In this paper

the articles of auricular acupuncture in recent 20 years are sorted out and analyzed

and the theory and mechanism of auricular acupuncture in different schools are summarized and compared. Eight theories are included totally

i.e. meridian-collateral theory and zangfu theory of classic TCM

as well as neurodoctrine

neurohumoral theory

embryology theory

holography theory

biological cybernetics and chronobiology theory in modern times. Each of them has its own rationality.Hereafter

through more rigour scientific deign and in accordance with clinical and experimental studies

auricular acupuncture theory should be explored more scientifically and universally so as to provide the theoretic guidance and evidences for clinical treatment with auricular acupuncture

and then to improve the clinical therapeutic effect and promote the application of auricular acupuncture.