Auricular Medicine:

   Techniques once labeled “alternative” are becoming mainstream as science provides knowledge of their mechanisms.  These days, the term, “Energy Medicine” is being used with reckless abandon by people who lack scientific credibility. 

   Authentic energy medicine is creating revolutionary advancements in medicine. Neurologist, Paul Nogier, M.D., who lived from 1908 to 1996, was a pioneer in this blossoming field.  He was a French medical doctor, who also had a physics degree, and studied homeopathic and manual medicine techniques.   He developed a fantastic examination and treatment approach known as Auricular Medicine.  It is a sophisticated system of using electromagnetic signals of the body to give health information, and to predict the effectiveness of various treatments. 

   Auricular Medicine is practiced by many physicians throughout Europe and Asia, but by only 3 or 4 American doctors.  I am proud to be one of them, providing this remarkable approach that bridges the gap between ancient traditional practices, and modern science and technology.   I’ve have written this article to explain the basics of Auricular Medicine, and how I utilize it in my practice as a means of determining appropriate drugless and non-surgical, whole-body wellness and chronic pain treatments.   

     Development of Auricular Medicine: 

     In 1958, Dr. Paul Nogier introduced a new system of acupuncture known as Auricular Therapy.  It is a comprehensive treatment approach for the entire body performed exclusively on the outer ear. 

   Nogier discovered that our brains constantly project holographic energy patterns to the ear that correspond with every organ of the body.  His research revealed that illness or injury causes a change in electrical conductivity of the skin, expressed as an ear acupuncture point that would otherwise not be present. 

   In 1990, thanks to the ingenious work conducted by Nogier and his research team, Auricular Therapy was confirmed and endorsed as a valid science by the World Health Organization.    

     In 1966, prompted by his acupuncture studies in China, Dr. Nogier began taking his patients’ pulse while examining their ears.  He noticed a stronger or fuller pulse could be felt for a few seconds when he touched certain areas of the ear.  Dr. Nogier determined that this reflex of the cardiovascular and nervous systems happens all the time upon stress, and that it could be reproduced for examination purposes.   Neither Western medicine nor traditional Chinese medicine had known of this pulse reflex.  Dr. Nogier incorporated this into his established Auricular Therapy ear acupuncture methods, and made some stunning discoveries and advancements in medicine, for which he was decorated by the French government.

     It had been an undisputed scientific fact that our bodies project a living electromagnetic field, called an “aura” by some.  Nogier developed a scientific method for measuring how far off the body this electromagnetic field projects under various conditions.  

     Using the pulse reflex, he discovered that under non-stressful and healthy circumstances, our ears project a normal electromagnetic field that extends outwards less than ½ an inch.  But in sickness or stress, this electromagnetic field can expand up to several feet. 

     Through his experiments, Nogier determined that we ca n measure the electromagnetic field distance using a Kodak- Wratten color filter of specific light frequencies.  By gliding the filter towards the ear, we can observe how far away it is from the ear when the pulse reflex gets triggered.         

     Measurements of living electric fields using Auricular Medicine techniques enable us to test samples of any substance, and immediately observe its energetic effect on the patient’s body.  This is done through the principle of resonance.

    Resonance

     Physicists know that matter and energy waves vibrate at a specific frequency per unit of time.  In the 1600s, Galileo discovered the principle of resonance.  It is widely observed in nature. It is utilized in much human technology.  Resonance is the mechanism by which virtually all vibrations are generated.  Many sounds we hear, such as when hard objects of metal, glass, or wood are struck, are caused by brief resonant vibrations in the object. Light and electromagnetic fields are produced by resonance on an atomic level. 

     Resonance occurs when energy is transferred between two or more sources of that vibr ate at the same frequency.  It is an energetic connection or matching of frequencies.  Every object has a resonant frequency.  This means that if you hit, pluck or heat it—it will vibrate at a specific rate or frequency.  This is the case with musical instruments, such as a drum, a guitar string or a xylophone.  Each distinct musical note is the result of a vibrational frequen cy.      

     If two different objects naturally vibrate at a certain frequency, they can become energetically connected… even without touching.  This can be easily demon strated with tuning forks of the same frequency.    

     Or think of an opera singer who can break a wine glass by singing a certain note.  She’s energetically connecting with the exact frequency of the glass, causing its atoms to vibrate so violently that the glass shatters.

