The theoretical basis of ear acupuncture for weight loss and the location of twenty-five ear acupoints

Auricular acupuncture is an important component of acupuncture and a medical sub-discipline that is both ancient and emerging. It has gained popularity due to its unique diagnostic and treatment methods and significant medical effects. Auricular acupuncture holds a vital position in the clinical treatment of weight loss through acupuncture due to its simplicity, convenience, and remarkable effects. The *Neijing* (Inner Canon of Medicine) states that "the ear is the convergence point of all meridians." Many meridians in the human body converge around the auricle. When a certain organ or part of the body becomes diseased, abnormal reactions can occur in the corresponding areas of the auricle through the conduction of meridians, manifesting as changes in skin color, shape, tenderness, and electrical properties. In recent decades, extensive clinical practice and experimental research have confirmed its scientific and practical value. By utilizing this interconnected relationship between meridians and internal organs, stimulating abnormal areas of the auricle can reduce hunger and inhibit excessive digestive function, thus achieving the goal of weight loss.

Auricular acupoint location. (1) Thalamus: Located on the inner surface of the antitragus, at the lower end of the midline. (2) Excitation point: Located on the inner surface of the antitragus, at the lower 1/3 of the midline. (3) Uterus: Located in the depression of the anterior 1/3 of the triangular fossa. (4) Ovary: Between the outer edge of the intertragic notch and the inner edge of the antitragus. (5) Shenmen: Located in the triangular fossa, slightly above the bifurcation of the superior and inferior crus of the antihelix. (6) Internal reproductive organs: Located in the depression of the middle of the anterior 1/3 of the triangular fossa. (7) Brain point: Located between the tip of the antitragus and the helix notch. (8) Sacral point: Located in the center of the sacral concha. (9) Forehead: Located in the anterior part of the outer surface of the antitragus. (10) Lung: Above and below the heart area. (11) Spleen: Located in the posterosuperior part of the concha. (12) Heart: Located in the depression in the center of the concha. (13) Kidney: Below the bifurcation of the superior and inferior crus of the antihelix. (14) Liver: Located in the posteroinferior part of the sacral concha. (15) Large intestine: the inner 1/3 above the crus of the auricle.

(16) Small Intestine: The middle 1/3 of the upper part of the crus of the helix. (17) Stomach: Around the point where the crus of the helix disappears. (18) Triple Energizer: Above the endocrine point at the bottom of the concha. (19) Subcortex: The midpoint of the lower 1/2 of the inner surface of the antitragus. (20) Adrenal Gland: At the tip of the lower part of the free edge of the tragus. (21) Sympathetic: At the intersection of the end of the lower crus of the antitragus and the inner edge of the helix. (22) Hunger Point: The midpoint of the line connecting the external nose and the adrenal gland. (23) Thirst Point: The midpoint of the line connecting the external nose and the tip of the tragus. (24) Abdomen: Near the edge of the ear cavity on the anterior side of the lumbosacral vertebrae. (25) Buttock: The posterior 1/3 of the lower crus of the antitragus. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the ear is not a separate, isolated auditory organ, but a small whole, which is closely related to the internal organs and meridians. By pressing ear acupoints, the physiological functions of the human body's internal organs can be regulated. Stimulating the neural pathways connecting the lymphatic vessels, blood vessels, and nerves in the ear, which pass through the nerve plexus, spinal cord, and brain, can then lead to internal organs via nerves, thereby improving organ function.

Studies have found that stimulating auricular acupoints for weight loss achieves its effect by adjusting endocrine function, increasing bodily excitability, reducing intake, and increasing excretion. The method involves applying Vaccaria segetalis (王不留行) to the acupoints. [Main Acupoints] Shenmen (神门), Endocrine Point (内秘点), Spleen Point (脾点), Stomach Point (胃点), Hunger Point (饥点), Triple Energizer Point (三焦), Subcortex Point (皮化点). [Additional Acupoints] For drowsiness, add Excitatory Point (EX); for dizziness, add Forehead Point (前) and Thalamus Point (傿脑); for rib pain, add Liver Point (肝); for constipation, add Large Intestine Point (大肠); for abdominal distension, add Spleen Point (脾); for thirst, add Thirst Point (渴点) and Lung Point (肺); for abdominal obesity, add Abdominal Point (腹). [Procedure] Before treatment, the practitioner uses a detector to locate sensitive points around the selected acupoints and marks them with a match head. Cut medical tape into 0.6 cm x 0.6 cm squares, attach the Vaccaria segetalis to the tape, align it with the acupoint, and apply slight pressure for 1-2 minutes. The patient will feel a noticeable soreness. The intensity and duration of stimulation depend on the condition.

Generally, acupoints can be selected on one side, alternating between both ears, or both ears can be treated simultaneously. Patients are instructed to press the acupoints at least 6 times daily, always before meals. Each acupoint should be pressed for about 20 seconds, until a feeling of soreness, distension, and heat is felt. Apply the acupoints twice a week, with 10 treatments constituting one course. [Acupoint Locations]① Shenmen: In the triangular fossa, slightly above the bifurcation of the superior and inferior crus of the antihelix. ② Endocrine: Located at the bottom of the concha, near the tragus notch. ③ Spleen: Located at the posterosuperior aspect of the concha. ④ Stomach: Around the point where the helix crus disappears. ⑤ Hunger Point: Midpoint of the line connecting the external nose point and the adrenal gland point. ⑥ Sanjiao: Above the endocrine point at the bottom of the concha. ⑦ Subcortex: Midpoint of the lower 1/2 of the medial surface of the antitragus. ⑧ Excitation Point: Located on the medial surface of the antitragus, at the lower 1/3 of the midline. ⑨ Forehead: On the anterior part of the lateral surface of the antitragus. ⑩ Brainstem. Located on the inner surface of the antitragus, at the lower end of the midline. ⑪ Liver. Located posteroinferior to the cymba conchae. ⑫ Large Intestine. Located in the upper inner 1/3 of the crus of the helix. ⑬ Lung. Above and below the heart area. ⑭ Spleen. Located posterosuperior to the conchae. ⑮ Thirst Point. Midpoint of the line connecting the external nasal point and the apex of the tragus. ⑯ Abdomen. Anterior to the lumbosacral vertebrae, near the edge of the ear canal.