EAR ACUPUNCTURE IN PSYCHOSOMATIC-MEDICINE - THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SANJIAO (TRIPLE HEATER) AREA

A group of 50 patients with possible psychosomatic disorders of the ca rdiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems were treated with Ear acupuncture. Together with a control group of 20 symptomless volunteer s they received 4 weekly treatments and a final check of the therapy a fter 6 weeks. All subjects were examined with the MMPI test, Paykel's scale for stressful life events, and with the SRT scale (Symptom Ratin g Test) for measuring at each treatment the variations of anxiety, dep ression and somatisation levels. The results show a similar trend of r esponse to Acupuncture in both groups, which was significantly more pr onounced in the stress group for the reduction of the SRT score and th e number of Ear acupuncture points. The outer ear was sensitized by st ress response in certain recurrent areas, especially of the cavum conc hae. The area with the highest relative density of Ear acupoints was t he Sanjiao or Triple Heater area.