Abstract
The French group, Groupe Lyonnais d'Etudes Médicales (GLEM, sponsored the 10th International Symposium on Auriculotherapy, on June 4–6, 2021, in Lyon France. The event took place in the famous Hotel Chateau-Perrache where Dr. Paul Nogier (MD; 1908–1996
Approximately 300 attendees participated in the Symposium: 120 in-place and 160 online. English and French were the official languages of the live broadcasts, and several cameras were positioned to offer the internet viewers the impression of a live in-place panoramic observation of the Symposium. The 420-square-meter, spacious, natural-daylight–flooded conference room and a second smaller room added to the ambiance of the Symposium in this famous and historic French hotel.
The third day of the Symposium featured an important roundtable discussion by experts who exchanged information to e understanding of the importance of ear cartography better. These participants were: Chantal Vulliez, MD, Yves Rouxeville, MD, Claudie Terral, MD, Emmanuel Sagui, MD, and Raphaël Nogier, MD.
Dr. Terral and I emphasized the importance of distinguishing between 2 kinds of cartography. The first map is somatic in nature, with fixed organ locations and involves convergence of the sensorial fibers. This makes it possible to draw on the ear all the organs innervated by these fibers. To do so, a pressure instrument is used to identify the painful points. When an organ develops any pathology, a painful point occurs on the ear. The second map is probably linked to the autonomic nervous system and is a functional and mobile cartography. To draw this map, the painful ear points cannot be used. Here, it is necessary to find ear points by measuring electrical resistance. This cartography depends on the physiologic and pathologic condition of the examined person.
Several prizes were awarded at the Symposium. The GLEM prize went to Michel Marignan, MD, who spoke about the founding principles of auriculotherapy. He summarized the current knowledge of auriculotherapy expertly. Dr. Marignan was very instrumental in working with the content of the Symposium and, as a result, it achieved the highest scientific value possible.
Now, we are looking forward to the next Symposium to be held in 2023 or 2024. The Symposium venue is not fixed yet, and we kindly invite readers who are interested in working on the next Symposium to contact us at: contact@glem.org by the end of 2021. We see a clear need to enhance science-based research on ear properties, which will enable better understanding of the differences between the 2 kinds of cartographies and, consequently, standardize this medical discipline used in occidental countries (auriculotherapy) as well as in China (auricular acupuncture).
I wish to thank my friend and colleague, Dr. Niemtzow, who accepted the position of the Symposium President. The preparation was challenging because of the uncertain COVID-19 pandemic, as preparations had to be made at the very last moment to be under safe conditions.