Zero Point

A Critical Assessment through

Advanced Auricular Therapy
by Bryan L. Frank MD and Nader Soliman, MD
Note: The images in this article are reprinted from the
Atlas of Auricular Medicine and Auricular Therapy

Abstract: Zero Point is situated at the junction of the conchal ridge and the root of the ascending
helix. It is one of the most recognized auricular points and is used in the treatment of many ailments.
Zero Point is known to have a powerful influence in treating various conditions including pain, sedation,
addiction treatment, and inflammation.

While Zero Point is universally recognized in the auricular acupuncture world, it is not associated with
any specific organ, and was derived from observations of functional effects, not necessarily with
respect to the body's anatomy. The Nogier French auricular system has, however, developed with
anatomic and embryological understanding and consistency with respect to localizations of the points
or zones.

Through understanding the anatomic and embryological characteristics of auricular zones, the
physician will more completely understand the patient's pathophysiology and
may experience greater clinical results through proper treatment of auricular zones.

Key Words: acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, auricular therapy, auricular medicine, Zero Point, Paul
Nogier

Introduction:
The somatotopic presentation of the body within the ear was first recognized
through persistent clinical investigations of Dr. Paul Nogier, of France. 1,4,5
Nogier first recognized that the point commonly known as "sciatic point"
correlated, in fact, to the lower lumbar vertebral segments. With this starting
reference point, he hypothesized and confirmed the primary auricular
correspondence system, known as the "inverted fetus". 6,7,8 (See figure 1)
Early in the development of the French auricular microsystem, the Zero Point
(See figure 2) was recognized and identified on auricular charts. Auricular
Medicine practitioners' understanding of the significance and meaning of Zero
Point has evolved through the years, while most auriculotherapy practitioners'
continue without these newer developments of Zero Point's significance.
Developmental perspectives: Nogier's identification of the Zero Point initially
occurred because of its perceived functional value. This point served as a
reference point to "zero" or set the sensitivity of early auricular electro diagnostic
devices. Within several years, however, this point was recognized to be
pathologic in many patients, thus it does not serve well as a reference point as
originally considered. 6 Nogier and his colleagues continued to investigate
auricular correspondences, and pursued identification of points through anatomic
and embryologic understandings.

The original presentation of auricular correspondence or the "inverted fetus"

presentation came to be recognized as a somatotype which corresponds to
normal physiology or to acute pain or dysfunction. In this model, the
musculoskeletal (mesodermal) structures present in the upper aspect of the ear,
covering the helix, antihelix, scaphoid fossa, and triangular fossa. 1,3,7,9,10(See
figure 3) Visceral organs (endoderm) are identified in the concha, and the
 cephalic structures (ectoderm) present in the
lobule. 11,13
In time, Nogier recognized that chronic and
degenerative conditions presented in alternate
auricular presentations, depending on the stage of
illness. The respective embryologic tissue layers will
shift in their auricular representation based on their
Phase status. 3 According to this model,
degenerative conditions are identified in Phase 2
presentation, wherein the fetus presentation
"morphs" to an upright position. 3,5 (See figure 4)
In Phase 2, the mesoderm presents in the concha,
the endoderm in the lobule, and the
ectoderm in the upper ear.(See figure 3)
Degenerative conditions are more dense in
their pathological presentation and
represent the most serious progression of a
pain or functional problem. Generally,
though with exceptions, progression to
Phase 2 will take weeks to months from the
onset of the injury or illness.

Chronic conditions are identified as Phase 3

auricular correspondences. Phase 3 presents
with the mesoderm in the lobule, the
endoderm in upper ear, and the ectoderm in
the concha.(See figure 2) The homonculus is now seen in a transverse presentation.(See figure 4)
Chronic presentations will generally emerge within several days or weeks of the initial insult or injury.
Depending on the stage of a patient's illness, the pathology may be identified in one or more locations
within the ear.
 3,5

As disease progresses, it is now known that the auricular reflection will

shift from Phase 1 to Phase 3 to Phase 2. Phase 2 was recognized
second, and it is thus labeled"2", in spite of the fact that Phase 2
represents a condition more chronic and degenerative than those seen
in Phase 3. Recovery of illness follows the reverse pattern, from Phase 2
to Phase 3 to Phase 1. 1,5 (See figure 4)
Through extensive clinical observation, Nogier and his colleagues also
identified 7 zones of the auricle which demonstrate favorable response
to specific frequencies of electrical stimulation.(See figure 5) These
zones are further influenced by specific Master Points within the
respective zones, which exert generalized influence over their zone. In
this model, the concha is identified as Zone "B" and includes the location
of Zero Point. 1,5 (See figure 6) Specifically, Zero Point corresponds to
the Master Point of Zone B and therefore has influence over the entire
concha.

