Ear Apex Bloodletting—Acu-point Bloodletting Therapy
The Ear Apex point, also known as Er Yong, is located at the tip of the ear’s helix, at the junction of zones 6 and 7 of the auricle.
Below it, the auriculotemporal nerve and posterior auricular artery are distributed, making it one of the commonly used extraordinary points in acupuncture.
According to the “Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”: “At the ear apex, fold the ear to locate it; the tip is the point.” This means: the patient sits upright or lies on their side, folding the ear forward to locate the point at the upper end of the auricle; alternatively, when folding the helix towards the ear canal, the topmost point of the auricle is the location.
01
Effects of Ear Apex Bloodletting Therapy
The Ear Apex point is an extraordinary point located at the highest point of the auricle, uniquely situated in a Yang position. External pathogens often invade Yang channels and positions. Therefore, bloodletting at the Ear Apex can promote blood circulation, improve tissue blood and oxygen supply, regulate organ functions, enhance the body’s immunity, and has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-rheumatic, antipyretic, sedative, analgesic, hypotensive, brain-clearing, and vision-enhancing effects. It also regulates organ functions, transmits biological information, enhances immunity, and promotes cellular metabolism. The reason for using ear apex bloodletting is that the pain sensation at the ear apex is minimal, and the vascular distribution is sparse, with no vital organs present, making it the most widely used bloodletting therapy. Ear apex bloodletting does not impose a significant burden on the body, allowing for safe treatment.
02
Indications for Bloodletting Therapy
Used to treat pain caused by blood stasis, high fever and convulsions due to excessive heat, dizziness due to liver Yang rising, or red and painful eyes due to lung and large intestine heat.
Applicable for excess conditions, heat conditions, blood stasis, and pain, such as stroke, coma, acute convulsions, high fever, headache, red and swollen eyes, acute lumbar sprain, stye, scabies, mastitis, erysipelas, and finger numbness.
03 Clinical Applications of Ear Apex Bloodletting
1. High Fever: This is the most commonly used and effective indication for ear apex bloodletting, suitable for high fever caused by colds, pneumonia, and tonsillitis, especially when high fever persists for several days after these diseases. Bloodletting at the ear apex can often rapidly reduce fever, sometimes requiring only one or two bloodletting sessions. (Can be combined with Shixuan and Dazhui points)
2. Insomnia: Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders in clinical practice, characterized by a state of craving sleep yet being unable to achieve it, often accompanied by dizziness, head fullness, irritability, anxiety, mental fatigue, and reduced work efficiency. In TCM, this condition is referred to as “Bu Mei”. Bloodletting at the ear apex has a good effect, especially when combined with Jian Gu, Xing Jian, and Feng Shi points for better results. Why does bloodletting at the ear apex have such good effects? It is known that the kidney opens to the ear. The “Su Wen: Jin Kui Zhen Yan Lun” states: “The heart opens to the ear”; thus, both the heart and kidney are connected to the ear, and the Shao Yang channel also enters the ear. Therefore, bloodletting at the ear apex not only invigorates blood and resolves stasis but also calms and dispels wind, connecting the heart and kidney, making it an excellent point for treating insomnia.
3. Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension: Bloodletting at the ear apex once a week, alternating sides, for two to three months can help stabilize blood pressure.
4. Eczema and Urticaria: Bloodletting at the ear apex can effectively control eczema and urticaria, with a low recurrence rate. This is particularly effective for eczema along the liver and gallbladder meridians, such as on the cheeks, behind the ears, ribs, groin, and perineum, where needling the ear apex can significantly relieve itching and alleviate symptoms.