2nd Edition

Chinese Auricular Acupuncture

By Skya Abbate Copyright 2015
    334 Pages 16 Color & 61 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    Chinese Auricular Acupuncture provides students and practitioners with a clear, concise, and user-friendly manual on ear acupuncture. It reduces the need for memorization by presenting a method of ear acupuncture that is in keeping with the underpinnings of traditional Chinese medicine.

    The book can be independently studied and easily used to treat various diseases. It covers ear modalities such as needles, press tacks, seeds and incorporates actual cases from clinical practice to illustrate the clinical applicability of specific modalities and ear acupuncture points. A section on ear diagnosis allows you to supplement your assessment of the pulse, tongue, and hara, thus improving your ability to differentiate the functional basis of imbalance and illness.

    This edition includes five new chapters on the multiple use of auricular points, prescriptionology practice, common ear questions, new research, and ethical issues. It contains detailed tables and photographs that aid understanding and includes an extensive and updated bibliography.

    The greatest strength of this book is its user friendliness, which allows both the beginning student and the experienced practitioner to successfully apply auricular medicine in the treatment of their patients in a caring, relatively noninvasive, and effective manner.

    The Ear: An Ancient Microsystem with Modern Applications
    Objectives
    Introduction
    History
    Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear
    The Clinical Utility of the Ear for Diagnosis, Prognosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Disease
    Summary
    References
    Bibliography

    The Anatomical Terminology of Auricular Medicine
    Objectives
    Introduction
    Framework of the Ear
    Bibliography

    The Location of 100 Common Ear Points
    Objective
    Introduction
    Points of the Triangular Fossa (G): Points That Relate to Nervous and Hormonal Regulation and the Pelvic Organs
    Points of the Lobe (P): Points of the Head and Face
    Points of the Tragus (J): Points That Pertain to Hormonal Regulation
    Points of the Scaphoid Fossa (O): Points of the Upper Limb
    Points of the Cavum Concha (H): Organs of the Thoracic Region
    Points of the Cymba Concha (I): The Abdominal Organ Points
    Points of the Helix (A) and the Crus of the Helix (B): Assorted Points and Points of the Lower Portion of the Body
    Points of the Antitragus (M) and Intertragic Notch Area (L): Points of the Head and Brain Regions
    Points of the Antihelix (C)
    Points on the Back of the Ear (U): Vagus Nerve, Blood Pressure, Back Pain, and Brain Function
    References
    Bibliography

    The Clinical Energetics of the Ear Points
    Objectives
    Introduction
    Points of the Triangular Fossa
    Points of the Lobe
    Points of the Tragus
    Points of the Scaphoid Fossa
    Points of the Cavum Concha
    Points of the Cymba Concha
    Points of the Helix
    Points of the Antitragus
    Points of the Antihelix
    Points on the Posterior Aspect of the Ear
    References
    Bibliography

    Cautions and Contraindications
    Objective
    Introduction
    Pregnancy
    Skin Problems
    Special Considerations
    Pain and Other Variables
    Side Effects
    Positioning of Patients
    References
    Bibliography

    Ear Modalities
    Objectives
    Introduction
    Palpation and Massage
    Needles
    Ear Seeds and Herbal Plasters
    Ear Pellets
    Ear Tacks
    Intradermal Needles
    Magnets
    Electricity
    Bleeding
    Moxibustion
    Incisions and Sutures
    Injections
    Laser
    Staples
    Plum Blossom Needling
    New Modalities
    Which Side of the Ear to Treat?
    Therapeutic Result
    References
    Bibliography
    Patient Handout Plan—About Your Visit

    Ear Diagnosis and Morphology
    Objectives
    Introduction
    How to Inspect the Ear
    The Characteristics of the Normal Ear
    The Abnormal Ear: Ear Pathology and Its Clinical Differentiation
    Ear Pathology
    Organ, Body System, and Body Part Pathology
    References
    Bibliography

    Ear Prescriptions: Construction and Formulae for Specific Conditions
    Objectives
    Constructing Ear Prescriptions
    Prescriptions for Specific Conditions
    Prescriptions from China
    Case Histories
    References
    Bibliography

