Traditional Chinese Ear Acupuncture Therapy: English

Author: Chen Ken et al
Publisher:
Publishing Time: 2000-01-01
Features:
Fragment: Part 1 General Description of Chinese Auricular Therapy
1. Characteristics of Chinese Auricular Therapy
Firstly, the clinical application of traditional Chinese auricular therapy is characterized by the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mainly the differentiation of syndromes according to Zang-fu organs and channel-collaterals, and by due regard to modern physiological-pathological knowledge. In other words, the Chinese perspective of the ear is less neurophysiological than any other system.
Secondly, this therapy shows its superiority and convenience in diagnosis, which as we know, is crucial to the entire treatment. It is generally agreed that only a few skilled diagnosticians of Traditional Chinese Medicine may discern the patient's pattern of disharmony in terms of eight principles (Yin-Yang, external-internal, cold-heat, Xu-shi), after feeling the patient's pulse, whereby the diagnostician can establish a correct approach to treatment. Nevertheless, it seems impossible for the majority of ordinary doctors (with less training in pulse feeling) to master the techniques; in these circumstances, diagnosis made by detecting auricular acupoints can serve as an alternative. Various kinds of diseases, post-operative syndromes, and even some healed wounds may be accurately diagnosed by observation and/or detection over the auricle.
The third characteristic is wide application and quick therapeutic effects resulting from its functions of relieving pain, clearing up infection, lowering body temperature, stopping hemorrhages, desensitization, etc. This is precisely the action of TCM: acupuncture is able to dredge the afflicted channels and collaterals, reconcile the blood and Qi, and promote the functions of Zang-fu organs. Statistical analysis from many Chinese hospitals indicates that it can treat more than 200 kinds of both functional and organic diseases and ailments, 40 percent of which can be effectively cured at an average effective rate of 90 percent.