Comprehensive and Systematic Auricular Diagnosis Protocol

Introduction: This article presents a comprehensive and systematic auricular diagnosis protocol that summarizes 14 different and specific ear acupuncture point (EAP) diagnosis routes and covers 165 EAPs distributed on the ear that are organized around the anatomical structure and organ systems of the human body. Methods: Strategies used for auricular diagnosis are described, including visual inspection, palpation, auricular electrical detection, and differentiation. In particular, auricular electrical detection is an objective diagnostic method for identifying acupoints by assessing auricular cutaneous resistance. Illustrations related to clinical observations of skin-surface changes in the ear and related body symptoms are presented. This protocol can be used to diagnose and differentiate diseases/symptoms in the corresponding body areas. This article provides valuable information related to auricular diagnosis and disease differentiation. Conclusions: Empirical studies will be needed to validate the procedures and diagnostic accuracy for diseases/symptoms. Auriuclar diagnosis is an objective, painless, and noninvasive method, and, if found effective, can be used as a complementary approach by health care professionals in practical applications for screening and treating health problems.