ear seeds: The new kid on the block.

There are a wide range of treatment ideas and solutions that derive from traditional Chinese medicine and ear seeds are one of them. Designed to help alleviate pain, promote comfort and relaxation and help your body combat a selection of ailments and issues, ear seeds are considered a lesser-known form of acupressure.

In this article, we are going to explore how they work. 

So What are Ear Seeds?

When placed in and around certain pressure points, ear seeds are said to create specific acupressure on the invisible pathways where energy flows through the body - focussing in this case on that path as it runs through the ears. 

The ear seeds of traditional Chinese medicine come from a flowering herb called Vaccaria, though modern medicine has introduced metal and ceramic beads which are designed to do the same thing. These tiny acupressure devices are said to provide a range of benefits and are a safe alternative therapy for those who want to find natural solutions to some of their ailments and issues. 

Benefits of Ear Seeds and How to Use Them

The benefits of ear seeds are wide-ranging - but first, a little on how easy they are to use. 

Ear seeds are placed on the outside of the ear once your ear has been thoroughly cleaned, before being massaged gently two or three times a day. It is this pressure given through the massage which activates the pressure point and accesses the pathway of energy that Chinese medicine believes is at the root of wellbeing and health. You will likely find that the ear seeds drop out after three or four days - if not, they should be removed after five days maximum. 

For those who have tried ear seed acupressure therapy, some of the common benefits reported include:

·      Alleviating pain, numbness and tingling as a result of chemotherapy

·      Help with lower back pain, anxiety, depression and insomnia

·      Can support weight loss

·      Provides support in managing grief, trauma and PTSD

Another benefit of ear seeds is that there is a very low risk of any side effects being experienced, with very few users reporting minor irritation around the ear following treatment. 

With low risks and potentially life-altering benefits, there are very few downsides to using ear seeds. 

Ear Seeds: Could They Work for You?

Different users report different benefits and outcomes of ear seed acupressure therapy and as such, no two experiences can ever be guaranteed as the same. However, some studies show how acupressure and auriculotherapy (applying pressure to the ear) help to support a release of natural endorphins which in turn can boost your mood and help to overcome or manage some of the challenges associated with pain, insomnia and numbness. 

While ear seeds are possible to apply yourself for ongoing treatment, we recommend visiting a professionally trained therapist for your first session to understand exactly what the implications of ear seeds are and to discuss whether it is the right solution for you.