Medical Acupuncture
A Journal For Physicians By Physicians

Volume 13 / Number 3
"Aurum Nostrum Non Est Aurum Vulgi"

• Principles Of Ear Acupuncture (Microsystem Of The Auricle)
• Color Atlas Of Acupuncture (Body Points, Ear Points, Trigger Points)

Principles Of Ear Acupuncture (Microsystem Of The Auricle)

By Axel Rubach, with contributions by
Hans-Jürgen Weise and Claus Schulte-Uebbing
Stuttgart, Germany: Thieme; 2001
267 pp, illustrated; hard cover

Reviewed by Lynnae Schwartz, MD
Principles of Ear Acupuncture begins with a historical review, noting that the correspondence between various organs and what we now call reflex areas or microsystems is discussed in the Huang Di Nei Jing. Auricular treatments appear to have been used by European physicians in the 17th century, but not widely considered until French physician Paul Nogier presented his observations and research at an acupuncture conference in 1956. Publication of the Nanking Army Ear Acupuncture Team manual, Ear Acupuncture, with translation to English in 1974, provided an additional reference and interpretation of auricular points, their actions, and effects. Auricular acupuncture is now a well-established and often used therapeutic modality, especially in the treatment of pain and in the provision of acupuncture sedation or anesthesia. Principles of Ear Acupuncture is a welcome addition to the reference literature because it is dedicated to a topic otherwise discussed in a more limited manner in standard texts.

It is an authorized translation from the original 2nd German edition in 2000. All sections of the book are concise, including the introduction, which briefly expounds on the history of auricular treatments, scientific foundations, indications, contraindications, potential adverse or side effects, and complications. Chapters devoted to anatomy, point localization, special points, and treatment areas are followed by 5 tutorial sections, including a section on established indications. Specialty topics complete the text, with discussion of ear acupuncture in obstetrics, laser acupuncture, and a quick treatment reference guide. Illustrations are ample and of excellent quality.

The organization and content of Principles of Ear Acupuncture derive in part from Rubach and colleagues' lectures sponsored by the German Society of Physicians for Acupuncture, as well as their many years of clinical practice. Many sections are almost conversational in tone, at times too casual for a physician audience. That said, readers will find much that is educational and practical, meeting the need for a dedicated clinical auricular acupuncture text. A more comprehensive review, with analysis of the contemporary medical and scientific literature, is still needed.

Color Atlas Of Acupuncture (Body Points, Ear Points, Trigger Points)

By Hans-Ulrich Hecker, Angelika Steveling,
Elmar Peuker, Jörg Kastner, Kay Liebchen
Stuttgart, Germany: Thieme; 2001
268 pp, illustrated; soft cover

Reviewed by Lynnae Schwartz, MD
This authorized translation from the original 1999 German edition is a concise, pocket-sized atlas of major body and ear acupuncture points, as well as commonly-occurring trigger points. The physician-authors have succeeded in creating an excellent reference for the busy, well-trained practitioner wishing to quickly confirm a point location, needling technique, indication, or precaution in the office or clinic, pending later consultation of standard comprehensive texts.

The book is illustrated well and organized into 3 parts. Part 1 lists major points for the 12 Standard Meridians, Dumai and Renmai, as well as 15 Extra Points. Part 2 covers auricular points, which are particularly well presented, and includes review of the pertinent anatomy, innervation, and zones. Both Chinese and Nogier points are given. Part 3 describes frequently encountered trigger points, including a description of the muscle and common trigger points for each. Major acupuncture points in the same area are also illustrated.

This is a well-formatted, very user-friendly, quick reference that appears to have met the authors' stated goal of providing a concise, convenient pocket atlas for the acupuncture practitioner. It is recommended to those seeking to clarify a specific aspect of diagnosis and treatment in the office or clinic setting, with the understanding that comprehensive discussion of syndromes, diagnoses, less often-used points, and treatment need to be reviewed in the standard texts.

REVIEWER INFORMATION
Dr Lynnae Schwartz is a Pediatrician and Anesthesiologist, specializing in the care of children with complex medical conditions. Dr Schwartz currently has a Research Training Fellowship through the Department of Anesthesia and Surgical Services, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland; and her clinical practice at Children’s Medical Center, Washington, DC.
Lynnae Schwartz, MD, MAc
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
Phone: 301-594-3226; 202-884-4152 • lschwartz@mail.cc.nih.gov

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