As an addition to Dr. King's answers on this topic, I would quote from the chapter on Ear Acupuncture Therapy of the book [i:ee1fe05da6]Essentials of Chinese Acupuncture[/i:ee1fe05da6] (Beijing, 1980), compiled by [i:ee1fe05da6]Beijing College of TCM[/i:ee1fe05da6], [i:ee1fe05da6]Shanghai College of TCM[/i:ee1fe05da6], [i:ee1fe05da6]Nanjing College of TCM[/i:ee1fe05da6] and the [i:ee1fe05da6]Acupuncture Institute[/i:ee1fe05da6] of the [i:ee1fe05da6]Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine[/i:ee1fe05da6]. In my opinion, this is one of the best books on Chinese Acupuncture ever written for Western practitioners, the book being simple and comprehensive at the same time. (If I am not mistaken, the Medboo courses A, B, C and D are largely based on this same book).
[b:ee1fe05da6]Technique of ear acupuncture[/b:ee1fe05da6]
(1) [u:ee1fe05da6]Probing of the sensitive spot[/u:ee1fe05da6]: After points are prescribed, it is necessary to probe for the sensitive spots at the areas where the selected points are located. The commonly used methods are the following.
a. Probing for the tender spot: Probe with a blunt needle around the selected point on the auricle from the rim towards the centre. When marked tenderness is located, press hard to mark the spot for applying acupuncture.
b. Probing by electric apparatus: That is to observe the changes in electric resistance, capacity and potential at the areas of the selected auricular points with a special apparatus. The conductant points on the auricle are usually effective spots for application of stimuli in acupuncture treatment.
(2) [u:ee1fe05da6]Aseptic procedure[/u:ee1fe05da6]: Auricular points are swabbed with 75% alcohol or 2% iodine.
(3) [u:ee1fe05da6]Insertion of needle[/u:ee1fe05da6]: Stabilise the auricle with the left hand. Hold a filiform needle of 0.5 or 1 [i:ee1fe05da6]cun[/i:ee1fe05da6] with the right hand and insert it swiftly into the point avoiding penetration of the ear. There is generally a sensation of pain, but sometimes of hotness, distension, soreness or heaviness, any of which usually signify satisfactory therapeutic result.
(4) [u:ee1fe05da6]Retention of needle[/u:ee1fe05da6]: Needles are usually retained for 20-30 minutes, but in acute inflammatory cases, severe pain and paroxysmal seizures, needles are retained for 1-2 hours or even longer and intermittently manipulated to enhance stimulation.
(5) [u:ee1fe05da6]Removal of needle[/u:ee1fe05da6]: After the needle is removed, press the puncture hole with a dry, sterile cotton ball to avoid infection.
(6) [u:ee1fe05da6]Course of treatment[/u:ee1fe05da6]: Treatment is given once every day or every other day. Ten treatments make a course. The interval between courses is 5-7 days.
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Sergiy
Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 6:28 pm |