurrent ulcer of the mouth is classified into excessive and deficient types. The excessive type is caused by overindulgence in spicy or greasy food or by mental injury, leading to accumulation of heat in the heart )

and spleen. which flares up along the meridians to the mouth. It is marked by small painful burning ulcers in the mouth, usually accompanied by thirst, halitosis, reddish tongue, and rapid pulse. The deficient type is caused by long-standing illness, overstrain, or excessive sexual activity which consumes the kidney-yin, leading to subsequent flaring up of deficient fire to the mouth. It is marked by frequently recurring, mildly painful small ulcers in the mouth, accompanied by dry mouth, sensation of heat in the hands and feet, dry reddish tongue with minimal coating, and thready and I

rapid pulse. Auricular diagnosis: For the excessive type, severe tenderness on Mouth and Tongue; for the deficient type, moderate tenderness or patchy eminence with nodular scleroma on Tongue and Mouth. Therapeutic principle: For the excessive type, dispel heat and fire; for the deficient type, nourish the kidney--yin to extinguish deficient fire. Auricular points: Tongue, Mouth: correspond to the affected area. Locate positive points; tape Tongue on both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation . .Heart : The heart opens into the tongue, so Heart is taped to activate the heart meridian and dispel heat.

183

Liver: The liver meridian distributes to the internal cheek, so Liver is taped to clear and activate the liver meridian. San Jiao: clears passages to allow fire to descend. Endocrine,

Adrenal

Gland,

Wind

Stream:

relieve

inflammation. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind and relieve pain. Auxiliary points: For the excessive type, Apex of Ear is added and punctured with a three-edged needle to cause bleeding; for the deficient type, Kidney and Spleen are added to nourish the yin. Use auricular taping, and blood-letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating this disorder.

13. Chronic Otitis Media Purulenta Chronic otitis media purulenta is one of the most commonly seen infectious diseases of the ear. It usually develops from acute otitis media purulenta. Manifestations include intermittent or persistant secretion of pus from the ears, tinnitus, and hearing loss. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acute otitis .media punilenta ts caused externally by invasion of damp-heat and internally by hyperactivity of the liver-fire and gallbladder-fire. The combination of external and internal factors results in the accumulation of damp-heat and pathogens in the ears. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness or patchy eminence on Internal Ear. Therapeutic principle: Dispel damp-heat and pathogens. Auricular points:

184

Internal Ear, External Ear, Temple: correspond to the affected area. Tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces of Internal Ear to increase stimulation. San Jiao,

Pancreas &. Gallbladder: The San Jiao and

gallbladder meridians distribute to the ears, so these points are taped to clear and activate the meridians and collaterals. Kidney: The kidney open into the ears, so Kidney is taped to benefit the ears. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland: relieve inflammation. Subcortex: regulates the nervous and circulatory functions. Apex of Ear: Bloo.d-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged nee?le dispels heat and pathogens. Use auricular taping with strong stimulation, and blood-letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week.

Five treatments

constitute one course. This method is also suitable for treating acute otitis media purulenta and acute or chronic otitis media catarrhalis.

14. Meniere's Disease Meniere's disease is a type of auditory vertigo caused by hydrops in the labyrinth of the ear. It is marked by transient paroxysmal episodes of vertigo, aggravated by changes of body position and usually accompanied by tinnitus, hearing loss, parallel nystagmus' nausea' vomiting' perspiration' and pale complexion. Spontaneous cure and repeated recurrence are often seen in clinical practice. Meniere's disease is classified as vertigo in traditional Chinese medicine' and is considered to be caused either by rebellious rising

185

of hyperactive liver-yang which disturbs the ears,

or by

accumulation of turbid phlegm in the Middle Jiao which obstructs the rising of clear-qi to the ears. Vertigo caused by hyperactive liver-yang is marked by sudden onset and aggravated by overstrain or mental injury.

It is often accompanied by restlessness,

irritability, and bitter taste in the mouth. Vertigo caused by accumulation of turbid phlegm in the Middle Jiao is marked by vertigo, heaviness of the head, poor appetite, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Pathogenic factors include endogenous wind and phlegm; primarily affected are the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Auricular diagnosis: For vertigo caused by hyperactive liveryang, severe tenderness on Internal Ear, Liver and Kidney; for vertigo caused by accumulation of turbid phlegm in the Middle Jiao, severe tenderness or whitish depression with long recovery time when palpated on Internal Ear and Spleen. Therapeutic principle: Calm hyperactive liver-yang to expel wind; strengthen the spleen and stomach to eliminate phlegm. Auricular points: Internal Ear, External Ear: correspond to the affected area. San Jiao, Pancreas &. Gallbladder: the San Jiao and gallbladder meridians distribute to the ear, so these points are taped to activate the meridians and stop vertigo. Subcortex: regulates the nervous and circulatory systems. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle calms the mind and expels wind. For vertigo caused by hyperactive liver-yang, Liver and Kidney are added to tonify the kidney-yin and suppress the hyperactive liver-yang; for vertigo caused by accumulation of 186

turbid qi in the Middle Jiao, Spleen and Stomach are added to strengthen the spleen and stomach and eliminate phlegm. Use auricular taping, and blood-letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is effective for treating Meniere's disease. It can not only prevent vertigo, but can also treat the cause of the condition by relieving hydrops in the labyrinth of the ear.

15. Dysfunction of the Temperomandibular Joint Dysfunction of the tempomandibular joint is a commonly seen oral problem, occuring mainly in young people and adults. It is marked by pain in the temporomandibular joint when opening or closing the mouth, usually aggravated by speaking, chewing, or yawning. Articular dyskinesia may also be present, with snapping or popping of the joint occuring when opening or closing the mouth. Traditional Chinese medicine classifies dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint as toothache and considers it to be caused by exogenous wind-cold, overstrain of the joint, or mental injury, leading to stagnation of qi and blood in the meridians. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Jaw and Cheek. Therapeutic principle: Clear and activate the meridians and collaterals. Auricular points: Jaw, Cheek, Teeth, Mouth: correspond to the affected area. Locate positive points; tape Jaw, Cheek, and Teeth on both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Stomach, Large Intestine, San Jiao: The stomach, large 187

··~

intestine, and San Jiao meridians distribute to the mandible, so these .points are taped to clear and activate the meridians and collaterals. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind and relieve pain. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating this disorder.

