AP Auricular Acupuncture & Ear Therapy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the auricular somatotopic map, which anatomical structure of the ear corresponds to the spine?
- Helix
- Antihelix (Correct answer)
- Concha
- Tragus
Correct answer: Antihelix
The antihelix and its crura represent the spine, with the lower antihelix body corresponding to the lumbar region and upper crura to the lower limbs.
Question 2: Active or reactive auricular acupuncture points are most reliably identified using which method?
- Visual inspection of skin color alone
- Electrical probe detection or pressure sensitivity testing (Correct answer)
- Pulse diagnosis at the wrist
- Tongue body observation
Correct answer: Electrical probe detection or pressure sensitivity testing
Reactive auricular points exhibit decreased electrical resistance (increased conductivity) and heightened tenderness to probe pressure compared to surrounding tissue.
Question 3: The auricular Heart point is located in which region?
- Cymba conchae
- Cavum conchae (Correct answer)
- Earlobe
- Scaphoid fossa
Correct answer: Cavum conchae
The Heart point is located in the cavum conchae (lower concha), consistent with the thoracic organ representation in this region.
Question 4: Which auricular point is located at the apex of the ear and is used for fever, allergy, and anti-inflammatory effects?
- Zero point
- Helix apex (Ear Apex) (Correct answer)
- Shen Men
- Adrenal gland
Correct answer: Helix apex (Ear Apex)
The Ear Apex (apex of the helix) is bled or needled for acute febrile conditions, allergic reactions, and to reduce inflammation.
Question 5: The NADA auricular Lung point is particularly associated with treating addiction to which substance?
- Alcohol
- Opioids
- Tobacco (Correct answer)
- Stimulants
Correct answer: Tobacco
The Lung point in the NADA protocol has a special affinity for tobacco addiction and is associated with grief and respiratory function in TCM.
Question 6: Semi-permanent auricular press needles or Vaccaria seeds are primarily used to:
- Disinfect the ear canal before treatment
- Provide sustained point stimulation between office visits (Correct answer)
- Diagnose auricular pathology
- Replace standard filiform needles for all treatments
Correct answer: Provide sustained point stimulation between office visits
Press needles and Vaccaria seeds taped over auricular points provide continuous low-level stimulation between clinic visits to extend treatment effects.
Question 7: The Zero Point in auricular acupuncture is considered the homeostatic center and corresponds to which body region?
- Head and brain
- Diaphragm and solar plexus (Correct answer)
- Lumbar spine
- Lower abdomen
Correct answer: Diaphragm and solar plexus
The Zero Point corresponds to the diaphragm/solar plexus and is used to establish homeostasis and as a reference point for all other auricular measurements.
AP Auricular Acupuncture & Ear Therapy 2
In the auricular somatotopic map, which anatomical structure of the ear corresponds to the spine?