Auricular acupuncture is a method which has been successfully used in various fields of medicine, especially in the treatment of pain relief and visceral regulation. Evidence-based results of this method are of special importance. The introduction of lasers, especially low level lasers, into medicine brought, besides the already existing stimulation with needles and electricity, an additional technique to auricular acupuncture.

This special issue should focus on the historical background and the development as well as the anatomical and neurological aspects of auricular acupuncture in general and auricular manual needle, electro- and laser acupuncture in detail.

Scientific findings on auricular acupuncture with needles, electro/transcutaneous electrical stimulation, and laser acupuncture should be described in detail and discussed critically in this special issue.

We welcome papers reporting the results of all kinds of auricular stimulation (animal investigation studies, and human experimental and clinical studies). Studies concerning bioengineering assessment of auricular acupuncture based on modern technology are also especially welcome.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Manual auricular acupuncture
• Electroacupuncture on the ear
• Laser stimulation at the ear
• Other auricular stimulation methods, e.g., vibration stimulation
• Modernization of auricular acupuncture (evidence-based medicine, integrative medicine)
• Development of innovative auricular stimulation methods
• Methods for the quantification of peripheral and central effects of auricular acupuncture
• Scientific evaluation of complementary medical methods (auricular acupuncture and laser therapy)
• Auricular global standardization