​Ear Reflexology and Auricular Therapy
Acupuncture points on the ear are effectively used to treat illness. In 1957, Dr. Nogier developed a map of the ear based upon the inverted foetus concept, after having observed the occurrence of scars on the ears of a patient who was successfully treated for sciatic pain by French lay practitioners. 
Auricular acupuncture is a treatment system based on normalizing the body's pain and dysfunction through stimulation of points on the ear. Resulting amelioration of pain and illness is believed to be through the reticular formation through the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

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                                                         Image 1: Dr Nogier’s location of Ear Reflexes


His work was first presented in France and then published by a German acupuncture society and then finally translated into Chinese language.
In 1958, a massive study was initiated by Nanking Army Ear Acupuncture research team which verified the clinical accuracy of Dr. Nogier's inverted man concept of, the little man on the ear.

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                                          Image 2: showing human structure alongside ear reflexology map.

                                             Source: http://www.acupuncturedoc.com/ear.htm  (1/1/2013)​​




In 1980, a double blind experimentally controlled research study at UCLA Pain Management Centre department of Anaesthesiology UCLA School of Medicine conducted a research study by Richard J. Kroeuning M.D., Ph.D and Terry D. Oleson Ph.D. This study, reported in PAIN, verified the scientific accuracy of auricular (ear) diagnosis. There is a statistically significant level of 75% accuracy achieved in diagnosing musculoskeletal pain problems in 40 pain patients. Specific areas of height and tenderness and increased electrical activity on the ear predicted specific areas of the body where some pain or dysfunction would be identified whereas the body free of pathology corresponded to non-active points on the ear.
These points can be treated with needles, or without needles using electrical stimulation or small pellets or seeds applied with tape and pressed to stimulate the points.

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Image 3:  sourced from: http://healingtouchbw.blogspot.com.au/2009/10/chinese-ear-reflexology.html  (Jan 2013)

Look into the ear:

1. Can you outline the inverted shape of a foetus?

2. What inner organ does the shape of the ear resemble?





​Chinese Insights
Buddha is often depicted with ears round at the top wide at the middle and long lobes reflecting his strong constitution, love wisdom and peace.  The ears in traditional Chinese medicine are associated with the kidneys and they are the same size and shape as the kidneys. 

The kidneys reflect our constitutional strength.  If you are a good listener you have good kidneys.  The kidneys hold a person's ancestral inheritance and distribute chi throughout the body.  They also reflect our talents given to us by our ancestors.  A person's life unfolds from his kidneys.  Neglect them at your peril, it has been said.



Note: Stephen integrates Ear Reflexology in his treatment plan for clients.