What Is Ear Seeding?

If you're experiencing pain, insomnia, stress, anxiety, or other conditions affecting your physical or mental health, you may want to explore different options before turning to conventional medication. Ear seeding is one of these alternative medicine practices that can help relieve a variety of symptoms while being non-invasive and effective.

Ear seeding is the practice of placing small ear seeds on specific pressure points located on the outer ear. It's also known as auriculotherapy or ear acupressure and has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Proponents of ear seeding believe that applying pressure to specific points on the ear can help alleviate symptoms or treat conditions in other parts of the body. In TCM, a person's health is directly correlated to the energy flow in their body, known as "qi." Ear seeding is thought to stimulate important pressure points that can help remove qi blockages and restore the flow of energy, in turn balancing the body.

Applying ear seeds may help with a variety of health issues, including:

• Pain relief: Ear seeds may help reduce chronic pain conditions like back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. The seeds are thought to work by stimulating the release of endorphins.
• Addiction recovery: Some people use acupressure ear seeds to help with withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, drugs, smoking, or other addictive substances. The pressure from the seeds is believed to restore balance in the body and mind. This specific protocol is known worldwide as the NADA protocol, and can also help people deal with grief. Fun fact – the NADA protocol and ear seeds were used widely after the atrocities of 9/11 as a way to help people deal with their grief.
• Stress and anxiety reduction: Ear seeding may help to relieve stress, tension, and anxiety. Stimulating certain ear points is thought to have a calming, balancing effect.
• Insomnia: Applying ear seeds before bedtime is said to help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia. The gentle pressure may have a relaxing, soothing effect.
• Other conditions: Ear seeds can also be used for concerns like weight loss, nausea, depression, and PTSD.

How Does Ear Seeding Work & What Does Ear Seeding Do?

Traditionally, ear seeds are harvested from the Vaccaria plant. But today, you can find ear seeds made from a variety of materials, such as magnetic pellets, metal beads or ceramic beads, which are secured to the ear using a small piece of adhesive tape. The pressure from the seeds is gentle but constant and is thought to have both immediate and long-term effects.

The ear seeds are carefully placed on specific pressure points on the outer ear, secured with adhesive tape and are usually left in place for several days. The effects are thought to last even after the seeds are removed, but repeat ear seeding may be recommended for some conditions.

While the treatment is considered safe when performed by a properly trained practitioner, there is a small risk of infection or irritation of the ear. Therefore, proper hygiene and sterile techniques should always be used. If it's your first time trying ear seeding or you want to experience the best results, it's a good idea to seek advice from a health practitioner with experience in ear acupressure techniques, such as an acupuncturist.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for an alternative treatment for symptoms such as pain, anxiety, or any of the health concerns listed on our website talk with your acupuncturist to determine if it's right for you, or drop us a message and talk to ours! Since it's a non-invasive approach, ear seeding is typically recommended as a possible first option for those interested in acupuncture therapy, but can also be used as a stand alone treatment if you are interested in helping your own health in a natural and holistic way.