Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Are Ear Seeds?How It WorksHealth BenefitsRisks and Side EffectsAt-Home Use
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Are Ear Seeds?
How It Works
Health Benefits
Risks and Side Effects
At-Home Use
Ear seeds are used as a part ofauricularacupuncture. It is a form ofacupressurethat targets ear pressure points without using needles. People may use ear seeds to treat or manage the symptoms of several conditions, including addiction and anxiety.
This article will cover everything you need to know about ear seeding.
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Ear seeds are a tool used in auricular acupuncture, which is the practice of usingpressure pointson the ear.
Auricular acupuncture is atraditional Chinese medicinepracticed for about 2,500 years. Acupuncture is used to balance and restore the flow of Qi (or Chi). Qi is the vital life force that moves through pathways in the body, called meridians.
Acupuncture and acupressure follow the theory that there are points on the surface of the body that correlate with internal areas of the body. By targeting these areas, the normal flow of Qi can be restored, and certain conditions can be alleviated.
An ear seed is a noninvasive object placed on the associated acupressure sites.
Types of Ear Seeds
Ear seeds used for auricularacupressurecan be made from many materials. The most common ones are made from Vaccaria seeds.Other types of ear seeds are made from:
The ear seeds are attached to the ear’s surface with tape.
How Auricular Acupressure (Ear Seeding) Works
Auricular acupressure has been used for various conditions. When it’s used for addictions, behavioral health, and emotional trauma, the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol is followed.
The NADA protocol includes these five points:
Health Benefits of Ear Seeding
Ear seeding has been used to address several health conditions and symptoms. These include:
More research is needed on the health benefits of ear seeding.
Risks and Side Effects of Ear Seeding
Ear seeding carries minimal risks and side effects for most people.
People with allergies or sensitivities to tape or adhesives may react when using the tape to adhere to the ear seed.
Another risk is that the tape holding the ear seed can loosen, and the seed can call into the ear canal.
Other adverse reactions may include:
How to Use Ear Seeds at Home
When learning how to use ear seeds, it’s best to see anacupuncturistto ensure correct seed placement. After seeing anacupuncturistand learning how to apply the ear seeds properly, it is possible to use an at-home application.
Always consult with a healthcare provider before using ear seeds.
Summary
Ear seeds are a form of acupressure that use small seeds or other objects taped to the surface of the ear. The method follows acupuncture theories to restore flow of the body’s life force, or Qi, to improve health conditions. Ear seeding has been used for various conditions, including addiction, stress, and anxiety.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Round R, Litscher G, Bahr F.Auricular acupuncture with laser.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013;2013:1-22. doi:10.1155/2013/984763National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.NADA protocol.
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Round R, Litscher G, Bahr F.Auricular acupuncture with laser.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013;2013:1-22. doi:10.1155/2013/984763National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.NADA protocol.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Round R, Litscher G, Bahr F.Auricular acupuncture with laser.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013;2013:1-22. doi:10.1155/2013/984763National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.NADA protocol.
Round R, Litscher G, Bahr F.Auricular acupuncture with laser.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013;2013:1-22. doi:10.1155/2013/984763
National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.NADA protocol.
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