     Dr. Nogier found that with Auricular Medicine techniques, we can use the principle of resonance to gain insight to our health.  We can find energetic clues that an orga n is stressed, injured, or diseased through resonance matching.   This is accomplished using laboratory prepared test tubes of diluted, inactive samples of toxins, microbes, diseased tissues, and organs. 

     Since all substances have a specific frequency, we can briefly stress the body with a test sample to see if a resonance or a vibrational match exists.  In other words, if a stressed organ, or a substance exists in your body ALREADY, and we temporaril y add the frequency of more of the same—your ear will project your electric field farther out.

     The test substances are placed on 2 metal plates, which are connected to you by wires and electrode bars.  One bar is held in your hand, and the other is placed on your neck or belly.  Although there is no machinery involved, this creates a living electromagnetic circuit—perfect for energetic testing.

    Throughout the exam, dozens of samples are added and subtracted from the plates, and we observe how they affect the electric field distance.

Case Example for Auricular Medicine: A 47-year-old wom a n suf fered for 6 years from headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and various body pains.  All physical tests, X-rays, MRI, CT Scans and blood test were negative.  She had been given various medica tions to treat the symptoms, which at best provide temporary relief.  She was given the diagnos es of Fibromyalgia and Migraines.

     Unhappy with diagnosis without evidence, and treatment that never address the cause of her symptoms, she sought Auricular Medicine.

     A thorough case history led me to suspect a possible cause.  We measured her baseline electric field distance at a quite abnormal 10 inches.  Adding a test tube sample of brain tissue to the test plate connected to her hand caused her electric field expanded to nearly 2 feet off her ear. 

     The next step was to see what toxins or microbes might be stressing her brain.  An inactive sample of Borrelia—the bacteria of Lyme disease was added to the test plate connected by wire to the skin of her neck.  Re-testing her electric field revealed a reduction to less than one inch.  This was an energetic suggestion that the cause of her head-related symptoms was Lyme disease.  To further establish this, the Borrelia sample was switched to the plate connected to the patient’s hand, along with the brain sample.  Her electric field projected nearly 3 feet from her ear. 

     Finally, a sample of a homeopathic supplement formula was added to the same plate.  The added energetic frequencies of the proposed treatment brought her electric field to less than one inch.  This “question and answer”-like approach was used for this and other areas of her body, and various samples of possible causative agents.  This enabled a customized homeopathic and ear acupuncture treatment plan to be designed for her.  The patient was encouraged to discuss our findings with her medical doctor—and to consider all possible treatment options.  However, she felt she had given traditional medications and diagnosis ample opportunity to help her. 

   In less than 6 months, using the homeopathic and acupuncture protocol, she was headache and dizziness free, with a marked decrease in all body pains (diagnosed by another doctor as "fibromyalgia," which were apparently caused by an immune system and nervous system disturbance from chronic Lyme disease. 

     Many patients, who seek my treatment for fibromyalgia, have been told by previous physicians that their diagnostic tests are normal—that nothing wrong can be found.

   Yet their symptoms persist.  There MUST be causes, even though blood tests, x-rays, and MRI and CT scans reveal nothing abnormal.  This is when Auricular Medicine bio-energetic testing shines.

   Albert Einstein proved that matter and energy are dual expressions of the same thing—that’s what E=MC squared is all about.  We use energy medicine to unravel mysteries of pain and illness for which no physical evidence may exist. 

   Energetic suggestions derived from Auricular Medicine using resonance, electric fields, the pulse reflex, and the ear acupuncture micro-system, can pinpoint the best likely energy medicine-based, whole-body treatments.  This includes homeopathic supplements and Auricular Therapy ear acupuncture.

     Auricular Medicine’s finest achievement is detecting energetic suggestions of the cause of chronic symptoms, when conventional medical testing comes up empty. 

     The energetic findings from an Auricular Medicine exam do not provide a diagnosis of any medical condition—but it is fascinating to see these findings consistently match physical and laboratory findings.   In some cases, energetic findings (in absence of symptoms or tissue damage of a developing underlying condition) will lead us to pursue traditional medical diagnostic testing, which might not be otherwise considered.  This can provide important insights to the best treatments possible from both conventional and complementary medicine.  Make sure that if you are concerned about any medical diagnosis, to discuss it with your medical doctor.   

 “Is Auricular Medicine a replacement for medical diagnosis and treatment?”

