Auricular therapy is a form of alternative medicine in which problems may be analyzed and the entire body may be treated from the external ear. It is based on the idea that the ear is a micro system, and the entire body is represented on the auricle, so that pain in any part of the body can be relieved by needling, cauterizing, massaging, or electrically stimulating the region of the ear that corresponds with the anatomical area of the pain. Auricular medicine originated in China, where according to Chinese physicians, when pain was felt in a given area of the body, the corresponding ear point manifested greatly increased tenderness and electrical conductivity as compared to the surrounding areas of the ear. This notion was then developed by French doctor Pual Nogier during the 1950s.

This therapy does not hold that there are direct connections between the ear and other body parts, but rather that the nerves from the ear connect to reflex centers in the brain. Basically, the nerves in the skin overlay specific areas of the external ear which correspond to specific parts of the brain, which in turn has a reflex connection to the body. These reflexes are activated when problems in part of the body induce reflex reactions in the external ear, manifested as changes in tenderness and altered blood circulation. By correcting pathological reflex centers in the brain, stimulation of auricular points can lead to balance, where any form of stress or pain can be relieved. The therapist uses a hand held wand and a diagnostic probe that measures differences in skin conductivity between the hand and the acupoint on the ear. The ear is then stimulated as needed, while the patient perceives little or no pain.

Auricular therapy is good for acute painful problems as it alleviates pain almost immediately. It is also good for chronic degenerative conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and for multiple sclerosis. Gastrointestinal, urinary, and cardiovascular problems may also be treated using this therapy. Auricular therapy also induces deep relaxation, stimulates the brain, and improves the immune system to prevent diseases. Through this therapy, clients are able to find out what is wrong with their body before any signs show up on a physical or blood test.