By Paula Spaight, B.S., RDH, L. AC.
September 27, 2002

The purpose of this study is twofold. We are currently in the preliminary stages and conducting a pilot study. Our goal is to establish and verify acupuncture points in the human ear. However, there are a several steps to complete before we can begin to accomplish this task. Theoretically the human body is represented as a micro system in complete form on the ear. Points on each ear specifically represent body areas, parts and organs. All acupuncture points, whether on the body or on the ear, have been shown to measure a different skin conductivity than the skin surrounding the point. ( 1 ) Part of our process is to calibrate a machine that objectively measures these electrical differences via a very sensitive probe. The electrical conductance is measured in micro amps on a dial.

A previous study has shown that when body areas is experiencing pain or dysfunction, that corresponding ear point will measure a significantly lower skin conductivity. ( 2 ) For example, if a patient complains of neck pain, the neck point on the ear will measure a low (less than 4 micro amps) skin conductivity. We may also find that the Tempero Mandibular Joint (TMJ) and shoulder points register low as well. Therefore we believe that “pathological” points can be detected and measured, hence the ear may be used as an adjunct in diagnosing body pain. This becomes more important with patients experiencing chronic pain, especially in the head and neck area. Pain complaints of this nature are often diffuse, complex and somewhat inconsistent.

We hope to find a high correlation between low skin conducting ear points and those body parts experiencing pain or dysfunction. We have designed a double blind assessment; patients with no pain will be included in our sample. Examiners will have no information of the subject’s medical/pain history. This study hopes to calibrate the machine, the Stim-Flex 400 and also determine intra-rater reliability. At this stage in our research, we have observed the use of the machine and its probe is extremely technique sensitive. We hope to obtain consistent readings between examiners, as this step will validate the point detection machine. We are currently looking to eliminate as many variables as possible.

Ultimately, we hope to develop a diagnostic protocol using auricular acupuncture for patients experiencing orofacial and non-tooth related pain

1). Oleson, TD, et al, An experimental evaluation of auricular diagnosis: the somatotopic mapping of musculoskelatal pain at ear acupuncture points. Pain. 1980; 8:217-229.

2). Bergsmann, O, et al, Differences in electrical skin conductivity between acupuncture points and adjacent skin areas. American Journal of Acupuncture. 1973; 1: 27-32.

© Copyright Spaight 2002