Have you seen those tiny stickers on people’s ears and wondered what they are? They're ear seeds, and no, they are not simply fashionable jewellery. Based on thousands of years of Chinese medicine, these small devices are proving to be a new favourite method for reducing pain, bettering sleep, decreasing anxiety, and so much more, all without taking one pill.

What Are Ear Seeds?

Ear seeds are tiny beads, often made from vaccaria plant seeds, metal, or ceramic that are stuck to specific points on your outer ear using adhesive tape. Think of them like wearable acupressure tools. You gently press on these seeds a few times a day to stimulate the points beneath, similar to how acupuncture targets pressure points, only without the needles.

This practice is part of auriculotherapy, a type of traditional Chinese medicine that views the ear as a microsystem of the entire body. In other words, every organ, muscle, and joint has a corresponding point on the ear. By stimulating these points, practitioners believe you can help relieve symptoms throughout the body.

How Does It Work?

The science behind ear seeds is the principle of acupressure and nerve channels. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) states that energy (or qi) passes through the body along channels known as meridians. When these channels become obstructed, it can cause pain or sickness. By applying pressure to certain acupoints on the ear, ear seeds are believed to restore this balance and promote natural healing.

From a modern medical perspective, stimulating specific areas of the ear might trigger nerves to link to the brain, such as the vagus nerve, which plays a role in managing stress, digestion, heart rate, and swelling. This could be why, in some cases, individuals feel more relaxed or centred after using ear seeds.

What Can Ear Seeds Help With?

Some of the most common conditions people use them for include:

• .Chronic pain (especially back pain, joint pain, headaches)
• .Stress and anxiety
• .Insomnia and sleep disturbances
• .Menstrual cramps
• .Addiction and cravings (including smoking and overeating)
• .Digestive issues

A 2022 study evaluated the impact of auricular plaster treatment on children undergoing dental treatment. The results showed that auricular acupressure could reduce pain and anxiety in this setting.

A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis in Pain Management Nursing compared the efficacy of auricular therapy for the relief of chronic pain in adults. The analysis suggested that auricular therapy might be a useful intervention for chronic pain, as it reduces pain intensity.

However, experts are quick to point out that while ear seeds can be helpful, they aren’t a magic bullet, and they work best when combined with other forms of care like diet, exercise, and medical treatment.

How to Use Them?

You don't need to be an acupuncture expert to attempt ear seeds. Many wellness clinics and acupuncturists offer guided applications, or you can purchase DIY kits that come with charts showing where to place the seeds based on your symptoms.

Here’s a simple way to use them:

• Wash your ear to remove oil or dirt.
• Locate the points corresponding to your issue (Shen Men for stress, Point Zero for balance) on a map/chart.
• Attach the seed to the point with the adhesive
• Gently press the seed for a few seconds several times a day to stimulate the point.
• Leave them on for 3-5 days, then remove and rest the ear for a day or two before reapplying.
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Are There Any Risks?

Ear seeds are normally safe and non-invasive. Mild irritation of the skin or discomfort might be felt by some individuals due to the adhesive. It is recommended to avoid their use on irritated skin or open wounds, and always wash hands before application.

[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]