Auricular Ear Seed Therapy

Not comfortable with needles? How about seeds? Auricular Acupressure Therapy, often referred to as Ear Seed Therapy, is a non-invasive therapy that places tiny seeds attached to small adhesive tape onto the ear. Each one of those seeds stimulate a specific pressure point on the ear that affects one of the many acupuncture channels of the body.

It is understood that the entire body is reflected in various smaller parts of the body called microcosms, where, in the case of the ear, specific points can stimulate various organ systems of the body such as the respiratory, digestive, nervous and reproductive, to mention a few.

This type of Auricular therapy can help reduce chronic pain, alleviate stress, insomnia, and even help with weight loss.

Simply put, the therapy is the placing of a small adhesive strip (like that of a Band-Aid) on strategic locations on the ear. Embedded on that adhesive strip is a small Vaccaria seed that acts as a stimulating tool for that specific point. A combination of points is chosen to bring about change in the body to affect whichever symptoms or condition the patient is experiencing.

This prescription of points is determined after a short evaluation and diagnosis by the Healthcare Practitioner who is placing the seeds. The seeds don’t pierce the skin, but actually stimulate the area by gently pressing on them with your fingers.

Gold plated or small magnetic balls on clear backing are often substituted for the Vaccaria seeds to enhance treatments, or to simply provide a more aesthetic look to the treatment.

Some health conditions treated by Ear Seeds can include:

• Anxiety

• Stress

• Insomnia

• Migraines

• Acute and Chronic pain

• Depression

• Smoking cessation

• Weight control

The seeds can stay on the ear for up to 3-5 days without interrupting your daily routine, including bathing. While they remain on the ear, you will want to gently press them throughout the day for a few seconds to stimulate the points they cover.

The adhesive properties of the strip will eventually weaken and the seeds fall off on their own. Or you can easily remove them with your fingernails if they ever bother you.

For the do-it-yourselfers, take home kits are also available for those who want to replace their own seeds in the comfort of their own home. The kits come complete with tweezers and a small chart showing you the locations where you want to place the seeds. But it’s often best to have someone else place them so the locations are more accurate.