      Auricular Bio-energetic testing is under NO circumstances a replacement for conventional medical care.  I provide it as an addition or “complement” to existing medical evaluation.  I cannot stress enough that I do NOT diagnose or treat ANY medical condition with it.  I utilize it ONLY to determine acupuncture and homeopathic treatment, both of which are NOT direct treatments for any disease or condition, in the conventional medical sense.  I am a responsible doctor, who recognizes and recommends that you consider ALL medical opinions, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and treatment options.   

     Auricular Medicine is a means of obtaining information that cannot show up through traditional means.  My patients find it to be especially helpful for chronic problems for which no other doctors can even determine a specific diagnosis.  It has been extremely effective for people who suffer from symptoms of fibromyalgia and numerous other medically diagnosed illnesses that have not presented any diagnostic evidence, or acceptable response to traditional medications.  The detection of energetic blockages is NOT diagnosis.  Nor is correction of energetic blockages a medical treatment of any disease.   

“How will a Bio-Energetic Evaluation benefit me?”

   Treatments could be chosen based upon medical history and physical examination.  This evaluation saves time and money, which might be wasted on ineffective treatment.  The vast majority of patients who have sought out evaluation have had unsatisfactory results with conventional medical testing and treatment.  Bio-energetic testing is intended to investigate for additional information that has not been considered by previous doctors, nor can be otherwise detected.  With each substance tested, your body will respond by the electric field around your ear either: expanding, shrinking or remaining the same.  This will provide tremendous amounts of “micro-information” about your body’s energetic status.  With this approach, your body can essentially tell us which drugless treatments will be helpful to you specifically.  Thus, there’s no generic treatment for anybody, and certainly there isn’t a treatment designed for any disease (that is the realm of conventional medical evaluation and treatment).  

“What treatments do you use to correct energetic blockages?”

     Throughout the world there are many wonderful treatment approaches.  Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years.  My preferences include those with rich scientific backing and a solid history of success.  My methods include: needle-free ear acupuncture (Nogier’s Auricular Therapy), complex homeopathy, cold laser therapy, and Atlas Orthogonal (spinal correction).  These are all methods that strive to eliminate blockages to natural healing.  Each of these methods is covered in detail in separate articles on this website (click the links here, or go to the menu at the top of the screen after you are finished reading this article).  

“Can blood tests and other traditional medical diagnostic tests confirm the findings of Auricular Medicine?”

     Actually, it’s more likely the other way around; Auricular Medicine matching up with the findings of traditional tests.  Make no mistake; the findings of bio-energetic testing are ENERGY findings, not physical evidence of anything.   We feel that energetic indications of many problems can be revealed despite blood tests not revealing such.  This has been particularly the case with people who exhibit all the symptoms of conditions such as Lyme disease, adrenal or thyroid dysfunction.  It’s common for people to not get diagnosed with a condition simply because their blood test results fall within an “acceptable range.”  The key is that energetic changes can take place well before physical damage is sufficient to register through conventional diagnostic tests.  

“Does testing hurt?

     It is completely painless and safe.  You will be comfortably lying down with a pillow under your head.  You will hold a metal rod in your hand, with another gently resting on your neck or belly.   I will be holding your left wrist to access your pulse.  At certain stages, an ear acupuncture point may be treated with the NET-2000 electro-acupuncture device.  If you feel anything at all, it will be a slight tingling sensation on the skin of your ear.  Semi-permanent acupuncture needles may be recommended.  This is a form of treatment that is usually the testing.   

"Can Auricular Medicine cure me of a disease?"

     You might think I’m “beating a dead horse” here, but I can’t stress enough that Auricular Medicine is NOT a medical diagnostic testing system, nor is it a treatment of any disease.  It “is what it is” – a method of evaluating energy in your body.  In my opinion, too few holistic practitioners clarify the distinction between "medical cure" and wellness promotion care.  One of the wonderful applications of Auricular Medicine is to narrow down and select treatments that will support your body’s function.  If anybody tells you that my treatment "cured" their disease, or that I diagnosed and/or treated a bacterial infection or some other organic disorder; they didn't hear it from me!  If their own body cured their condition from the inside due to my assistance using whole-body wellness and chronic pain treatments... I'll be proud to have helped.  

 “How often do I need an Auricular Medicine evaluation?”

   Once you have been given your treatment recommendations, a follow-up exam will be scheduled two months later.  Frequency of evaluation also depends upon your health needs or desires. 

“Should I still take my prescription medications if I’m taking homeopathic formulas?”

