The origins and lineage of Auricular Medicine—Part 1

The origins of Auricular Medicine

So much of my practice revolves around the ears! You might be wondering why that is. The simple answer is that the ear contains a representative map of the entire body, including the musculoskeletal system, the organs, and the central nervous system. This map is projected onto the ear by the brain, which acts as a relay through which we recognize and experience illnesses and pain syndromes in our body. Those experiences are then projected by the brain onto the ear. By treating the ear, a signal is recognized by the brain, and sent to the part of the body in need of help. Thus, the ears give the practitioner a two-way avenue for direct communication with the brain in a way that impacts healing anywhere in the body.

Now that the fundamentals are out of the way, let’s dive deeper into how Auricular Therapy/Medicine has developed over the decades. This will be a two-part article. Here in Part 1 we will explore the origins of Auricular Medicine, and in Part 2 (July/August), we will learn about its lineage up to today.

The birth of Auricular Therapy

Auricular acupuncture began in China, but its in-depth development occurred in Europe, beginning in the 1950s. As the story goes, the French neurologist Dr. Paul Nogier noticed a scar on the ears of several of his patients. The patients reported that the scars were the result of an effective treatment for sciatica, performed by a lay practitioner of this particular treatment. Dr. Nogier was intrigued, and proceeded to do further research, ultimately discovering that the entire body is mapped on the ear in the configuration of an upside-down fetus.

In 1956, Dr. Nogier’s findings were published in an international acupuncture journal. The Chinese adopted this ground-breaking, foundational information, and built upon it using the traditional Chinese medicine system. As Nogier continued to research Auricular Therapy, he worked with Dr. Frank Bahr of Germany and Dr. Rene Bourdiol of France. Through these connections, European Auricular Therapy continued to develop in France and Germany. The French, German, and Chinese systems share a lot in common, but there are distinctive features within each system.

Nogier’s three-phase Auricular Therapy

Nogier noticed that the Chinese ear maps included different organ locations from his inverted fetus ear map. He found that the Chinese points were also effective in relieving conditions. This information fueled discovery of his three-phase system. Nogier found that the map changed depending on how chronic the condition was. Phase 1, the acute phase, was represented by the original inverted fetus map. Phase 3, the sub-acute phase, and Phase 2, the chronic/degenerated phase, each have their own distinct map. (Yes, the numbers are out of order … they are in the order that Nogier discovered and mapped each phase.) For example, if someone has chronic low back pain, but the tissues are still mostly intact, they may have active points in both Phase 1 and Phase 3.

Auricular Therapy evolves into Auricular Medicine

Vascular Autonomic Signal

In 1965, Dr. Nogier first identified the Vascular Autonomic Signal (VAS). The VAS appears as an exaggerated pulsing, most often monitored at the wrist, when the body experiences a change in stimulation—a stress response to a particular stimulus. In other words, a point that elicits a strong VAS is a point that is experiencing a lot of stress, pain, or dysfunction. By exposing the body to different tools, such as color filters, vials containing various substances, specific frequencies, flower essences, and homeopathic remedies, and monitoring changes in the VAS, the practitioner can gather information about the nature of the pathology, as well as learning which points are active and should be treated. The VAS adds complexity and nuance to both the assessment and the treatment. Use of the VAS is what elevates the practice to Auricular Medicine. If you are curious to learn more about the VAS, the 5-minute video below is very informative. 

Bioenergetic field testing

The bioenergetic field that is projected beyond the ear is another assessment tool that expanded the practice of Auricular Medicine. A three-phase filter (composed of a stack of three Kodak color filters, each identifying one of Nogier’s three phases) is slowly moved laterally towards the ear until a VAS is felt. A normal bioenergetic field is 1 cm away from the ear. Anything farther out identifies dissonant or stressed energy in the field.

