AM3E-07A(165-188)

10/25/2002

2:21 PM

Page 165

Somatotopic representations on the ear

CONTENTS
7.1 Master points on the ear 7.2 Auricular representation of the musculoskeletal system 7.2.1 Vertebral spine and anterior body represented on the antihelix 7.2.2 Leg and foot represented on the superior crus and triangular fossa 7.2.3 Arm and hand represented on the scaphoid fossa 7.2.4 Head, skull and face represented on the antitragus and lobe 7.2.5 Sensory organs represented on the lobe, tragus and subtragus 7.2.6 Auricular landmarks near musculoskeletal points 7.3 Auricular representation of internal visceral organs 7.3.1 Digestive system represented in the concha region around the helix root 7.3.2 Thoracic organs represented on the inferior concha 7.3.3 Abdominal organs represented on the superior concha and helix 7.3.4 Urogenital organs represented on the superior concha and internal helix 7.4 Auricular representation of endocrine glands 7.4.1 Peripheral endocrine glands represented along the concha wall 7.4.2 Cranial endocrine glands represented at the intertragic notch 7.5 Auricular representation of the nervous system 7.5.1 Nogier phase representation of the nervous system 7.5.2 Peripheral nervous system represented on the ear 7.5.3 Spinal cord and brainstem represented on the helix tail and lobe 7.5.4 Subcortical brain nuclei represented on the concha wall and lobe 7.5.5 Cerebral cortex represented on the ear lobe 7.6 Auricular representation of functional conditions 7.6.1 Primary Chinese functional points represented on the ear 7.6.2 Secondary Chinese functional points represented on the ear 7.6.3 Primary European functional points represented on the ear 7.6.4 Secondary European functional points represented on the ear Over 20 books on auricular acupuncture have been consulted to determine the anatomical location and somatotopic function of specic regions of the ear. Texts which focus on the identication of Chinese ear acupuncture points include: Huang (1974), Wexu (1975), Nahemkis & Smith (1975), Lu (1975), Van Gelder (1985), Grobglas & Levy (1986), Chen & Cui (1991), Zhaohao et al. (1991), Knig & Wancura (1993), Shan et al. (1996) and Huang (1996). Journal articles and conference presentations by Zhou (1995, 1999) have addressed the most recent Chinese publications for the standardization of auricular points. A European perspective on the corresponding representations of the gross anatomy on the external ear begins with the pioneering work of Paul Nogier (1972, 1983, 1987, 1989). The latter texts present the three phases of the auricular microsystem as delineated by Nogier. Other books which have described the somatotopic localization of auricular points in the European schools of auriculotherapy and auricular medicine include the following: Bahr (1977), Bourdiol (1982), Kropej (1984), Van Gelder (1992), Bucek (1994), Pesikov & Rybalko (1994), Strittmatter (1998, 2001) and Rubach (2001). Information from all of these texts was combined to determine the location and function of the auricular points described by the Chinese and the European schools of auriculotherapy. In general, there is more congruence than disparity between the Chinese and European somatotopic maps for the auricle. Even when there are noticeable differences between the two systems, the corresponding points are often located on adjacent regions of the external ear. The lower extremities are located on the antihelix superior crus in the Chinese ear charts, but the legs are localized to the triangular fossa in the European cartography. These two auricular areas lie
Somatotopic representations

165

AM3E-07A(165-188)

10/25/2002

2:21 PM

Page 166

Overview of auricular microsystem somatotopic maps

Master points Represented throughout auricle

Auricular representation of the musculoskeletal system and sensory systems

Spinal Vertebrae and Anterior Body Leg and Foot Arm and Hand Head and Skull Face, Jaw, Teeth and Tongue Sensory Organs Represented on antihelix Represented on triangular fossa and superior crus Represented on scaphoid fossa Represented on antitragus Represented on lobe Represented on lobe, tragus, and subtragus

Auricular representation of internal organs

Digestive Organs Thoracic Organs Abdominal Organs Urogenital Organs Endocrine Glands Represented on concha around helix root Represented on inferior concha Represented on superior concha and concha ridge Represented on superior concha and internal helix Represented on concha wall

