This therapy is based on the concept that the auricle of the ear is a microsystem
of the body, allowing for the entire body to be represented on the pinna (outer ear).
It is similar to reflexology and iridology in that the entire body can be treated
by the stimulation of specific points of the ear.

In auriculotherapy, the ear points are used for diagnosis as well as treatment. 
Certain points may be detected by inspecting the ear visually or by palpation of
the cartilage.  A galvanometere may also be used to detect points of reduced electrical
resistance.  This is an extremely accurate, but time-consuming, form of diagnosis which can
often predict an illness long before it actually occurs.

The insertion of needle in the ear is used to treat a range of conditions including anxiety,
insomnia, epilepsy, hypertension hormonal imbalances and pain from a variety of
causes.  Ear acpuncture is also used for giving analagia for various types of operations
including childbirth.

It can also be used very effectively to help overweight people slim down by
suppressing the appetite and regulation of the metabolic rate so that the
body burns more calories to do the same amount of work.  It
also has been successful in the aid of quiting smoking.