TCM Acupuncture and Massage

Chapter 36 Common Acupuncture and Moxibustion Methods (7)
([-]) Acupoints on the earlobe

将耳垂分为9区。在耳垂上线至耳垂下缘最低点之间作两条等距离平行线，于上平行线上引两条垂直等分线，将耳垂分为9个区，上部由前到后依次为耳垂1区、2区、3区；中部由前到后依次为耳垂4区、5区、6区；下部由前到后依次为耳垂7区、8区、9区。

1. Teeth

[Location] On the front and upper part of the earlobe, that is, the 1st area of ​​the earlobe.

【Indications】Toothache, periodontitis, hypotension.

2. Tongue

【Location】In the middle and upper part of the front of the earlobe, that is, the 2nd area of ​​the earlobe.

【Indications】Glossitis, stomatitis.

3. Jaw

[Location] On the front and rear upper part of the earlobe, that is, the 3rd area of ​​the earlobe.

【Indications】Toothache, temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

4. Hang forward
[Location] In the front and middle of the earlobe, that is, the 4th area of ​​the earlobe.

【Indications】neurasthenia, toothache.

5. Eye

[Location] In the center of the front of the earlobe, that is, the 5th area of ​​the earlobe.

【Indications】Acute conjunctivitis, electro-optic ophthalmia, stye, myopia.

6. Inner ear

[Location] In the front and back middle of the earlobe, that is, the 6th area of ​​the earlobe.

【Indications】Inner ear vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, otitis media.

7. Cheeks
[Location] Between the eye area and the inner ear area on the front of the earlobe, that is, the junction of areas 5 and 6 of the earlobe.

【Indications】facial paralysis, trigeminal neuralgia, acne, flat warts, hemifacial spasm, mumps.

8. Tonsils

[Location] On the lower front of the earlobe, that is, the 7, 8, and 9 areas of the earlobe.

[Indications] tonsillitis, pharyngitis.

([-]) Acupoints on the back of the ear

将耳背分为5区。分别过对耳轮上、下脚分叉处耳背对应点和轮屏切迹耳背对应点作两条水.平线，将耳背分为上、中、下3部，上部为耳背1区，下部为耳背5区；再将中部分为内、中、外3等份，内1/3为耳背2区，中1/3为耳背3区，外1/3为耳背4区。

1. Ear vest

[Location] On the upper part of the back of the ear, that is, the 1st area of ​​the back of the ear.

【Indications】palpitations, insomnia, dreaminess.

2. Behind the ear lung

[Location] In the inner part of the back of the ear, that is, the second area of ​​the back of the ear.

【Indications】Asthma, skin pruritus.

3. Behind the ear spleen

[Location] In the center of the back of the ear, that is, the 3rd area of ​​the back of the ear.

[Indications] Stomach pain, indigestion, loss of appetite.

4. Liver behind the ears

[Location] In the outer part of the back of the ear, that is, the 4th area of ​​the back of the ear.

【Indications】Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, hypochondriac pain.

5. Behind the ear kidney

[Location] In the lower part of the back of the ear, that is, the 5th area of ​​the back of the ear.

[Indications] Headache, dizziness, neurasthenia.

6. Dorsal groove

【Location】In the anti-helix groove and the upper and lower foot grooves of the anti-helix.

【Indications】High blood pressure, skin pruritus.

([-]) Acupoints at the root of the ear

1. Upper base of ear
[Part] At the top of the base of the ear.

[Indications] Epistaxis.

2. Ear Migen

[Location] At the base of the ear in the posterior groove of the helix.

【Indications】Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, biliary ascariasis, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nasal congestion, tachycardia.

3. Lower base of ear
[Part] At the bottom of the base of the ear.

【Indications】Hypotension, lower limb paralysis, sequelae of polio.

[-]. Clinical application

([-]) Scope of application
Auricular acupuncture can treat a wide range of diseases clinically. It is not only used for many functional diseases, but also has a certain effect on some organic diseases. Examples of its indications are as follows:
1. Painful diseases such as various sprains, headaches and neuropathic pain.

2. Inflammatory diseases and infectious diseases such as acute and chronic colitis, periodontitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, cholecystitis, influenza, pertussis, bacillary dysentery, mumps, etc.

3. Functional disorders such as gastrointestinal neurosis, cardiac neurosis, arrhythmia, hypertension, vertigo, hyperhidrosis, irregular menstruation, enuresis, neurasthenia, hysteria, etc.

4. Allergic and allergic diseases such as urticaria, asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic colitis, allergic purpura, etc.

5. Endocrine and metabolic disorders such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, diabetes, obesity: perimenopausal syndrome, etc.

6. Other auricular points can promote lactation and labor, prevent and treat blood transfusion and infusion reactions, and also have the functions of beautifying, smoking cessation, drug detoxification, delaying aging, disease prevention and health care, etc.

