Discover ear seeds: An ancient method for balance and well-being.
Ear seeds are one of the oldest healing methods you've probably never heard of. With roots in Chinese medicine, ear seeds are an ancient acupressure tool that can support a variety of health issues. They can help with restful sleep, emotional well-being, relaxation, focus, energy, vitality, and improve digestion.
Ear seeds are small beads attached to a sticker that traditionally came from the herb vaccaria. However, our modern version uses seeds with a gold or silver coating. They work exactly the same way but look much nicer!
They are a form of auriculotherapy (stimulation of specific points on the ear to support physical and emotional health issues) that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and more recently by neurologist Dr. Paul Nogier.
According to traditional Chinese medicine and Dr. Nogier, the ear is a microsystem of the entire body, with certain points on the ear corresponding to different organs or body parts. Energy pathways (or 'qi', the life force) pass through the ear, and ear seeds stimulate specific points that send a flow of energy to the related organ or area that needs attention. Think of it as reflexology, but for the ears instead of the feet. Ear seeds also create continuous, gentle pressure on nerve impulses in the ear that send signals to the brain that certain organs or systems need support. The brain then sends signals and chemicals to the nervous system to help you relax, heal, or focus, while also releasing endorphins that naturally soothe tension and discomfort.
Auriculotherapy has undergone decades of research.
Here are some peer-reviewed studies below:
Emotional well-being:
An April 2015 study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine included 150 hypertensive patients who were divided into groups. The experimental group received auricular acupressure for 10 weeks, while the control group received usual care. Researchers found that those who received auricular acupressure reported significant improvements in their mental well-being, physical pain, and quality of life.
A small study of 44 university students with high levels of anxiety and temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) also found that auriculotherapy may be an effective treatment for anxiety and TMD. The students were divided into two groups: one group received auriculotherapy with mustard seeds, while the other group received a sham version of auriculotherapy. After 10 sessions (twice per week), the group receiving auriculotherapy significantly reduced their anxiety and pain.
Pain:
A June 2015 study in Pain Management Nursing suggests that auricular acupressure may help reduce pain in cancer patients. Fifty cancer patients received auricular acupressure treatment with vaccaria seeds for seven days for their pain. After seven days, the patients reported that their pain was reduced by more than half, and they needed less painkillers.
An October 2017 review in Medical Acupuncture evaluated four randomized controlled trials of auricular acupuncture and found that it may help reduce pain. The review also found that auricular acupuncture has potential for use in emergency pain management, but more research is needed to determine whether it reduces the use of pain medications. Another systematic review found that auricular acupuncture may be a promising treatment for rapid pain relief.
Results from a 2013 study of 19 people with chronic low back pain showed that ear seeds can help reduce pain and improve mobility. Participants were divided into two groups, with the first group having ear seeds placed on points associated with low back pain and the second group having seeds placed on random points on the ear. The first group noticed better results after four weeks of treatment, with a 75% reduction in pain intensity.
The results of a 2012 study showed that fenugreek seeds dramatically reduced the severity of back pain in some people with chronic low back pain by up to 50 percent.
A 2017 study examined the effects of auricular acupressure on women during labor. It concluded that women treated with auriculotherapy had better pain control and shorter labor times.
Sleep:
A 2015 literature review examined 15 studies on auricular acupuncture with ear seeds for insomnia. The studies indicated that the combination of ear seeds and acupuncture helped reduce insomnia symptoms.
Studies from the University of Leeds in 2019 showed that stimulating an outer part of the ear for 15 minutes a day for two weeks reduced the "fight or flight" response in volunteers, as well as improved sleep, mood, and autonomic balance compared to the placebo group.
IBS:
A 2019 study examined the effects of auricular acupressure on bowel problems, stress, mental health, and heart rate variability in women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Over four weeks, the experimental group noticed a reduction in loose stools, abdominal pain, diarrhea, stress, and heart rate variability.
A 2014 study examined the effects of fenugreek seeds on constipation and found that they had a moderate but significant effect in relieving constipation.
Hormonal problems:
A 2012 study found that auriculotherapy was an effective treatment for women aged 18-35 with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Depression:
A 2014 study examined the effects of ear acupressure and massage on dementia symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and pain. The results showed that ear acupressure was an effective method for reducing depression, anxiety, and pain.
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Disclaimer: This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.