J Subst Abuse Treat. 1996 Nov-Dec;13(6):471-81.

Methodological investigations for a multisite trial of auricular acupuncture for

cocaine addiction: a study of active and control auricular zones.
Margolin A1, Avants SK, Birch S, Falk CX, Kleber HD.
Author information
Abstract
We evaluated objective criteria for defining points for needle insertion prior t
o conducting a multisite clinical trial of auricular acupuncture for cocaine add
iction. Thirty-four cocaine-abusing subjects participated in a study in which th
e trial's active zones (Shenmen, Liver, Lung, and Sympathetic) and control zones
(located on the ear helix) were divided into quadrants and assessed along four
dimensions: electrical resistance, skin discoloration, skin topography, and tend
erness. Acute effects of needles inserted into points of low electrical resistan
ce in one ear and high electrical resistance in the other were also assessed. Re
sults showed that the active zones had lower overall electrical resistance and m
ore subcutaneous ridges than control zones. Zones did not possess significant va
riability along any single dimension. Acute effects of needling high and low res
istance points were similar, differing only for "fullness." Based on these findi
ngs, and in view of the difficulty of accurately measuring electrical resistance
at ear points, we do not recommend the use of electrical devices for point dete
rmination in the multisite study. At present, there seems to be little scientifi
c basis for the preselection of specific points for needle insertion within auri
cular zones. Needle placement should be based upon clinical judgement.
PMID:
9219144
NeuroRehabilitation. 2002;17(1):49-62.
Auriculotherapy stimulation for neuro-rehabilitation.
Oleson T1.
Author information
Abstract
The capability of reflex points on the external ear to alter neuromuscular and n
europathic disorders has been attributed to the descending pain inhibitory pathw
ays of the central nervous system. The inverted fetus perspective of the somatot
opic arrangement of auricular acupuncture points was first described in the 1950
's by Dr. Paul Nogier of France, and has received scientific support from double
blind studies examining auricular diagnosis of musculoskeletal and of coronary
disorders. Acupuncture points on the ear and on the body have lower levels of el
ectrical skin resistance than surrounding tissue. These electrodermal difference
s are apparently related to autonomic control of blood vessels rather than incre
ased sweat gland activity. The heightened tenderness of reactive acupuncture poi
nts may be explained by the accumulation of noxious, subdermal substances. Elect
rical stimulation of specific points on the external ear leads to site specific
neural responses in different regions of the brain. Behavioral analgesia produce
d by auricular acupuncture can be blocked by the opiate antagonist naloxone, ind
icating the role of endorphinergic systems in understanding the underlying mecha
nisms of auriculotherapy. The anatomical structures and electrical application o
f the auricle are described as they relate to the localization of master points,
musculoskeletal points, internal organ points, and neuroendocrine points.
PMID:
12016347
J Subst Abuse Treat. 1995 May-Jun;12(3):195-205.
Acupuncture for the treatment of cocaine addiction. Investigation of a needle pu

ncture control.
Avants SK1, Margolin A, Chang P, Kosten TR, Birch S.
Author information
Abstract
We conducted a 6-week, single-blind study of acupuncture for cocaine dependence
in methadone-maintained patients (N = 40) for the purpose of identifying an appr
opriate needle puncture control for use in future large-scale clinical trials. P
atients were randomly assigned to receive daily acupuncture in three auricular s
ites plus one body site (LI-4), or in control sites within 2-3 mm of the four ac
tive sites. Overall, there was a positive response to treatment on a variety of
drug-related and psychosocial measures. Cocaine use decreased significantly for
patients in both needle puncture groups. The only statistically significant diff
erence between the two types of needle puncture was on ratings of craving. Subje
cts rated each type of needle puncture as equally credible and perceived no sign
ificant differences on the acute effects of the two types of needle insertions.
Power calculations based on these findings suggest that very large sample sizes
would be required to detect treatment differences between this control condition
and active acupuncture. Alternative controls are suggested, and the challenges
inherent in implementing controlled clinical trials of acupuncture are discussed
.
PMID:
7474027