([-]) Acupoint selection principle
There are usually four principles for selecting acupoints for auricular acupuncture prescriptions: selecting acupoints according to corresponding parts, selecting acupoints based on TCM syndrome differentiation, selecting acupoints based on Western medical theory, and selecting acupoints based on clinical experience. They can be used alone or in combination.When selecting acupoints, it is necessary to grasp the commonality and characteristics of auricular points, and strive to use fewer but more precise acupoints.

1. Select acupoints according to the corresponding parts. When the body is sick, there are certain sensitive points on the corresponding parts of the auricle. It is the first choice for this disease. For example, take the "stomach" point for stomach pain, and the "eye" point for eye diseases , shoulder numbness takes "shoulder joint" and so on.

2. Select acupoints according to TCM syndrome differentiation and select acupoints according to the theory of viscera theory, according to the physiological functions and pathological reactions of each viscera, such as "kidney" for hair loss, "lung" and "large intestine" for skin diseases; according to ten The acupoints can be selected for the circulation of the two meridians and other diseases, such as sciatica, take the "bladder" or "pancreatic gallbladder" acupoint, and toothache, take the "large intestine" acupoint, etc.

3. Selection of acupoints according to Western medical theory Some of the auricular points are named according to Western medical theory, such as "sympathetic", "adrenal gland", "endocrine" and so on.The functions of these acupoints are basically consistent with the theory of Western medicine, so their functions should be considered when selecting acupoints, such as the "adrenal gland" point for inflammatory diseases, and the "endocrine" point for irregular menstruation.

4. Acupoints selected according to clinical experience, such as "Shenmen" acupoint has obvious analgesic and sedative effects, and "Earjian" acupoint has better antipyretic and blood pressure lowering effects on exogenous fever and high blood pressure.In addition, clinical practice has also found that some auricular points have the effect of treating diseases other than the local area, such as the "external genitalia" point can treat low back pain and so on.

([-]) Auricular point exploration
When the human body is sick, there will often be a reaction in the corresponding area of ​​​​the auricle.For example, reaction points can be seen in the stomach area during stomach disease, and in the lung area during lung disease.It is generally believed that stimulating these reaction points has a better curative effect.However, the shape, size, body surface distribution, etc. of individual auricles cannot be completely consistent, and the illnesses are different, so the appearance of auricle reaction points will vary.When using auricular points clinically, it should not be limited to the positions marked on the auricular point map, auricular point models, etc. The auricular reaction points should be determined after exploration.

There are mainly three methods of auricular point detection commonly used in clinical practice: 1. Direct observation method is to use the naked eye or with the help of a magnifying glass under natural light to directly observe whether there is deformation or discoloration of the auricle from top to bottom, from the inside to the outside. Symptoms such as desquamation, blisters, papules, congestion, induration, warts, cartilage hyperplasia, pigmentation, and changes in the shape and color of blood vessels.

2. Tenderness point detection method This is the most commonly used clinical detection method at present. The patient first undergoes a preliminary diagnosis, and then uses a spring probe, a needle handle or a matchstick to apply uniform pressure on the auricle corresponding to the disease from the surrounding area. Probe the pressure gradually toward the center; or conduct a general survey of the entire auricle from top to bottom, from the outside to the inside, and patiently look for tender points.When the probe presses the pain point, the patient will frown, blink, cry out for pain, or dodge.In addition, the patient should also be told to pay attention to which point is the most sensitive when detecting tenderness, and to reflect in time so as to find the auricular point.According to the theory of viscera represented by the tender point and the corresponding parts of the anatomy, it is analyzed that if there is a tender sensitive point in the lung area, it may be a manifestation of lung disease, large intestine disease, or skin disease.When probing, the technique must be light, slow and even.Some patients have deformation and discoloration at the reaction points of the auricle, and these parts are generally more tender, which can be used as a reference for searching for auricular points.In a small number of patients, the tenderness point cannot be detected on the auricle for a while, and the area can be massaged with fingers, and then measured; or probed in the reaction area of ​​the opposite auricle, if there is still no tenderness response, rest for a while and then measured again; In case of tenderness, it is generally possible to select acupoints for treatment according to the symptomatic acupoint selection method. 3. Electrometric method Use a special electronic instrument to measure changes in the skin resistance, potential, and capacitance of auricular points.Doctors use the principle of low resistance and high conductivity of the auricle reaction point to make various small transistor good conductivity testers to measure auricular points.When probing, the patient holds the electrode in one hand, and the doctor holds the probe in his hand, and probes on the patient's auricle. When the electric rod touches a sensitive point (good conduction point), such as an auricular point with low resistance, it can be detected by indicating signal, sound or instrument, etc. reflect.Compared with the tenderness method, this electric measurement method has the advantages of simple operation and high accuracy.

([-]) Operation method

There are many ways to stimulate auricular points, and some methods commonly used in clinical practice are introduced here.