Auricular representation of the nervous system

Somatic peripheral nerves Sympathetic peripheral nerves Spinal Cord and Brainstem Subcortical Brain Nuclei Cerebral Cortex Represented on antihelix Represented on concha wall Represented on helix tail and lobe Represented on antitragus and concha wall Represented on lobe

Auricular representation of functional conditions

Chinese primary functional points Chinese secondary functional points European primary functional points European secondary functional points next to each other, and in each case the hip is found toward the inferior tip of the triangular fossa and the feet are found toward the top of the ear. The Chinese assert that the kidney is found in the superior concha and the spleen in the inferior concha, whereas European texts maintain that the kidney is located underneath the helix root and the spleen is found above the concha ridge. In each case, though, the kidney is found toward the upper regions of the auricle where both schools locate the bladder and the spleen is found on each side of the Liver point, which is also in the same area of the concha in both schools. A general impression is that the European ear points delineate the musculoskeletal points and neuroendocrine points more precisely, whereas the Chinese charts seem to indicate the location of the internal organs more accurately. That so much of Oriental medicine is focused on the constitutional factors established by the internal organs, and that each acupuncture channel is named for an internal organ, may provide good reason for this difference. European approaches to auriculotherapy have placed greater emphasis on the neurophysiological control of the musculoskeletal system and the relationship of each organ to the embryological tissue from which it originates. The Nogier system of three different phases related to three different territories on the auricle may at rst seem overly complex and confusing, but the clinical applicability of these phases becomes easier with continued practice. 166
Auriculotherapy Manual

AM3E-07A(165-188)

10/25/2002

2:21 PM

Page 167

7.1 Master points on the ear

The master points are so identied because they are typically active in most patients and they are useful for the treatment of a variety of health disorders. The practitioner should rst stimulate the appropriate corresponding points for a given anatomical organ, and then stimulate the master points also indicated for that medical condition. Each auricular point presented in this text is identied with a number, the points principal name, alternative names, and the auricular zone (AZ) where it is found. If an auricular zone location includes a slash (/), the ear point occurs at the junction of two zones. The location of each ear point is described with regard to a specic region of auricular anatomy and the nearest auricular landmark (LM). The physiological function of the corresponding organ or the health disorders affected by a particular ear point are presented after the location of that ear point.

Musculoskeletal body represented on the ear Leg and foot Arm and hand

Internal organs represented on the ear

Spinal vertebrae and anterior body

Urogenital organs Digestive system Thoracic organs Head Pituitary gland

Abdominal organs Endocrine glands

Face

Nervous system represented on the ear Autonomic nerves Territory 1

Territories of the ear

Spinal cord Territory 2

Brainstem Subcortical nuclei Cerebral cortex Figure 7.1 Overview of the musculoskeletal body, internal organs and the nervous system represented on the external ear. Also indicated are the three primary territories of the auricle.
Somatotopic representations

Territory 3

167

AM3E-07A(165-188)

10/25/2002

2:21 PM

Page 168

No.

Auricular microsystem point (Alternative name) Point Zero (Ear Center, Point of Support, Umbilical Cord, Solar Plexus)
Location: ridge.

[Auricular zone]

0.0

[HX 1/CR 1]

Notch on the helix root at LM 0, just as the vertically ascending helix rises from the more horizontal concha

Function: This master point is the geometrical and physiological center of the whole auricle. It brings the whole body towards homeostasis, producing a balance of energy, hormones and brain activity. It supports the actions of other auricular points and returns the body to the idealized state which was present in the womb. On the auricular somatotopic map, Point Zero is located where the umbilical cord would rise from the abdomen of the inverted fetus pattern found on the ear. As the solar plexus point, Point Zero serves as the autonomic brain that controls visceral organs through peripheral nerve ganglia. 1.C

Shen Men (Spirit Gate, Divine Gate)

[TF 2]