1.88

CHAPTER ELEVEN TREATMENT OF SKIN DISEASES AND DISORDERS 1. Urticaria Urticaria is an allergic skin reaction caused by sensitivity to environmental allergens. It is marked by reddish skin lesions of various sizes and shapes, quickly appearing and disappearing and accompanied by itching, a feeling of fullness in the chest, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Urticaria is classified into acute and chronic types. Acute uticaria may run its course in one to two weeks; chronic urticaria persists six weeks or longer. According to traditional Chinese medicine, urticaria is caused either by internal deficiency of antipathogenic qi and subsequent invasion by wind-cold or wind-heat, or by improper diet leading to accumulation of heat in the interior. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Lung and Wind Stream. Therapeutic principle: Expel wind, dispel heat and cold. Auricular points: Lung: The luhgs nourish the skin, so Lung is taped to expel pathogens from the skin. Spleen, Stomach: strengthen the spleen and stomach to remove

189

·.""'

dampness and heat from the interior. Heart: relieves itching. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland, Wind Stream: relieve allergic reactions. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: calm the mind and relieve itching. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle expels wind and dispels heat to relieve itching. Auxiliary points: For a feeling of fullness in the chest, Chest and Trachea are added; for gastrointestinal symptoms, Stom~ch and Abdomen are added. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week, Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating acute urticaria. For chronic urticaria long-term treatment should be undertaken. For those with a sensitivity to adhesive tape, hypoallergenic tape Qr auricular blood-letting puncturing may be used. This method is also suitable for the treatment of angioneurotic edema.

2. Eczema Eczema is an allergic skin condition with various internal and external causes, marked by pleomorphic skin lesions accompanied by severe itching. It is classified into acute and chronic types. Acute eczema affects primarily aspect of the

extre~ities.

~he

craniofacial region and flexion

Skin lesions may exhibit edematous

erythema , pimples , vesicles , oozing erosion, sea bs , or infection. The condition usually lasts two or three weeks, but may recur after recovery. Chronic eczema mainly affects the hands, retroauricular

190

region,· scrotum or vulva, and legs. Skin lesions may exhibit pachylosis, pachydermia, deep dermatoglyph, pigmentation with scales, and scratch marks. Chronic eczema may occur primarily or develop from subacute eczema. According

to

traditional Chinese medicine, eczema is caused

either by exogenous damp-heat and pathogens leading to stagnation of qi. and blood in the skin, or· by deficiency of blood leading to insufficient nourishment of the skin. Auricular diagnosis: For acute eczema, severe tenderness on Wind Stream and area.s corresponding to the affected regions; for chronic eczema, deep whitish depression when palpated on Spleen and areas corresponding to the affected regions. Therapeutic principle: For acute eczema, dispel damp-heat and pathogens; for chronic eczema, nourish the blood to moisten dryness. Auricular points: Areas corresponding to the affected regions: Tap with a plum blosson needle to cause bleeding; dispel damp-heat and pathogens. Lung: The lungs nourish the skin so Lung is taped to dispel pathogens from the skin. Spleen, San Jiao: remove dampness and heat. Large Intestine: removes dampness and pathogens from stool. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland, Wind Stream: relieve allergies. Heart, Ear Shenmen, Occiput: calm the mind and .relieve itching. Center of Ear: clinically effective point for treating skin conditions. Auxiliary points: For acute eczema, blood-letting puncturing of Apex of Ear with a three-edged needle is added; for chronic

191

eczema, Liver and Kidney are added. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, an.d bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. This method is also effective for treating dermatitis medicamentosa and contact dermatitis.

3. Herpes Zoster Herpes zoster is an acute herpetic skin disease caused by the neurotropic herpes virus, which distributes along the peripheral nerves causing skin lesions. Primarily affected are the intercostal nerves; lesions are usually unilateral. Premonitory symptoms, or prodrome, include mild fever, general malaise, and pain in the affected region. Two or three days after the onset of the prodrome, a band of skin lesions appear as the herpes virus distributes along the affected nerve pathways. The course of the disease generally lasts two to three weeks. Children may have little or no pain, but severe pain persisting even after disappearance of the lesions may occur in the elderly. Specific immunity is usually developed after the first attack, so recurrence is rare. According to traditional Chinese medicine, herpes zoster is caused primarily by damp-heat and toxic pathogens affecting the meridians. Usually affected are the liver and gallbladder meridians. Auricular

diagnosis : Severe

tenderness

on

the

areas

corresponding to the location of the skin lesions. Therapeutic principle: Dispel damp-heat and toxic pathogens. Auricular points: Areas corresponding to the location of the skin lesions: Locate

j

tender points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase

1

192

l j

i

stimulation. San Jiao: drains water to dispel damp-heat and toxic pathogens. Endocrine , Adrenal Gland : relieve infection. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels heat and pathogens and relieves pain. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: calm the mind and relieve pain. For h~·rpes zoster of the intercostal nerves, Liver and Pancreas

&. Gallbladder are added; for herpes zoster of the trigeminal nerve, Stomach and Large Intestine are added. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated' concentrating on the affected side, once every other day. Auricular therapy can effectively relieve the pain and shorten the course of this disease.

