Auricular Therapy: offers its own diagnostic system. By observing and palpating the entire ear; we can observe contours, shape, and colors of certain regions of the ear that correspond with the physiological function and pathological change of internal organs, channels, tissues, limbs and bones. When disease occurs in an organ or certain tissue, positive spots, which are commonly tender, will appear on the corresponding ear points. For instance there are 3 lines that can occur on the ear lobe that might indicate, depending on their location, that someone has cardiac disease, tinnitus or that they’re missing a tooth. On another part of the helix there are 2 areas that could indicate the presence of a tumor when it is discolored and painful to palpate. It is also common to use a device that has a detector while performing the diagnosis. This makes Auricular Therapy an important component of diagnosis in acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

Stimulation of these tender spots, by using the proper protocol, can eliminate or reduce the pathological effects. The treatment protocol that that this author uses consists of stimulating these so called "hot spots" by applying seeds of the vacariae plant held onto the ear with tape, rather than inserting filliform needles used in ear acupuncture. The treatment also may consist of drawing small drops of blood from the apex of the ear to help reduce inflammation and fevers. The advantage that seeds offer is that:
1) they can be worn for up to several days, where
the patient can massage the points for 20
seconds 3-4 times a day, thus extending the time
between treatments
2) the patient can take them out at their own
discretion
3) the seeds minimize the risk of infection, albeit
small, that can happen with needles.
4) Auricular therapy protocols enable the
practitioner to use both ears and more points.

Due to its innervations, Auricular therapy and ear acupuncture have a direct effect on the nervous system and can have profound and lasting effects. It is also very relaxing. The nerve branches of the auricle include:
> The somatic nerves, which connect with the 2nd,
3rd, and 4th segments of the cervical nerves
> Three branches of cranial nerves (trigeminal,
vagus and facial nerves) which connect to the
brain stem
> The sympathetic nerve which connect with the
cervical ganglia of the sympathetic trunk.

It is therefore very effective for treating various pains (i.e., neck and back pain, headaches, toothaches, nerve pain such as TMJ and sciatica). It’s also effective in the treatment of anxiety, depression, eye problems, and addictions and cravings; just to name a few.