1. The filiform needling method is a common method of using the filiform needle to pierce ear points to treat diseases.Its operation procedure is as follows:

(1) Acupuncture point setting and disinfection: firstly, auricular points must be determined.According to the auricular points listed in the prescription, find the reaction points in the acupoint area and mark them as the stimulation points for treatment.If the reaction point cannot be detected, treat according to the acupoints located in the auricular points.The auricular points must be strictly disinfected before acupuncture, first disinfected with 2% iodine, and then deiodized with 75% alcohol, and performed after the alcohol dries.

(2) Body position and needle insertion: Generally, the sitting position is used. For the elderly, infirm, seriously ill or mentally stressed, the lying position should be used. The needles should be 26-30-inch long stainless steel needles with a diameter of 0.3-0.5.When inserting the needle, the doctor fixes the auricle with the thumb and index finger of the left hand, and supports the back of the ear at the acupuncture point with the middle finger, which can not only grasp the depth of acupuncture, but also reduce the pain of acupuncture; then hold the needle with the thumb and index finger of the right hand, and quickly Needle insertion can be done by the quick-prick method of insertion or the slow-prick method of slowly twisting in.The penetration depth should be controlled flexibly depending on the local thickness of the patient's auricle. Generally, it takes 2 to 3 minutes to penetrate the skin and reach the cartilage when the needle stands without shaking.After piercing the auricular point, if the local sensation is strong, the patient's symptoms will be relieved immediately; if there is no local needle sensation, the direction, depth and angle of acupuncture should be adjusted.Stimulation intensity and manipulation are considered comprehensively according to the condition, constitution, syndrome type, and tolerance.

(3) Needle retention and needle removal: The time of needle retention is generally about 15 (20) to 30 minutes, and the time of needle retention for chronic diseases and painful diseases should be extended appropriately.During the needle retention period, the needle was moved once every 10 minutes.Taking out the needle is the end of a treatment. The doctor holds the auricle with his left hand, and quickly pulls out the needle vertically with his right hand, and then presses the hole of the needle with a sterile dry cotton ball to avoid bleeding.

2. After obtaining the needling sensation by electroacupuncture, connect the two poles of the electroacupuncture machine. For specific operations, refer to electroacupuncture.The power-on time is generally 10 to 20 minutes.It is suitable for nervous system disorders, visceral spasms, asthma, etc.

3. The method of embedding needles is a method of burying intradermal needles in ear points to treat diseases. It is suitable for chronic diseases and painful diseases, and plays a role in continuous stimulation, consolidation of curative effect and prevention of recurrence.

When in use, the left hand fixes the routinely disinfected ear, and the right hand clamps the handle of the intradermal needle with tweezers, gently punctures the selected auricular point, and then fixes it with adhesive tape.Generally, the auricle of the affected side is buried, and both ears are buried when necessary, and the pressure is 3 times a day, and the needle is retained for 3 to 5 days each time, and 5 times is a course of treatment.

4. The method of pressing pills is a simple therapy in which pressing pills are applied on the surface of ear points.

This method can not only continuously stimulate acupuncture points, but also is safe, painless, and has no side effects. It is currently widely used in clinical practice.

The materials selected for the pressed pills are locally sourced, such as wangbuliuxing seeds, rapeseeds, millet, mung beans, white mustard seeds, etc., as well as magnetic beads.The seeds of blanc blanc are often used clinically, because of their smooth surface, suitable size and hardness.Before use, scald with boiling water for 2 minutes, dry and bottle for later use.When applying, stick the blalicia seeds in the center of a 0.6cm×0.6cm adhesive plaster, clamp it with tweezers, and stick it on the selected auricular point.Press 3 to 5 times a day by yourself, each time pressing each point for 30 to 60 seconds, change it once every 3 to 7 (5) days, and alternate ears.The intensity of stimulation depends on the patient's condition. Generally, children, pregnant women, the elderly, infirm, and neurasthenia should use light stimulation, while acute painful diseases should use strong stimulation.

([-]) Precautions

1. Strict disinfection to prevent infection.Because the auricle is exposed, the surface is uneven, and the structure is special, it must be strictly disinfected before acupuncture, and acupuncture is prohibited on the wounded surface and inflamed parts.If the pinhole becomes red and swollen after acupuncture, 2% iodine should be applied in time to prevent the occurrence of suppurative perichondritis.

2. For patients with sprains and movement disorders, they should be instructed to move the affected part properly after needle insertion, which will help improve the curative effect.

3. Pregnant women with habitual miscarriage should avoid needles.

4. Acupuncture is not suitable for those with severe organic diseases and severe anemia, and strong stimulation is not suitable for those with severe heart disease and high blood pressure.

5. Care should also be taken to prevent needle fainting during auricular acupuncture treatment, and should be dealt with in time if it occurs.

Gua Sha therapy
Gua Sha is a method of continuously scraping the body surface with some smooth hard utensils, so that the subcutaneous skin will show a series of scars, and it is used to treat diseases.It is one of the oldest folk traditional therapies in my country.Its origin can be traced back to the Paleolithic age.

(End of this chapter)