4. Cutaneous Pruritis Cutaneous pruritis is a common skin problem that may occur secondary to various diseases such as endocrine dysfunction, parasitosis, diabetes mellitus, hepatic illnesses, nephric disorders, or tumors. In the elderly, it is referred to as pruritis senilis. Cutaneous pruritis is marked in the initial stage by paroxysmal itching without skin lesions. As the condition develops, scratch marks, scabs, pigmentation or lichenification due to extensive scratching may appear. The condition may be either localized, appearing mainly on the scrotum, vulva, and anus, or general. Atcording to traditional Chinese medicine ,cutaneous pruritis is caused either by exogenous wind -heat attacking the skin, or by deficiency of blood producing exogenous wind and dryness.

193

Auricular diagnosis :Dryness and scattered desquamation of the entire auricle, and severe tenderness on areas corresponding to the affected regions. Therapeutic principle: Expel wind and di~pel heat to relieve itching. Auricular points: Areas corresponding to the affected regions: tap with a plum blossom needle to cause mild bleeding. Lung: disperses the lung qi to expel wind-heat. Liver: regulates the flow of qi and blood. Spleen: strengthens the spleen qi. Heart, Ear Shenmen, Occiput, Subcortex: calm the mind and relieve itching. Center of Ear: clinically effective for relieving itching. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle expels wind and dispels heat to relieve itching. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation. and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating cutaneous pruritis. However, long-term treatment should be given in order to consolidate the results.

5. Neurodermatitis Neurodermatitis is a type of itching dermatoneurosis usually induced by mental injury or localized physical irritation. It is marked by lichenoid skin lesions accompanied by paroxysmal itching. In the initial stage, there is localized itching, with dense groups of falciform pimples occuring as the result of extensive scratching. As the condition develops, deep dermatoglyph, dermal

194

I

ridging, and brown pachydermatamy appear. Neurodermatitis is classified into localized and disseminated types. The former is much more common and occurs primarily on the bilateral sides and back of the neck, the elbows, the extension aspect of the forearm, the sacral region, the medial sides of the thighs, and the fibular aspect of the legs. The latter occurs mainly in the craniofacial region, or on the shoulders, the extremities, or the trunk. According to traditional Chinese medicine, neurodermatitis is caused either by exogenous pathogens such as wind, dampness and heat obstructing the flo~ of qi and blood in the skin, • or by deficiency of blood producing endogenous wind and subsequent insufficient nourishment of the skin. Auricular diagnosis: Patchy desquamation on Lung and areas corresponding to the affected regions, or brown pigmentation on areas corresponding to the affected regions. Therapeutic principle: Expel wind and dispel damp-heat to relieve itching. Auricular points: Areas corresponding to the affected regions: Tap with a plum blossom needle to cause· bleeding to expel wind, dispel damp-heat, and relieve itching. Lung: The lungs nourish. the skin, so Lung is taped to dispel pathogens from the skin; Liver: soothes the liver to regulate the flow of qi and blood. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland, Wind Stream: relieve inflammation. Heart, Ear Shenmen, Occiput, Subcortex: calm the mind and relieve itching. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a

195

three-edged needle expels wind and dispels heat to relieve itching. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course.

6. Acne Vulgaris. Acne vulgaris is a common problem of adolescence. It is caused by hypersteatosis combined with proliferation and hyperkerasis of the epithelia of the folicular orifices, leading to accumulation of sebum cutaneum and subsequent bacterial infection. Usually affected are the face and chest. Skin lesions include pimples, pustules, folliculorum, scleroma, and cysts. According to traditional Chinese medicine , acne vulgaris is caused either by exogenous wind-heat invading the lungs or by overindulgence in spicy or greasy food, resulting in accumulation of heat in the stomach and intestines. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness or patchy eminence on areas corresponding to the affected regions. Therapeutic principle: Expel wind and dispel heat. Auricular points: Areas corresponding to the affected regions: Tap with a plum blossom needle to .cause bleeding. Lung : expels wind. Stomach, Large Intestine: dispel heat from the stomach and intestines. Endocrine,

Midpoint of Rim,

Adrenal Gland: · regulate

endocrine functiori to relieve inflammation. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a

196

three-edged needle dispels heat. Auxiliary points: For itching, Heart, Ear Shenmen, and Center of Ear are added. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course.

7. Seborrheic Dermatitis Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands of the skin, occurring in conjunction with hypersteatosis, infection, or metabolic dysfunction. It is classified into dry and moist types. The dry type is marked by yellowish-red patches covered with pityroid oleaginous scales. The moist type develops from the dry type, with eczematoid skin lesions displaying erosion, oozing, and scabbing. This problem occurs mainly in young people and adults. Usually affected are the head, face, neck, axilla, and chest. According

to

traditional

Chinese

medicine,

seborrheic

dermatitis is caused primarily by overindulgence in spicy or greasy foods, leading to accumulation of damp-heat in the interior and subsequent overflow to the skin. Auricular diagnosis: Seborrheic desquamation of the entire auricle and severe tenderness on the areas corresponding to the affected regions of the

~ody.

Therapeutic principle: Dispel damp-heat. Auricular points: Areas corresponding to the affected regions: Tap with a plum blossom needle to cause bleeding.

197

Lung: disperses the lung qi and expels exogeous pathogens. Large Intestine, San Jiao: discharge damp-heat. Liver, Spleen: strengthen the liver and spleen. Endocrine, Subcortex: regulate the endocrine and metabolic functions. Sympathesis: inhibits secretion of sebaceous glands. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting tapping where indicared twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course, Auricular therapy is very effective for treating seborrheic dermatitis.

8. Erythema Multiforma Erythema multiforma is an acute inflammatory condition of the skin occuring mainly in young people and adults and usually in the spring and autumn. It may occur in conjuction with allergic reaction due to localized infection, drug sensitivity, food, or cold. Skin lesions are pleomorphic, and may exhibit pimples, edematous erythema, central vesicles, or erythema iris. Usually affected are ·the dorsum of the hands and feet and the distal ends of the extremities. In mild cases, there is only localized itching; in severe cases , mucosal erosion z.nd general symptoms such as high fever'· headache, and arthralgia may occur. Acoording

to

traditional

Chinese

medicine,

erythema

multiforma is caused primarily by exogenous pathogens such as wind-cold, windheat, or fire-toxin invading the skin and obstructing the flow of qi and blood. Auricular

diagnosis:

Severe

corresponding to the affected regions.

