The following anatomical points are used as anatomical references to find auriculotherapy points. They correspond to bulges, notches and fissures.
- Zero Point: in the concha, where the root of the helix emerges.
- Helix insertion: where the helix root separates from the face and above where it crosses with the lower branch of the antihelix.
- Apex of the ear: highest point of the helix. It is usually in line with the Zero Point.
- Darwin's Tubercle: bulge on the helix in the supero-external area of the auricle. We use the upper and lower edges of Darwin's Tubercle as references.
- Helix curve: where the helix tail curves inward, slightly above the lobe.
- Helico-lobular sulcus: meeting point of the helix and the lobe, where the tissue changes from cartilage to soft.
- Base of the lobe: lowest point of the lobe.
- Lobe insertion: where the lobe joins the face. This point varies greatly between individuals according to the shape of the lobe.
- Intertragic fissure: curved hollow that separates the tragus and the antitragus.
- Inferior protrusion of the tragus: The tragus has two protrusions. The inferior one is larger and points toward the antitragus protrusion.
- Superior protrusion of the tragus: It is usually smaller than the inferior protrusion and points toward the helix root.
- Antitragus protrusion: outward bulge in the more vertical and inferior part of the antitragus, above the lobe.
- Apex of the antihelix: highest point of the antihelix.
- Base of the antihelix: small rounded projection in the lower part of the antihelix, above the fissure between the antitragus and antihelix.
- Curve of the antihelix: in the middle part of the antihelix body, at the height of the concha crest and of the Zero Point.
- Notch of the antihelix: where the lower branch of the antihelix separates from the antihelix body.
- Midpoint of the lower branch of the antihelix: The lower branch has a notch more or less in the middle of its length, on the underside.