Neuro-Auricular Method for Chronic Pain

Overview

Auricular Therapy: The Ear as a Microsystem in Physiotherapy explores the ear’s unique role as a diagnostic and therapeutic gateway to the nervous system. This course demonstrates how auricular therapy can be used to assess and treat a wide range of conditions, from pain relief to improving mobility and reducing inflammation.

Participants will learn how active points on the ear correspond to specific body disorders, with practical methods ranging from tenderness testing to advanced VASE (vascular autonomic signal) assessment. Historical development, scientific validation through fMRI studies, and hands-on techniques are all covered, providing a comprehensive foundation for integrating auricular therapy into clinical practice.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the concept of the ear as a microsystem and its reflection of body and brain health.

2. Identify active points on the ear using tenderness, visible changes, electroconductivity, and the VASE method.

3. Apply auricular therapy to relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce inflammation in targeted body regions.

4. Understand the historical development of auricular therapy, including the fetus-shaped ear map by Dr. Paul Nogier.

5. Interpret fMRI evidence supporting the neurological correlation between ear points and body regions.

6. Integrate auricular assessment and treatment into physiotherapy or other healthcare practices.

Audience

This course is designed for:

• Physiotherapists and rehabilitation professionals seeking integrative therapy techniques.

• Acupuncturists and medical practitioners interested in auricular therapy.

• Healthcare providers aiming to add evidence-informed non-invasive assessment and treatment tools.

• Students of physiotherapy, acupuncture, or complementary medicine exploring advanced microsystem approaches.

Why This Course Matters

Auricular therapy provides a highly targeted, non-invasive method to assess and treat body disorders via the ear. By understanding and using active points, practitioners can:

• Detect pathological changes without extensive diagnostic equipment.

• Deliver precise treatment that modulates nervous system activity and local physiology.

• Complement conventional physiotherapy approaches for enhanced patient outcomes.

• Master advanced techniques like VASE for comprehensive evaluation and integrative care.

This course bridges traditional auricular therapy with modern neuroscience, offering practical tools validated by both history and scientific research.

About the Presenter

Dave Maybee, RMT, Academic Director & Lead Instructor - Canadian Institute of Auricular Medicine

Dave expertly conveys his ever growing passion in Auricular Medicine — as based on the work of medical doctors, Paul Nogier, Frank Bahr, Beate Strittmatter and other leading physicians and researchers in the field — through his deep knowledge of the material. He engages students with clinical examples, demonstrations and Q&A to accommodate and spark diverse interests while delivering clear objectives and learning outcomes. 

In addition to teaching, Dave integrates cranial sacral therapy and myofascial release with auricular medicine to treat unresolved chronic pain and other issues found in therapy resistant patients (hard to treat patients who have “tried everything”).