198

tenderness

on

the

areas

Therapeutic principle: Expel wind-cold and dispel heat and pathogens. Auricular points: Areas corresponding to the affected regions: Locate tender points; tape

both frontal

and

dorsal

surfaces

to

increase

stimulation. Lung: expels exogenous pathogens. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland, Wind Stream: relieve inflammation and allergic reactions. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels heat and pathogens. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, once every other day. Five treatments constitute one course. For severe general symptoms, appropriate additional therapy should be undertaken concurrently.

9. Furunculosis Furuncle is an acute purulent inflammation of the hair follicle and its peripheral sebaceous glands caused by the staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Cases of multiple or frequently recurring fununcle are referred to as furunculosis. People with diabetes mellitus, chronic

nephritis, malnutrition,

eczema,

prickly

heat,

or

pediculosis are at particularly high risk for this disorder. Furunculosis is marked in the initial stage by bright red conic papular eruptions which gradually enlarge and turn into scleroma, accompanied by severe pain. The scleroma eventually suppurates, sometimes with a slough embolus in the center of the lesion. When the embolus drops off pus is discharged and the pain is alleviated,

199

A scar often remains after healing. General svmptoms in the acute stage include chills, fever, headache, poor appetite, or even hematosepsis, The furuncles usually occur on the face, back of the neck, back , a.nd buttocks. According to traditional Chinese medicine, furunculosis is caused either by exogenous toxic heat invading the body and accumulating in the skin, or by overindulgence in spicy or greasy food resulting in endogenous toxic heat accumulating in the skin. In both cases, the flow of qi and blood is obstructed, with furuncles forming due to the combination of stagnant blood and accumul?ted toxic heat. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness or reddish spotty or patchy eminence on areas corresponding to the affected areas. Therapeutic principle: Dispel toxic heat. Auricular Points: Areas corresponding to the affected regions of the body: Select points according to the location of the furuncles. Locate positive points and ·tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. Lung: The lungs nourish the skin, so Lung is taped to dispel toxic heat. Heart: According to Five Element theory, the heart ts governed by fire, so Heart is taped to dispel toxic heat. Endocrine,

Adrenal

Gland,

Wind

Stream:

relieve

inflammation. Ear Shenmen: relieves inflammation and pain. Apex of Ear: blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels toxic heat. Auxiliary points are added according to meridian theory. For

200

example, for furuncle on the face, Large Intestine and Stomach are added; for furuncle on the back of the neck, Urinary Bladder and Pancreas

& Gallbladder are added.

Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, once every other day. Auricular therapy can effectively relieve inflammation, so it is very useful in the treatment of furunculosis. This method is also effective for treating carbuncle, impetigo herpetiformis, erysipelas, chronic folliculitis, and various other skin infections. In cases with severe general symptoms, additional treatment should be undertaken concurrently.

10. Brandy Nose Brandy nose refers to chronic inflammation of the skin of the nasal, paranasal, glabeuar or buccal regions. It is caused by gastrointestinal disturbance, endocrine disorder, food sensitivities, or chronic local infection. It is marked in different stages by erythema, pimples, pustules, and rhinophyma successively. It usually occurs in adults. According to traditional Chinese medicine, brandy nose is caused primarily by overindulgence in greasy or spicy food or alcohol, leading to accumulation of damp-heat in the interior and subsequent evaporation upward. Auricular diagnosis:

Severe tenderness, sometimes with

reddish patchy eminence, on areas corresponding to the affected regions of the body. Therapeutic principle: Dispel damp-heat. Auricular points: Areas corresponding to the affected regions: Tap with a plum 201

blossom needle to cause bleeding. Lung: expels pathogens from the skin. Spleen, Stomach: strengthen the spleen and stomach to remove dampness. Large Intestine, San Jiao: drain damp-heat. Endocrine, Adrenal Gland: relieve inflammation. Apex of Ear: Biood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels heat. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course.

11. Chloasma· Chloasma refers to acquired, localized, cutaneous melanosis. It may be caused by chronic illness, endocrine disorder, irregular menstruation, or overexposure to the sun, leading to hyperfunction of the cutaneous melanocytes.

Adult women are especially

susceptible to this problem. Affected skin is marked by dark or light brown patches with a clearly delineated border, symmetrically distributed in the shape of a butterfly and covering the forehead and zygomatic, buccal, nasal, and perioral regions. According to traditional Chinese medicine, chloasma is caused either by deficiency of the kidney essence, or by stagnation of the liver-qi, both of which may lead to insufficient nourishment of the face. Auricular

diagnosis:

Brown

pigmentation

on

areas

corresponding to the location of the patches; severe tenderness on Endocrine and Midpoint of Rim.

202

Therapeutic principle: Clear and activate the meridians and collaterals to nourish the face. At;ricular points: Areas corresponding

to

the patches: Tap with a plum blossom

needle to cause bleeding. Liver: improves the flow of qi and blood. Spleen, Stomach: strengthen the spleen and stomach to improve digestion. Kidney : tonifies the kidneys to nourish the face. Endocrine,

Adrenal Gland,

Midpoint of Rim: regulate

endocrine function. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting tapping where indicated, twi'ce a week. Ten treatments constitute one course.

203

CHAPTER TWELVE TREATMENT OF MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES AND DISORDERS 1. Influenza Influenza is an acute communicable disease of the respiratory tract caused by the influenza. virus, usually occurring epidemically in the winter. It is marked by sudden onset of high fever, chills,headache, soreness of the entire body, lassitude, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting, usually accompanied by nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, dry cough, and sore throat. According to traditional Chinese medicine, influenza is caused by epidemic exogenous pathogens such as wind-cold or wind-heat invading the lungs through the skin and nose, with the result that the lungs cannot perform their function of dispersal and descent normally. Influenza caused by wind-cold is characterized by severe chills, mild fever, soreness of the entire body, and nasal obstruction with

dilute

discharge.