Bioenergetic field testing is used during the assessment to identify changes in the patient’s field as the body is exposed to different energetic challenges and information, all while monitoring the VAS. These challenges include a wide variety of things, including immune stressors (virus, bacteria, fungus, parasites), toxic stressors (chemicals, heavy metals), hormones, allergens, foods, autoantibodies, organs, anatomical structures, particular disease patterns, etc. The information gleaned from this process forms the basis of the unique protocol created for each individual.

Dr. Nogier was responsible for developing a highly robust therapeutic method that makes the most out of the microsystem that exists on our ears. The practitioners who we will discuss in Part 2 have taken Nogier’s discoveries and added many more powerful innovations for us to benefit from.

Marie's Body of Knowledge

Have you been diagnosed with tendinitis, bursitis, or another inflammatory condition? Was a cortisone shot suggested to decrease inflammation and reduce pain? Did you decide to get the cortisone shot, and lo and behold, the pain was significantly reduced or eliminated? So now what?

The fact of the matter is, the pain is improved but the problem is not resolved. Generally, poor mechanics, overuse, or muscle weakness has led to the inflammation and pain. The cortisone injection has reduced the pain but the underlying cause continues to persist.

Once the cortisone injection has reduced pain and improved function, that is the time to seek the help of a physical therapist. A PT will perform a thorough evaluation and identify joint dysfunction, muscle weakness, and faulty mechanics that led to the problem. Without manual therapy and the help of an individually designed exercise program, the pain and inflammation will most likely return within a few weeks to months, because the underlying cause hasn’t been resolved.

A physical therapist can perform hands-on therapy techniques to decrease muscle tension and improve joint mechanics. When mechanics improve, then exercises to strengthen weak muscles can begin to improve overall long-term function. In general, it takes 6-8 weeks of diligently performing exercises to restore strength and mechanics.

After a cortisone injection, give yourself the best chance for long-term pain relief. Seek out a physical therapist to help you back on the road to recovery.

German auricular acupuncture: its history and how it works

Over the past few months, I have been learning and practicing German auricular acupuncture, and have been very impressed by the results. The first question everyone asks is: “German acupuncture??” And the second question is: “Why the ear?” Read on for the answer to these questions. I hope to pique your interest in this interesting and effective medicine in a two-part article that will continue in the next issue.

History of auricular acupuncture

The two words “German” and “acupuncture” don’t seem like they should go together. But in fact, they do. Body acupuncture, the acupuncture that first comes to mind, is definitely of Chinese origin. Auricular acupuncture began in China as well, but its in-depth development occurred in Europe, beginning in the 1950s. As the story goes, the French neurologist Dr. Paul Nogier noticed a scar on the ears of several of his patients. The patients reported that the scars were the result of an effective treatment for sciatica, performed by a lay practitioner. Nogier was intrigued, and proceeded to do further research, ultimately discovering that the entire body is mapped on the ear in the configuration of an upside down fetus.

In 1956, Nogier’s findings were published in an international acupuncture journal. The Chinese adopted this ground-breaking, foundational information, and built upon it using the traditional Chinese medicine system. As Nogier continued to research auriculotherapy, he worked together with Dr. Frank Bahr of Germany and Dr. Rene Bourdiol of France. Through these connections, European auriculotherapy continued to develop in France and Germany.

The French, German, and Chinese systems share a lot in common, but there are distinctive features within each system. Next month I will explain what makes the German system unique and powerful.

Why the ear?

As Nogier discovered, the ear contains a representative map of the entire body, including the musculoskeletal system, the organs, and the central nervous system. This map is projected onto the ear by the brain. The brain is a relay of sorts, by way of which we recognize and experience illnesses and pain syndromes in our body. Those experiences are then projected by the brain onto the ear. By treating the ear, a signal is recognized by the brain, and sent to the part of the body in need of help. In other words, the ears give the practitioner a two-way avenue for direct communication with the brain in a way that impacts healing anywhere in the body.