Location: Superior and central to the tip of the triangular fossa, between the junction of the superior crus and the inferior crus of the antihelix. It is not at the tip of the triangular fossa, but slightly inward and slightly upward from where the triangular fossa descends from the superior crus toward deeper regions of the triangular fossa. Function: The purpose of Shen Men is to tranquilize the mind and to allow a harmonious connection to essential spirit. This master point alleviates stress, pain, tension, anxiety, depression, insomnia, restlessness, and excessive sensitivity. The Chinese believe that Shen Men affects excitation and inhibition of the cerebral cortex, which is similar in function to Nogiers second phase Thalamus point localized to the same area of the ear. Utilized in almost all treatment plans, including auricular acupuncture analgesia for surgery. Shen Men was one of the rst points emphasized for the detoxication from drugs and the treatment of alcoholism and substance abuse. It is also used to reduce coughs, fever, inammatory diseases, epilepsy and high blood pressure. When it is difcult to nd tender or electrically active ear points, stimulation of either Shen Men or Point Zero increases the reactivity of other auricular points, making it easier to detect them. 2.0

Sympathetic Autonomic point

[IH 4/AH 7]

Location: Junction of the more vertically rising internal helix and the more horizontal inferior crus, directly below LM 1. It is covered by the brim of the helix root above it, thus making this ear point difcult to view directly from the external surface of the ear. It can be found on the vertically rising internal helix wall, on the at ledge of the inferior crus or at the junction where the two meet. Function: This master point balances sympathetic nervous system activation with parasympathetic sedation. This point is the primary ear locus for diagnosing visceral pain and for inducing sedation effects during acupuncture. It improves blood circulation by facilitating vasodilation, corrects irregular or rapid heart beats, reduces angina pain, alleviates Raynauds disease, reduces visceral pain from internal organs, calms smooth muscle spasms and reduces neurovegetative disequilibrium. It is also used for the treatment of kidney stones, gall stones, gastric ulcers, abdominal distension, asthma and dysfunctions of the autonomic nervous system. 3.0

Allergy point
Location: Internal and external sides of the apex of the ear, below or at LM 2.

[IH 7 or HX 7]

Function: This master point leads to a general reduction in inammatory reactions related to allergies, rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. It is used for the elimination of toxic substances, the excretion of metabolic wastes and treatment of anaphylactic shock. In Oriental medicine, the top surface of the Allergy point is pricked with a needle to reduce excess qi or it is pinched to diminish allergic reactions. 4.0

Thalamus point (Subcortex, Brain, Pain Control point)

[CW 2/IC 4]

Location: Base of the concha wall which lies behind the antitragus. To detect this point, follow a vertical ridge which descends down the concha wall from the apex of the antitragus (LM 13). It is located on the internal surface behind the antitragus, where the concha wall meets the oor of the inferior concha. Function: This master point represents the whole diencephalon, including the thalamus and the hypothalamus. It affects thalamic relay connections to the cerebral cortex and hypothalamic regulation of autonomic nerves and endocrine glands. The thalamus is like a preamplier for signals sent to the cerebral cortex, rening the neural message and eliminating meaningless background noise. The thalamus is the highest level of the supraspinal gate control system, and so is used for

168

Auriculotherapy Manual

AM3E-07A(165-188)

10/25/2002

2:21 PM

Page 169

No.

Auricular microsystem point (Alternative name)

[Auricular zone]

most pain disorders, acute and chronic, and is frequently used for auricular acupuncture analgesia. It also reduces neurasthenia, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, over-excitement, sweating, swelling, shock, hypertension, coronary disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, Raynauds disease, gastritis, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, liver disorders and gall bladder dysfunctions. In TCM, the Thalamus Subcortex point tonies the brain and calms the mind. In the Nogier phase system, the Phase II Thalamus is located in the region of Shen Men and Phase III Thalamus is located in the region of the Lung. These three points, Thalamus, Shen Men and Lung, are all used for drug detoxication. 6.0

Endocrine point (Internal Secretion, Pituitary Gland)

Location: Wall of the intertragic notch, below LM 9.

[IT 2]

Function: This master point brings endocrine hormones to their appropriate homeostatic levels, either raising or lowering glandular secretions. It functions by activating the pituitary gland below the brain. The pituitary is the master gland controlling all other endocrine glands. It relieves hypersensitivity, rheumatism, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, irregular menstruation, sexual dysfunction and urogenital disorders. It has antiallergic, antirheumatic, and anti-inammatory effects. In TCM treatments, it reduces dampness and relieves swelling and edema. 6.E

Master Oscillation point (Laterality point, Switching point)

Location: Underside of the subtragus, internal to the inferior tragus protrusion, LM 10.