Often a physician's confusion regarding the significance of an auricular point will become clear when
the anatomy and embryology is considered within these Phase dynamics. Further, a study of the
auricular neurology and an appreciation of the influence of the zonal Master Points may lead to greater
understanding of the clinical efficacy of various auricular points.

Zero Point:
Functionally, the Zero Point was used early as a reference point for auricular point electrodetection, as
noted above. Zero Point has also been referred to as the "umbilicus", "vitelline duct", or "solar plexus"
of the ear1,11, indicating its central physiologic importance for many body functions.

Anatomically, Zero Point lies in an area of innervation by the Vagus Nerve. Stimulation of the point
may yield a significant parasympathetic effect which may be important for all endodermal structures
found in the concha. Included in the superior concha are the Phase 1 representations of the abdominal
viscera, including the small and large bowels, gall bladder, pancreas, et cetera; within the inferior
concha are the lungs.(See figure 7) This parasympathetic effect has also been recognized to effect the
auricular energetics, in general. Clinically, the parasympathetic tone may be enhanced or diminished
depending on the specific direction of auricular massage. A centrifugal massage will diminish the
parasympathetic tone as a probe or rod is used to massage outward from the Zero Point. Conversely, a
centripital massage toward the Zero Point will enhance the parasympathetic tone of the ear. 1 The
point has also been used to treat panic attacks by needling the non-dominant ear (generally ipsilateral
to the dominant hand). 1

The location of Zero Point also corresponds to the Phase 2 cerebullum zone (See figure 8). Cerebellar
functions include coordination of somatic motor activity, regulation of muscle tone, and mechanisms of
equilibrium2,12. Its positive effects on emotional status and drug detoxification have been recognized
among auricular therapists. 11 With such significant impact on the body's fundamental coordinating
functions, it is not surprising that this point may be identified as an active point through
electrostimulator detection in patients with pain or functional problems.

The Zero Point location is also shared by the Phase 3 corpus callosum (See figure 9). The role of the
corpus callosum as neural relay is imperative for proper neurophysiological function. Abundant fibers
connect to the cortex from the lower brainstem and spinal cord, and integration of information
between the hemispheres is vital to to carry information which is essential to proper brain function.
Disturbances of this neural integration may manifest as ADD/ADHD, stuttering, dyslexia, confusion
with directions, and visual and auditory processing disturbances. 2 Chronic pain or functional illness
may thus be represented at the Zero Point location because of the disturbance of corpus callosum.

Practicing advanced Auricular Therapy, with consideration of Phase dynamics rather than just the
simple "inverted fetus", will thus give further clarification to the nature of the presenting pain or
illness. Specific and definitive identification to the Phase of presentation is only made through the
energetic techniques of Auricular Medicine, using the Vascular Autonomic Signal (VAS) of the radial
pulse, and the electromagnetic field (EMF) signal of the auricle. 5 While further detail of Auricular
Medicine is beyond the scope of this article, it is important to note that these are the techniques used
to specifically identify the exact nature of the disturbance. With advanced Auricular Therapy
techniques, clinicians have much greater information to be able to recognize an active auricular zone
as a disturbance in one of 3 Phase presentations, rather than as a single point on the basic auricular
somatotopic model.

Conclusions:
The significance of Zero Point may be more specifically recognized when the physician understands the
neurological, anatomical and embryological implications, rather than simply the functional importance
of this zone.3,7 Additionally, this advanced auricular acupuncture approach will lead to clearer
diagnostic interpretation of a presenting illness as it is represented in one or more areas on the auricle.
Ultimately, more enduring clinical effects may be realized with treatment of properly identified points.
Proper identification and treatment of auricular points is encouraged for the physician to treat the
patients' auricle in a true medical model rather than in a cursory technical approach.