Influenza

caused

by

wind-heat

ts

characterized by high fever, mild chills , headache, thirst, sore throat, and nasal obstruction with scanty yellowish discharge. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Lung and Throat. Therapeutic principle: Expel wind and dispel heat or cold. Auricular points: Lung, Internal Nose, External Nose, Throat: The lungs open

204

into the nose and relate to the throat, so these points are taped to facilitate the flow of lung-qi, expel wind, and dispel heat. Auxiliary points: For high fever, Apex of Ear and Apex of Tragus are punctured with a three-edged needle to cause bleeding; for frontal headache, Forehead is added; for bilateral headache, Temple is added; for occipital headache, Occiput is added; for cough, Tranche a and Mouth are added; for poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting, Stomach and Abdomen are added. Use auricular taping, and blood-'letting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Auricular therapy is very effective for treating influenza; there will often be great improvement in all symptoms after only one treatment.

2. Mumps Mumps is an acute communicable disease caused by the mumps virus. It occurs most commonly in children and is usually epidemic in the winter and spring. Symptoms include fever, aversion to cold, headache, and pain and swelling of the parotid glands. The prognosis is generally good, but if appropriate and timely treatment

IS

not given there may be complications including

meningitis, or testitis or ovritis with possible subsequent sterility. According to traditional Chinese medicine, mumps is caused by exogenous wind-heat and pathogens which invade the San ]iao and gallbladder

meridi~ns,

leading to obstruction of qi and blood in

the parotid glands. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Apex of Antitragus and Jaw. Therapeuti~

principle

Expel wind and dispel heat and 205

pathogens. Auricular points: Jaw, Neck: correspond to the affected region of the body. Locate positive points; tape both frontal and dorsal surfaces to increase stimulation. San Jiao, Pancreas

&.

Gallbladder: Both the San Jiao and

gallbladder meridians· pass through the parotid region, so these points are taped to activate the meridian qi and discharge exogenous pathogens. Endocrine,

Adrenal

Gland,

Wind

Stream:

relieve

inflammation. Apex of Ear, Apex of Antitragus: Blood-letting puncturing of these points with a three-edged needle dispels heat and expels pathogens. Auxiliary points: For complication by meningitis, Subcortex, Forehead, Temple and Occiput are added; for complication by testitis or ovritis, Internal Genitals and Liver are added. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, once every other day. Five treatments constitute one course.

Auricular therapy is very

effective for treating mumps. It can also be used as a preventative measure during mumps season.

3. Motion Sickness Motion sickness commonly occurs while riding buses, trains, cars' airplanes' or boats. It is caused by motion which affects the semicircular canal of the inner ear. Primary manifestations include nausea, vomiting, and headache, accompanied by pale complexion, 206

cold sweat, and exhaustion. According to traditional Chinese medicine, motion sickness is caused internally by deficiency of the spleen and stomach and externally by irritation by noxious fumes and odors.

The

combination of internal and external factors results in rebellious rising of the stQmach-qi. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Internal Ear and Stomach. Therapeutic principle: Calm the mind and regulate the stomach to suppress rebellious rising of the stomach-qi and halt vomiting. Auricular points: Internal Ear, External Ear: harmonize the function of the vestibular organ to relieve dysfunction of the semicircular canal caused by motion. Cardia: main point for vomiting. Occiput, Ear Shenmen, Liver: calm the mind. Wind Stream: main antiallergy point; relieves irritation caused by noxious fumes and odors. Use auricular taping and pressure. Tape the points half an hour before boarding and press periodically during travel. In this way, most cases can be prevented. Many reports indicate that this method is very effective for treating and preventing motion sickness.

4. Obesity Obesity is a commonly occuring condition caused by .various factors

including

nervous

dysfunction,

endocr.ine

disorder, 207

metabolic disturbance, improper diet, drugs, or heredity. It is marked by excessive fat deposits resulting in weight twenty percent or more greater than standard. According to traditional Chinese medicine, obesity is caused by deficiency of the spleen resulting in accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the interior. Auricular diagnosis: For obesity due to nervous dysfunction, severe

tenderness

and

deep

depression

when

palpated

on

Subcortex; for obesity due to metabolic or endocrinal disturbance, severe tenderness and deep depression when palpated on Endocrine and Midpoint of Rim. Therapeutic principle: Remove dampness and phlegm. Auricular points: Endocrine, Midpoint of Rim: regulate endocrine function. Spleen: strengthens the spleen to remove dampness and phlegm. Kidney, San Jiao: promote drainage of water. Lung, Large Intestine: increase excretion. Subcortex, Forehead: regulate excitement and inh\bition of the

c~ntral

nervous system.

Abdomen, Middle Superior Concha: remove dampness and phlegm. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course. Auricular self-massage and pressure can also be practice periodically during the day. Extended 'treatment should be pursued. Auricular therapy is not effective for · obesity due to heredity.

208

5. Drug Withdrawal Drug withdrawal refers to the physiological and psychological process of overcoming physical addiction to drugs such as heroin or other narcotics,

barbituates, or amphetimines,

by complete

cessation of use. It has been shown that auricular therapy can abolish both the physical symptoms and psychological craving present during the withdrawal process. All informants reported a general sense of well-being while undergoing treatment. They felt less drowsy, more interesed in their surroundings, and quickly regained interest in conversation and reading. Appetite and bowel function both improved. In addition, lacrimation, running nose, wheezing, stomach cramps, and feelings of aching bones and cold usually disappeared after ten to fifteen minutes of auricular stimulation. A theoretical basis for these clinical findings has been provided by recent physiological investigatiuns demonstrating that auricular electroacupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and ACTH. Therapeutic principle: Stimulate metabolism and tranquilize the mind. Auricular points: Lung, Large Intestine, Kidney: promote drug excretion. Stomach, Spleen: strengthen the stomach and spleen and

~einforce antipathogenic qi. Subcortex, Forehead: harmonize the central nervous function. Liver, Chest: regulate the flow of qi and widen

t~~

chest.

Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week.

209

Ten treatments constitute one course. Six to eight weeks are needed to restore normal function of the central nervous function after drug withdrawal, so treatment should be continued until this interval has passed. Auricular therapy is an ideal method of treatment during and after drug withdrawal because of its simplicity, effectiveness, and lack of side effects.

6. Tobacco Withdrawal Extensive research has shown that smoking tobacco is harmful to the health. Long-term exposure to the tar and nicotine contained in tobacco increases the incidence of bronchitis, coronary heart disease, emphysema, hypertension, fetal malformation, and cancer of the lung, mouth, lip, and pancreas. In addition, second-hand smoke pollutes the air breathed by non-smokers in the same room, resulting in harm to them as well as to the smokers themselves. Tobacco is physically addictive as well as psychologically habit-forming. Long-term smokers often experience withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, feelings of emptiness, and weight gain when they suddenly stop smoking. Auricular therapy has been shown to be very effective for relieving these symptoms. A theoretical basis for this clinical finding has been provided by recent studies showing that auricular electroacupuncture stimulates the release of. endorphins and ACTH. Auricular diagnosis: Severe tenderness on Mouth, Trachea, and Lung. Therapeutic principle: Open the chest and tranquilize the mind.

210

Auricular points : Mouth, Tongue, Trachea, Lung: ·correspond to areas of the body directly stimulated by the tar and nicotine contained in tobacco; inhibit the craving for tobacco. Liver, Chest: soothe the liver and regulate movement of qi. Subcortex, Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. After taping, many people will experience subjective changes in the taste of tobacco smoke, which will seem to become bitter or astringent, with resulting aversion to smoking. There will generally be great improvement in withdrawal symptoms after three to five treatments; however, auricular therapy is only effective for those who are actively motivated to stop smoking ..

7. Alcohol Withdrawal Long-term excessive consumption of alcohol may damage the heart, liver, and brain, and increase the morbidity of various refractory problems such as hepatitis, hepacirrhos,is, hepatic cancer, cardiocerebral arteriosclerosis, and peptic ulcer. According to traditional Chinese medicine , alcohol is hot and peppery. Excessive consumption of alcohol produces damp-heat which accumulates in the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach. Auricular therapy can both regulate the functions of the Zangfu organs to eliminate pathogenic Clamp-heat and also tranquilize the mind to relieve the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as paroxysmal trembling, sweating, hallucinations, and convulsions. Therapeutic principle: Regulate the movement of qi and

211

tranquilize the mind. Auricular points: Mouth, Stomach: inhibit the craving for alcohol. Spleen, San Jiao: strengthen the spleen and discharge dampness. Endocrine: regulates the

~ndocrine

function.

Ear Shenmen, Occiput, Subcortex: calm the mind. Apex of Ear: Blood-letting puncturing of this point with a three-edged needle dispels heat and tranquilizes the mind. Use auricular taping with strong manipulation, and bloodletting puncturing where indicated, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course. Auricular therapy is effective only for people who are actively motivated to stop drinking.

8. Childhood Anorexia Childhood anorexia is a common digestive disorder that occurs primarily in children from one to ten years old. It is characterized by long-standing poor appetite or even refusal to eat, and is usually accompanied by pale compleXion, emaciation, and retardation of growth and development. According to traditional Chinese medicine, childhood anorexia 1s caused by improper dietary habits, such as overeating and drinking, inappropriate food preferences, or irregular meals, resulting in injury to and dysfunction of the spleen and stomach. Auricular diagnosis: Moderate tenderness on Spleen and Stomach. Therapeutic principle: Strengthen the spleen and stomach to improve digestion and absorption.

212

.A:'uricular points: Stomach, Spleen: correspond to the affected areas of the body; strengthen the spleen and stomach to improve digestion and absorption. Small Intestine: improves absorption of nutrients. Liver: regulates flow of qi to improve transportation and transpormation by the spleen and stomach. Abdomen: promotes peristalsis. Endocrine, Subcortex: regulate the digestive function. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Five treatments constitute one course.

Auricular therapy is very effective for treating

childhood anorexia; there is usually marked improvement in appetite, peristalsis, and willingness to eat after only one or two treatments.

9. Competition Syndrome Competition syndrome refers to a series of symptoms caused by overstrain or tension before or during competitive events such as sports meets , exams , or performances , with resulting imbalance between

excitation

Manifestations

and

include

inhibition

of

dizziness,

the

cerebral

insomnia,

cortex.

headache,

re5tlessness, dry mouth, poor appetite, weakness, listlessness, nausea, vomiting,· diarrhea, constipation, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, trembling, and even loss of consciousness. According

to

traditional

Chinese

medicine,

competition

syndrome is caused by overstrain and tension which affect the heart and spleen, resulting in various mental and digestive disorders. Auricular

diagnosis:

Severe

tenderness

on

Heart, Ear

213

Shenmen, and Spleen. Therapeutic principle: Nourish the heart and strengthen the spleen to tranquilize the mind. Auricular points: Heart: The mind resides m the heart, so Heart 1s taped to calm the mind. Spleen:

strengthens~

the spleen's ability to produce q1 and

blood to nourish the heart. Liver: regulates the emotions to tranquilize the mind. Subcortex: harmonizes excitation and inhibition of the cerebral cortex. Ear Shenmen: main point for tranquilizing the mind. Auxiliary points: For headache and dizziness, blood-letting puncturing of Apex of Ear is added; for insomnia, Occiput and Anterior Lobe are added; for poor appetite, Stomach and Abdomen are. added; for nausea and vomiting, Cardia and Stomach are added; for diarrhea or constipation, Large Intestine and Abdomen are added; for dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation, Internal Genitals and Endocrine are added. Use of auricular taping, blood-letting puncturing, pressure, or self-massage before competition can not only prevent occurrence of the symptoms of competition syndrome, but can also improve mental concentration and physical ability so that the competitive level is raised.