[ST 3]

Function: This master point balances laterality disorders related to the left and right cerebral hemispheres. Anatomically it represents the corpus callosum and the anterior commissure. The point is active in those persons who are left handed or mixed dominant in handedness. Whereas 80% of individuals show ipsilateral representation of body organs, 20% of patients exhibit contralateral representation of body organs. These individuals are viewed as oscillators in the European school of auriculotherapy, and this laterality dysfunction is labeled switched in some chiropractic schools. Stimulation of this auricular point in oscillators is often necessary before any other auriculotherapy treatment can be effective. After stimulation of the Master Oscillation point, auricular points that were initially more electrically active on the contralateral ear may become more conductive on the ipsilateral ear. This point is used to alleviate dyslexia, learning disabilities and attention decit disorder. People who have unusual or hypersensitive reactions to prescription medications or autoimmune problems often need to be treated for oscillation. 7.0

Tranquilizer point (Valium Analog point, Hypertensive point)

Location: Inferior tragus as it joins the face, lying halfway between LM 9 and LM 10.

[TG 2]

Function: This master point produces a general sedation effect, facilitating overall relaxation and relieving generalized anxiety. It also reduces high blood pressure and chronic stress. 8.E

Master Sensorial point (Eye point)

[LO 4]

Location: Middle of the lobe, vertically inferior to LM 13 and vertically superior to LM 7. It is found at the same site as the Eye point. Function: This master point controls the sensory cerebral cortex areas of the parietal lobe, the temporal lobe, and the occipital lobe. It is used to reduce any unpleasant or excessive sensation, such as tactile paresthesia, ringing in the ears and blurred vision. 9.0

Master Cerebral point (Master Omega, Nervousness, Neurasthenia,Worry)

Location: Where the medial ear lobe meets the face. It lies vertically inferior to the intertragic notch.

[LO 1]

Function: This master point represents the prefrontal lobe of the brain, the part of the cerebral cortex which makes decisions and initiates conscious action. Stimulation of this auricular point diminishes nervous anxiety, fear, worry, lassitude, dream-disturbed sleep, poor memory, obsessivecompulsive disorders, psychosomatic disorders, and the negative pessimistic thinking which often accompanies chronic pain problems.

Somatotopic representations

169

AM3E-07A(165-188)

10/25/2002

2:22 PM

Page 170

Superior helix Internal helix s Allergy point Superior crus

s

Helix root 3.0 Allergy point t Internal helix Autonomic point s Inferior crus

1.C Shen men ( Spirit Gate )

q

2.0 Sympathetic autonomic point

Tragus Subtragus s Master oscillation

0.0 Point zero

s s

6.E Master oscillation point

5.0 Endocrine point ( internal secretion)

4. 0 Thalamus point ( subcortex )

Antitragus

Concha wall

8.E Master sensorial point

9.0 Master cerebral point

Internal ridge behind concha wall Thalamus point s Inferior concha

Intertragic notch Endocrine point s Inferior concha

Figure 7.2 Hidden view of auricular master points.The Tranquilizer point is not shown in Figure 7.2 because this point on the external tragus is only visible from a Surface View, as indicated in Figure 7.3.

170

Auriculotherapy Manual

AM3E-07A(165-188)

10/25/2002

2:22 PM

Page 171

1.0 Shen Men (Spirit Gate)

3.0 Allergy point s

2.0 Sympathetic Autonomic point

0.0 Point Zero 6.E Master Oscillation point s 7.0 Tranquilizer point 5.0 Endocrine point (Internal Secretion) 9.0 Master Cerebral point s s 8.E Master Sensorial point

4.0 Thalamus point (Subcortex)

Figure 7.3 Surface view of auricular master points.

Somatotopic representations

171

AM3E-07A(165-188)

10/25/2002

2:22 PM

Page 172

Figure 7.4 Photographs of the master points: Point Zero (A), Shen Men (B), Sympathetic Autonomic point (C), Allergy point and Thalamus point (D).

172

Auriculotherapy Manual

AM3E-07A(165-188)

10/25/2002

2:23 PM

Page 173

Figure 7.5 Photographs of the master points: Endocrine point (A), Master Oscillation point (B), Tranquilizer point (C), Master Sensorial point and Master Cerebral point (D).
Somatotopic representations

173