    Clinical Research and Effective Points: Research Summary 1974 to 2001
    Objective
    Introduction
    Weight Reduction
    Drug Withdrawal
    Pain Control and Burn Trauma
    Sports Medicine and Musculoskeletal Disorders
    Polio
    Mental Health
    Gastric Disorders, Cholelithiasis
    Gynecological Problems
    Rheumatoid Arthritis
    Ear, Nose, and Throat
    Coronary Artery Disease
    Urinary Calculus
    Skin and Immunity
    Myopia
    References
    Bibliography

    Clinical Research and Effective Points, and New Formulae for Medical Conditions: Research Summary from 2001 to 2014
    Objectives
    Introduction
    Drug Addiction
    Athletes
    Analgesic Function
    Cancer
    Congenital Nystagmus and Ocular Myasthenia
    Diabetes
    Epileptic Seizures
    Hip Pain
    Insomnia
    Knee Surgery
    Low Back Pain
    Menopause
    Obesity
    Postoperative Agitation in Elderly Patients
    Posttraumatic Stress
    Pregnancy
    Spinal Cord Injuries
    Vomiting and Nausea
    References
    Bibliography

    Multiple Uses of Auricular Points
    Objectives
    Introduction
    Point Energetics
    Supplemental Points
    Techniques

    Prescriptionology Practice, Clinical Exercises, and Case Histories
    Objectives
    Introduction
    Case
    Case
    Clinical Exercise
    Case
    Clinical Exercise
    Clinical Exercise
    Prescriptionology Answers

    Common Ear Questions
    Objective

    Ethical Issues in Auricular Acupuncture
    Objectives
    Introduction
    Codes of Ethics
    New Trends in Auricular Studies and Medical/Research Ethics
    Placebo or Sham Acupuncture
    Codes of Ethics to Study
    Exercises
    References

    Conclusion

    Appendix A: Definition of Terms
    Appendix B: Suppliers
    Appendix C: Pain Differentiation Chart
    Appendix D: Forms

    Biography

    Skya Abbate, MA, D.O.M., Dipl. Ac., Dipl. C.H., M.P.S., teaches needle technique, diagnosis, and Japanese acupuncture systems at Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Following pre-med studies at the University of Rhode Island she graduated from the acupuncture program of the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She then undertook two advanced clinical training programs with the Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing. Dr. Abbate is a licensed doctor of oriental medicine in the state of New Mexico and executive director of Southwest Acupuncture College. She is also a former president of the New Mexico Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Dr. Abbate is the author of 14 books and more than 36 journal articles.

    "… includes five new chapters incorporating new research and common questions as well as ethical issues that may arise, and it provides an easy format that allows newcomers and seasoned practitioners an easy path to applying auricular acupuncture techniques to a range of health conditions … a solid reference."
    Midwest Book Review

    "… it provides an easy format that allows newcomers and seasoned practitioners an easy path to apply auricular acupuncture techniques to a range of health conditions. From Oriental medical theory basics and Western contrasts to clinical perspectives, Chinese Auricular Acupuncture is a solid reference that provides specific techniques, discusses common issues, and includes everything needed to effectively apply acupuncture in this manner. And while one might anticipate the discussions to be medically weighty and scientific, a surprisingly pleasing, easy approach makes this accessible even to beginning students of acupuncture."
    Donovan’s Literary Services, October 2015

    "Of all the current books on this subject in the English language, Dr. Abbate's most closely approximates the type of ear acupuncture that Americans prefer to practice. That makes it a valuable resource for entry-level students and a reassuring guide for seasoned acupuncturists who might wish to renew their skills in this area. It provides answers to questions that are never addressed in more lapidary treatments. ... On the other hand, Dr. Abbate clearly understands that ear acupuncture is ultimately a simple therapy with a wide range of treatment options, many of which are determined entirely by practitioner preference. She avoids the academic complexities found in [other] works, ... preferring a direct, learner-friendly approach. Likewise, she steers clear of the highly prescriptive regimens, ... leaving many of the treatment choices open-ended. Chinese Auricular Acupuncture is perfect for students, and I intend to use it in my classes. It is a great refresher for more experienced practitioners. Overall, this is the most well-written and practical book on ear acupuncture available on the market. I recommend it very highly. Weighted Numerical Score: 91 - 4 Stars!"
    —John E Pirog, MSOM, Northwestern Health Sciences University, from Doody's Book Review Service