Ear Acupoint Protocols for Appetite Issues Across Different Groups
**Picky eating or selective eating in children:** Poor appetite in children often stems from a "cold" constitution of the spleen and stomach or excessive snacking. Applying pressure to the Stomach, Spleen, Pancreas/Gallbladder, and Endocrine points-combined with the "Shenmen" (Spirit Gate) technique for calming the mind-can enhance gastrointestinal digestive capacity and reduce reliance on snacks.
**Appetite loss due to work stress:** High-pressure work and emotional tension can suppress appetite. Focus on applying pressure to the Liver, Spleen, Stomach, and Sympathetic points, while also stimulating the Heart and Shenque (Umbilicus) points to relieve anxiety and soothe the "stress-induced stomach."
**Appetite loss during post-operative recovery:** Patients often experience physical weakness and gastrointestinal dysfunction after surgery, frequently leading to an inability to eat. Applying pressure to the Stomach, Spleen, Small Intestine, Large Intestine, and Zusanli (corresponding ear zone) points can stimulate gastrointestinal motility and accelerate the recovery of the digestive tract.
3.2 Scientific Basis for Appetite Regulation via Ear Acupoints
It regulates the hypothalamic feeding center to balance appetite with orexin secretion; promotes the secretion of digestive fluids-such as gastric and pancreatic juices-to improve digestive function; effectively regulates the autonomic nervous system to alleviate gastrointestinal tension and eliminate discomforts like bloating and abdominal pain; and exerts a calming effect, mitigating the suppression of appetite caused by emotional factors.