10. Childhood Hyperkinetic Syndrome Childhood hyperkinetic syndrome, also called minimal brain dysfunction, is a common developmental problem ofchildhood. It

214

is characterized by hyperactivity, dis tractability, excessive mood swings, and cognitive difficulty. HoweveT, intelligence is close to or

completely

normal,

and

sometimes

superior.

Minimal

dysfunction of the central nervous system may be present. In most cases, all symptoms diminish or disappear spontaneously with maturation. Common ca.uses include heredity, abnormal or difficult labor resulting in oxygen deprivation, or disease in infancy. According

to

traditional

Chinese

medicine,

childhood

hyperkinetic syndrome is caused by congenital insufficiency or by acquired malnutrition,

both of which may affect childhood

development. Auricular diagnosis: Tenderness on Subcortex, Liver, and Kidney. Therapeutic principle: Calm the mind and nourish the brain. Auricular points: Kidney: strengthens the congenital essence. Liver, Heart: calm the mind. Spleen, Stomach: strengthen the spleen and stomach to tonify qi and blood. Subcortex, Forehead: nourish the brain. Ear Shenmen, Occiput: tranquilize the mind. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Auricular massage is very useful for these children, and should be given by their parents twice a day.

II. Mental Retardation Mental retardation: is a developmental disability that becomes apparent during childHoodL Intelligence lags behind children of the

215

same age group, and never completely matures. Causes of mental retardation include birth trauma and heredity, but forty to seventy~ five percent of cases have no clear and definite cause. According to traditional Chinese medicine, mental retardation is caused by congenital deficiency of the liver and kidneys which affects childhood development. Auricular diagnosis: Tenderness on Subcortex, Liver, and Kidney. Therapeutic principle:

Tonify the liver and kidneys to

stimulate intellectual development. Auricular points: Kidney: reinforces the congenital essence to nourish the marrow and brain. Liver: tonifies the

liver~ blood

to nourish the tendons.

Spleen, Stomach, Abdomen: strengthen the acquired essence and stimulate intellectual development. Subcortex, Adrenal Gland, Endocrine: regulate nervous and endocrine functions. Forehead, Temple., Occiput: tonify the brain. Use auricular taping, twice a week. Ten treatments constitute one course.

Long~term

treatment should be given to achieve

results. Auricular massage is very useful for these children, and should he given by their parents twice a day. The younger the child when treatment is instituted, the better the results will be.

216

APPENDIX

I

GUIDE FOR INDEPENDENT STUDY Chapter One

Anatomy of the Auricle

Master the anatomical names of both frontal and dorsal surfaces of the auricle. Understand the histological structure of the auricle. Comprehend relationship of the ears, meridians, and Zangfu .organs. Chapter Two

Mechanism of Auricular Diagnosis and Treatment

Comprehend homuncular reflex theory and Delta reflex theory. Grasp meridian theory. Chapter Three

Auricular Points

Comprehend the distribution rule of the auricular points. Master the methods for locating the auricular points. Comprehend nomenclature of auricular points. Grasp the locations of all the auricular points. Comprehend the indications of all the auricular points. Chapter Four

Auricular Diagnostic Methods

Master procedures , clinical significance of positive signs, and precautions for the three auricular diagnostic methods. Chapter Five

Commonly Used Auricular Therapeutic Methods

Grasp methods of auricular taping and auricular blood-letting. puncturing.

217

Comprehend auricular pressure and auricular massage. Chapter Six_

Principles for Choosing Auricular Points

· Master the four methods for choosing auricular points.

218

APPENDIX II· LIST OF AURICULAR POINTS J+ 9:t

H1

Center of Ear

H2

Rectum H~

H3

Urethra

H4

External Genitals

H5

Anus

H6

Apex of Ear .Ij.:~

H7

Liver Yang

H8

Helix1 ~ 1

Lunyi

H9

Helix2 ~ 2

Luner

H10

Helix3 ~ 3

Lunsdn

Hll

Helix4 ~ 4

Lunsi

H12

Helix5 ~ 5

Lunwii

H13

Helix6 ~ 6

Lunliu

SF1

Fingers

SF2

Wind Stream

SF3 SF4

Mt Elbow JM

SFS

Shoulder

SF6

Clavicle

AH1

Toes ill:

AH2

Heel

Zhichang

Pj(Jlt

Niaodao

JJII'l

;rHtM:B

Waishengzhiqi Gangmen

JJHEI

m

Wrist

m

Erzhong

J.i
Erjidn Gdnylmg

Zhi Fengxi Wan Zhou

Jfi

t!ll.'ff

Jian Suogii Zhi Gen 219

Huai

AH3

Ankle~

AH4

Knee

Xi

AH5

Hip

Kuiin

AH6

Lumbosacral Vertebrae

AH7

Thoracic Vertebrae

AH8

Cervical Vertebrae ~tl

}ingzhui

AH9

Sympathesis 3<:~

Jiaogan

AHlO

Sciatic Nerve ~1ftl!tt:2

Zuogushenjing

AHll

Buttock

Tun

AH13

W Abdomen JJl Chest '-!