     Homeopathy works on a completely different mechanism from traditional medicine; it doesn’t conflict with it at all.  You should continue all medication prescribed by another physician.  I will NEVER advise you to stop taking a prescription medication.  I do ask that if possible, for two hours prior to testing, not take any vitamin supplements, medication, or homeopathic remedies. 

“What if my family doctor is skeptical about Bio-energetic Medicine?”

     If this is the case, perhaps they should consider the endorsements of some of the most brilliant minds in medicine, from nobel prize winners and biophysicists to a U.S. Surgeon General, and even the well-known Dr. Mehmet Oz (see various quotes listed to the right). 

    I am very suspicious of people who form opinions, and even worse, give health advice regarding something for which they lack any actual knowledge or clinical experience.  It is quite unfortunate that people are ignorantly told by licensed professionals that there is no scientific basis for energy medicine. 

   If a doctor “blows it off” as insignificant or “phony baloney” and discourages you from pursuing it; perhaps that physician is the one to be questioned.  Ignorance has prevented masses of people from receiving highly effective and much needed health care.  American physicians are not required to study “foreign” approaches in school. We individuals, who have chosen to investigate it and acquire such knowledge and skills, have done so by choice, through post-doctorate training programs and taking the time to stay current with international research.  

     Auricular Medicine is European in origin, and is decades old.  But there are very few American doctors who have even heard of it.  The majority of medical research on the subject has been performed overseas.  Unfortunately some American doctors do not accept “foreign” research.  Perhaps they have forgotten that many of the most significant medical discoveries in history were European in origin.  If you are counting on the “blessing” of uniformed physicians to pursue Auricular Medicine; you may be depriving yourself of better health and pain relief. 

   Frankly, I have no desire to try to talk anybody into becoming my patient, nor am I the least bit interested in the approval of other doctors in my community.  Auricular Medicine is at the core of my family’s personal health care, and I am glad to share it with anybody who seeks my help. 

“How Does Auricular Medicine testing differ from Muscle Response Testing (Applied Kinesiology)?”

     Testing muscle strength responses to various substances is a well-established and effective means of bio-energetic testing.  There are many brilliant doctors who help people using it.  I applaud those who are proficient in Muscle Response Testing; however I consider it to be more of a subjective art than a science.  With muscle testing, the patient is involved, which can lead to fatigue or weakness.  The doctor is also a variable.  He or she may not be able to consistently test a muscle with the same amount of pressure.  I prefer to use Auricular Medicine for many reasons.  With Auricular Medicine, you lie still as tests are run.  The signal produced by your arteries is an objective finding—it is consistent and straightforward. In fact, several doctors can monitor a patient’s pulse at different artery locations on their body while the bio-electric field is tested.  They will all feel the pulse change (Vascular Autonomic Signal) at the same time.

“Why isn’t there more research on Bio-energetic Medicine?” 

   Pharmaceutical companies are required by Federal law to do studies in order to put drugs on the market. Manufacturers of homeopathic remedies, supplements and herbs are not.  Since the profits margins from drugs are obscenely high, these corporations have the funds to sponsor the legally necessary clinical trials.  In addition, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments are custom-tailored for each person.  This makes clinical research trials extremely difficult, since such studies are geared towards proving that one particular thing works for the majority of people with one particular condition.      

“Is Auricular Medicine testing expensive?”

     I believe that low-cost health care approaches get "lost in the shuffle" because they can't generate huge profits for corporations.  Countless patients can attest to the fact that the costs were "chump change" compared to what they had previously spent on ineffective treatments and diagnostic tests.  If you are a new patient to my clinic, a case history and consultation is $25, and the Auricular Medicine evaluation is $100.  This takes between 45 and 60 minutes in most cases.  Insurance does not cover the costs of Auricular Medicine testing, but may pay for the consultation, depending on your policy. 

Disclaimer: The FDA is the U.S. Government entity that determines what health practices can be performed, as well as what medical claims may be made or not.  I strictly adhere to such Federal laws, as well as the regulations of the Virginia Board of Medicine (through which I’ve held my license since 1993).  I proclaim by this statement that I do not diagnose ANY medical condition utilizing Auricular Medicine.  Energetic information detected by such evaluation is NEVER presented as a medical diagnosis, nor is any subsequent treatment to be construed as a direct treatment for any medical condition.  Such treatments include: complex homeopathy, cold laser therapy, auricular therapy (ear acupuncture) and meridian therapy.  All patients, prospective and present are advised to seek qualified medical opinions for specific conditions