Foot reflexology · zone
Sympathetic — Right ear
Placement
Location: At the anterior end of the inferior crus of the antihelix, where the crus meets the inner border of the helix; the point is tucked under the overhanging helix rim.
Longitudinal zone(s): of 5
Side: right ear
Tradition: WHO auricular nomenclature
Traditional use
A standard point in both lists and one of the five NADA protocol points; described in the tradition as an autonomic-balance point.
Reflexology is a traditional practice, not an evidence-based medical treatment. Systematic reviews have not shown it to be effective for any medical condition. These maps document what practitioners traditionally use — they are not claims about how the body works.
Care and caution
It lies under the overhanging rim, so it is easy to press the helix cartilage instead of the point. Expect this spot to feel sharply tender; tenderness is not a diagnosis, and pressure should be reduced rather than forced.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the sympathetic reflex area on the ear?
At the anterior end of the inferior crus of the antihelix, where the crus meets the inner border of the helix; the point is tucked under the overhanging helix rim.
Which tradition does this placement come from?
WHO auricular nomenclature. The major schools broadly agree on this placement.
Does pressing this area treat the organ it is named after?
No. Reflexology maps are traditional diagrams, not descriptions of anatomy or physiology. Systematic reviews have not found reflexology to be an effective treatment for any medical condition.
Is there anything to be careful about?
It lies under the overhanging rim, so it is easy to press the helix cartilage instead of the point. Expect this spot to feel sharply tender; tenderness is not a diagnosis, and pressure should be reduced rather than forced.
Sources
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.
- World Health Organization, Report of the Working Group on Auricular Acupuncture Nomenclature (Lyon, 1990) Standard anatomical nomenclature of the auricle and the standard auricular point list agreed by the WHO working group
- GB/T 13734, Nomenclature and Location of Auricular Points (Chinese national standard) Auricular point names and anatomical locations, by auricular subregion
- National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) five-point auricular protocol Protocol point set: Shenmen, sympathetic, kidney, liver, lung