Auricular point

The term "auricular point" refers to a specific location on the ear (auricle) used in auricular acupuncture and auriculotherapy, practices originating from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and later developed in France and elsewhere[1][2][7]. These points are believed to correspond with different parts of the body and are stimulated for potential therapeutic benefit. In this context, the ear is understood as a microsystem representing the whole body, with zones mapped onto an “inverted fetus” model[2][3][7]. "Auricular points" are not molecular entities such as receptors, enzymes, ion channels, or proteins; instead, they are anatomical sites on the skin of the external ear thought to influence health through neuromodulation via sensory afferents, especially the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, and other cranial and spinal nerves[1][2][4]. From a scientific, biomedical perspective, the concept of an “auricular point” is not recognized as a discrete molecular or therapeutic target, but as a region on the ear used in acupuncture or related alternative modalities[7]. There is no standard abbreviation or molecular classification for “auricular point,” and it does not meet the definition of a therapeutic target as used in pharmacology or modern biomedical research. Key notes: - "Auricular point" is not a molecule, receptor, or targetable protein. It is an anatomical site proposed within TCM/alternative medicine theory[1][2][7]. - If a molecular or pharmacologic target is required, this entry should be flagged as incorrect (is_incorrect: true) and replaced by a valid gene/protein/receptor name. - All clinically relevant details (molecular class, drugs, biomarkers, mechanism of action) are not applicable. - Scientific consensus classifies auriculotherapy as alternative medicine with inconsistent evidence and no validated molecular mechanism[7].

Other names

Auricular pointAuricular acupointEar acupuncture pointEar acupoint