AH14

Neck~

Jing

TFl

Superior Triangular Fossa ~~1:

Jiaowoshang

TF2

Internal Genitals

TF3

Middle Triangular Fossa fil'j ~ 9=t

TF4

Ear Shenmen

TF5

Pelvis~~

Cl

Angle of Superior Concha

C2

Urinary Bladder

C3

Ureter ~ffj('l1f

C4

Kidney

C5

Middle Superior Concha

C6

Pancreas &. Gallbladder JFIU~

Yidan

C7

Liver J]f

Giin

C8

Spleen H.ijt

C9

Large Intestine

Pi Dachang

ClO

Appendix flfi) ~

Cll

Small Intestine Jj\.!lm

AH12

220

.II* fi!l

Jllfl£tl '-Itt

Yiiodizhui Xiongzhui

Fu Xiong

Neishengzhiqi

pq 1:~~

II= tilt f1

Jiaowozhong Ershenmen Penqiiing

Mfil'J

MJID't

Tingjiao Pangguang Shilniaoguan

'If

:kllm

1i 9=t

Shen Tingzhong

Lanwei Xiaochang

+=mnm

Shierzhichtmg

C12

Duodenum

C13

Stomach~

Wei

C14

Cardia ~n

Benmen

C15

Esophagus

C16

Mouth P

Kou

C17

Lung Jtrli

Fei

C18

Heart JL'

C19

Trachea

Xin Qiguan

C20

Endocrine

C21

San Jiao

T1

External Ear 5'~ J+

T2

Apex of Tragus

T3

External Nose j~J.

T4

Adrenal Gland

T5

Throat

T6

Internal Nose

Al

Midpoint of Rim ~ q:i

A2

Apex of Antitragus x;f'!Jf~

A3

Occiput :f,t

A4

Temple

A5

Forehead lJ;i

E

A6

Subcortex &:19tr

Pizhixia

L1

Eye2 § 2

Miler

L2

Eyel § 1

Muyi

L3

Teeth ;f ·

Ya

L4

Tongue%

;;he

L5

Jaw {iijf

He

L6

Anterior Ear Lobe

it:Jl!

Shidao

4:.'1' pg ?t ~

Neifenmi

.:=. ~

Sanjiao !Jf~

'If _t)l

PI§~

Waier Pingjian Waibi Shenshcmgxian Yanh6u

pg J.

Neibi Yuanzhong

0

Duipingjian _; ··Zhen

~!if

Nie

@;Wf

Chuiqian 221

Dlt

L7

Eye

L8

Internal Ear yf;J Ij:

Neier

L9

Cheek iii~

Micmjia

LlO

Tonsil MIJ~tf;f~

Bidntaoti

DI

Erheixin Erbeigan

D7

Ij: 1fIL' Liver of Dorsal Surface Ij:"WJJf Spleen of-Dorsal Surface Ij:1fM! Lung of Dorsal Surface Ij:lf.Difi Kidney of Dorsal Surface Ij: "W 'If Groove of Dorsal Surface Ij:"WttJ Upper Ear Root J:Ij::m

Shcmgergen

DB

Root of Ear Vagus Ij:~:m

Ermigen

D9

Lower Ear Root r.Ij:;fl

D2 D3 D4 DS D6

222

Heart of Dorsal Surface

Ydn

Erbeipi Erheifei Erbeishen Erbeigeu

'Xiaergen

APPENDIX

III

TERMINOLOGY OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 1. Yin-yang: a general term for two opposite yet interrelated aspects of matter or energy. The principle of yin-yang is widely applied in traditional Chinese medicine. 2. Five Element Theory, also called Five EvQI.utive Phases: comprising wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. This philosophical theory was integrated with medical practice in ancient China, and expounds the unity of matter and the human body and the physiopathological relationship among the five Zan:g organs. 3. Zangfu organs: include the five solid organs, i. e. the heart, liver ,spleen ,lungs ,and kidneys ;six hollow organs ,i.e. gallbladder, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, San Jiao, and urinary bladder; and the extraordinary Fu organs, i. e. the brainmarrow, bone, vessels, gallbladder, and uterus. 4. Meridian theory: one of the important components of traditional Chinese. medicine. It describes the physiology and pathology of the me~idians and· collaterals and their relationship with the Zangfu organs, and serves as a guide for acupuncture in clinical practice. 5. Gate of Life: refers to the kidney-yang.

223

6. San Jiao, also called Triple Warmer: one of the six Fu organs, consisting of the Upper Jiao, Middle Jiao, and Lower Jiao. The Upper Jiao houses the heart and lungs, the Middle Jiao the spleen, and the Lower Jiao the liver, kidneys, urinary bladder, and small and large intestines. San Jiao synthesizes the functioning of the Zangfu organs. It also provides passageways for the movement of qi and fluids. 7. Five Orbiculus theory: a theory of opthamology which holds that each of the five Zang organs is physiopathologically related to one of the five orbiculi' i. e. the spleen corresponds to the flesh orbiculus (the eyelid), the heart to the blood orbiculus (the canthus), the lungs to the qi orbiculus (the sclera), the liver to the wind orbiculus (the iris), and the kidneys to the water orbiculus (the pupil). 8. Five Hearts: refer to the heart, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet. 9.

Congenital essence: original' substance essential

for

construction of the body and generation of offspring. 10. Acquired essence: substance derived from food and water and used to maintain the vital activities and mechanisms of the body. 11. Clear-qi: the refined essence of food and water, conveyed to the lungs and distributed to the internal organs and tissues. 12. Phlegm: accumulated dampness as a pathological product; results from dysfunction of the lungs, spleen, and kidneys or from disturbance of water circulation in the San Jiao passageways. 13. Mental injury: functional derangement of qi, blood, and the Zangfu organs which may be caused by persistent and violent emotions such as joy' anger., melancholy' anxiety' grief' fear' and 224

terror. 14. Bi syndrome: arthralgia • characterized by joint pain. 15. Lin syndrome: stranguria, characterized by frequent, painful , or dripping urination. 16. Wei syndrome: flaccidity syndrome. 17. Yu syndrome : a series of symptoms caused by stagnation of the liver qi, including restlessness, irritability,

a feeling

fullness in the chest, and sighing.

225

of

A

Helisl

Lower Lr Roci& ,Jaw

I

,-\

.1

I

Toni"•

,_ \

\Cheek\

J

Internal· ; J::ar\

1

E~• __

---..(-

1

Dorsal Surface Tonail

Helid

Frontal Surface Figure 3~2

Sketch map of the International Standard of Auricular Points A: Frontal Surface; Jl: Dorsal surface