To design a new auricular chart there are many factors to consider, one of which is choosing is the best illustration to use as a base ear.  After looking at and using many examples of auricular charts, I have found that a realistic, dimensional ear which doesn’t distract from the actual points is the best approach for this purpose.  A true to life illustration gives us the contours and locations in a way that is clear and easier to read in my opinion.

So, I start  with this illustration.  From here, I will review current literature and add points based on this and modify the base ear image until the chart is complete and usable in a clinic setting. Along the way, I’ll discuss the history auricular acupuncture.

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Before I began my formal studies in Chinese Medicine, like many, I didn’t give much consideration to the fact that there might be more than one opinion on the locations and actions of  auricular acupuncture points.   Now, a number of years later I find myself sorting through piles of books and research articles on the topic, none of which completely agrees with another.

Ideas of how points are located as well as their actions traverse many countries, systems and personalities.

In the name of creating an accurate auricular reference for my academic institution, I decided to make designing a new one into my final research project. It sounds like it might be kind of fun, right?  The issue is, where to start?  Just who has it right?  Why don’t people agree?  Does it matter?

In June of 2013, a groundbreaking article was published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine which asks these questions.   It is from this article that I launch my explorations in the name of creating the perfect auricular acupuncture reference.