Auricular Acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture is the practice of stimulating points on the external surface of the ear, called the auricle.  The stimulation, in the form of a needle or small metal ball taped to the surface, alleviates pathological conditions and symptoms in other parts of the body. This method of treatment was first based on the ancient Chinese practices, but Dr. Paul Nogier of modern day France was the first to make observations of the somatotopic properties, or brain correspondence, of the ear.  This means he was able to map areas of the ear that would correspond to specific points in the central nervous system, affecting other parts of the body.