The practitioner inspects the ear for changes in structure, color, tenderness, and electrical conductance that signifies pain, illness or any other physiological change. The “active” points that relate to the pathology are then treated with a needle or electrical stimulation. This treatment will interrupt the brain’s “sick” communication signal, and allow the body to restore its natural balance, thereby correcting the pain and/or illness.

As discussed in the May-June 2012 Newsletter , chronic pain is often perpetuated by a habituated pain cycle, long after the tissues are healed. When this communication signal is interrupted, the body can heal itself and return to a state of balance. Auricular acupuncture is an effective and efficient way to interrupt the pain cycle, thereby decreasing one’s level of pain.

Testimonials

After several car accidents, I was struggling with lower back pain due to a herniated disc and pain in my right hip and sacrum. I consulted with several chiropractors and received many treatments over the course of four months’ time. During this time I saw slight improvement, but it was rather minimal. I became depressed and hopeless, unable to exercise, sit down for longer than 15 minutes, bend or lift. The only way I could experience comfort was by reclining. Eventually I had to go out on disability, unable to perform the functions of my job.

Willing to try anything, I consulted with Anita Teigen from the Red Clover Clinic. She has helped me in the past with various ailments, and I thought she may have some insight about my current situation. She suggested trying out German auricular acupuncture. I had never heard of this, but she thought it would be particularly helpful because not only could it treat the problem quickly, but she had noticed it tended to clear issues for the long-term, not requiring multiple follow-up visits. I figured I would give it a try. After the first visit, I noticed my pain was reduced slightly. However, it was the second visit that really convinced me.  After the second visit, my level of pain went from a 6 to a 2. I can now sit for hours at a time, bend more easily and even exercise. My range of motion is greatly improved and I am no longer in constant pain. I did not believe this would be possible after four months of chiropractic treatment that led nowhere, but the auricular acupuncture really did the trick for me.  I am still battling some back issues, but they are nowhere near what they used to be. My life has dramatically improved and I owe that to Anita!  -M.S.

I was really excited about my recent EAR TREATMENT. The pain and stiffness in my neck and low back is very persistent and has been a recurrent challenge for years. I typically handle this problem with acupuncture, chiropractic, and yoga as well as massage. These treatments always feel good, but these areas are still tied up in knots. However, I immediately felt a difference in the pain and stiffness. The area of complaint is now isolated to just the left side. I have way more mobility in my neck and back. It is such a change. I am really looking forward to seeing how follow up treatments will improve not only this area, but others! Woo Hoo! Thanks Anita.  – M.L.

A summer herb walk

Red Clover

The herb red clover is, of course, the namesake of Red Clover Clinic. I am often asked the question: “Why red clover?” 

I have had a fondness for red clover since I was a child. I’m pretty sure that along with dandelions, red clover was one of my first live herb interactions. I remember running through the pasture on my grandparents’ farm, picking red clovers and plucking out the individual petals to suck the sweet nectar out of them. I have always thought that red clovers have a joyful, playful energy, so what better name for my clinic? 

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a lymphatic herb and is used to treat abnormal swelling.  It is also cool and moistening to dry and irritable tissues.

Motherwort

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a member of the mint family and is one of the most commonly used herbs in my clinic.  It is soothing to highly stressed people, suffering from anxiety, palpitations, and insomnia. It is a heart tonic, and it calms the sympathetic nervous system. Though quite bitter, people really enjoy motherworts soothing effects.

Sweet Leaf

Sweet leaf (Monarda fistulosa) is a wonderful herb that is native to North America. It is known by many names, including wild bergamot, bee balm, and wild oregano. Like motherwort, it is also a member of the mint family.

Sweet leaf is pungent and stimulating, much like its cousin oregano. It is especially useful when the digestion isn’t working properly, be it constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, gallbladder congestion, etc. It is also effective in cases of urinary tract infections, both acute and chronic, as well as fevers.