BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease. Currently, PD treatment is symptomatic and involves the use of dopamine-based therapies. This study investigated auricular acupuncture on motor and cognitive abilities in rats with 6-OHDA-induced PD. METHODS: A PD rat model was established by bilaterally injecting 6-OHDA into the lateral dorsal striatum. Then, 2- or 15-Hz auricular electroacupuncture (EA) was applied to the auricular CO15 and CO12 points bilaterally for 20 min three times a week for four consecutive weeks. RESULTS: Both the latency to fall and rest time of the open field test in the EA15 group were greater than in the 6-OHDA group ( CONCLUSION: According to the results, rats with 6-OHDA-induced PD may benefit from auricular EA in terms of motor and cognitive behavior as well as neuroprotection.