Ear Seeds: What Are They And How Do They Work?

Ear Spheres ear seeds.

What Are Ear Seeds?

Ear seeds are a needle free form of ear acupuncture or acupressure (auriculotherapy). Ear seeds work using the same principles as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which maintains that your health depends upon the flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body. According to TCM, Qi flows through meridians or channels that run throughout the body, including the ear, and which are not visible to the naked eye. There are many points along these meridians which can be stimulated with acupuncture needles or acupressure. Stimulation of these points is said to bring about physiological changes and healing within the body by restoring the flow of Qi.

Ear seeds are placed on specific acupressure points on the outer ear which in turn is said to alleviate a variety of symptoms. Originally ear seeds were made from the seeds of the vaccaria plant but nowadays they are also made from ceramic or various metals. They are held in place using a small waterproof plaster.

What Can Ear Seeds Be Used For?

Whilst often the evidence is anecdotal, many people claim that ear seeds have helped them with a range of health issues including:

·       Chronic pain

·       Lower back pain

·       Depression

·       Period problems

·       Infertility

·       Anxiety

·       Stress

·       Migraines and headache

·       Addiction/Substance abuse

·       PTSD

·       Weight loss

Some use ear seeds on their own, but others use them between acupuncture sessions.  If you do choose to visit an acupuncturist, it is always recommended that they are a member of a professional body such as the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC). All BAcC members have completed a first degree level training or equivalent in traditional acupuncture including substantial elements of Western anatomy, physiology and pathology.  All treatments are carried out in accordance with exemplary professional standards developed by the BAcC and detailed in the BAcC Codes of Safe Practice and Professional Conduct.

Here’s what the British Acupuncture Council have to say about ear seeds:

https://acupuncture.org.uk/news/ear-acupuncture-whats-the-deal/

How Do You Use Ear Seeds?

Before applying, the ear should be cleaned gently with an alcohol swab or a damp cotton wool ball and left to dry. This helps the ear seeds adhere to the ear. Using a pair of tweezers, carefully remove an ear seed plaster and apply to the points one at a time. Press down firmly on each to ensure they are properly applied. You can stimulate each point by gently applying pressure to each ear seed three to five times a day. Never place ear seeds within the ear canal.  You may feel some pleasant warmth after applying the ear seeds.

Is There Any Evidence That They Work?

Evidence tends to be anecdotal due to the fact that it is difficult to design double blind trials for both acupuncture and acupressure. However, a number of well-conducted studies have shown encouraging results for auriculotherapy:

Pain Management

A systematic review from 2021 suggests that auricular point acupressure is effective for pain relief of low back pain and period pain.

In 2023, researchers explored the effects of ear seeds on individuals experiencing ongoing low back pain after spinal surgery. The study involved 56 participants, who were randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group received ear seeds applied to points traditionally linked to low back pain, while the other group was given a placebo treatment. After five weeks, the group treated with ear seeds reported notable improvements: reduced back pain, better neuropathy symptoms, and enhanced deep sleep. Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that auricular acupressure using ear seeds is a safe, non-invasive approach to managing chronic pain.

Labour Pain

In 2020, a study evaluated how acupressure—both on the body and the ear—impacted labour pain and the length of labour. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: one received body acupressure, another received ear acupressure using ear seeds, and the third received standard care. The findings revealed that both acupressure techniques helped relieve labour pain more effectively than routine care. Notably, ear acupressure also led to a significant reduction in the duration of active labour.

Furthermore another study from 2018 suggested that ear acupressure helps anxiety levels during labour.

Depression

A 2021 study explored how auricular acupressure using ear seeds could impact stress, anxiety, and depression in outpatient nurses. Fifty-four nurses were randomly assigned to two groups: one received true auricular acupressure, while the other received a placebo version of the treatment. After five weeks, the group treated with ear seeds showed a significant decrease in depression scores and an increase in serotonin levels compared to the control group. While the treatment did not show a measurable effect on stress or anxiety, the researchers concluded that auricular acupressure may be an effective approach for reducing depression in outpatient nurses.

Weight loss

A 2019 study looked into whether auricular acupressure with ear seeds could help reduce obesity-related factors in adolescents. Fifty-eight participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group that received ear seed treatment or a control group that underwent a placebo version of the therapy. After eight weeks, the experimental group showed notable decreases in total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels compared to the control group. The researchers concluded that auricular acupressure may be an effective method for improving cholesterol levels in adolescents struggling with obesity.

Addictions

One of the most well known and widely used auricular protocols is the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA)-standardized 3- to 5-point ear acupuncture protocol.  It is most famously known for the treatment of addictions.

An article from 2016 states ‘This review demonstrates the mounting evidence that the NADA protocol has positive effects on a host of measures, populations, and treatment modalities. It is striking that many of the studies reveal NADA’s effectiveness with populations often considered to be the most difficult to treat.’

A review of the literature in 2019 on ear acupuncture and the use of the NADA Protocol summarises the main scientific work on this topic.

Further information

An article in Medical News Today states that there is some evidence that ear seeds can help relieve pain and other conditions.

Another article from the Cleveland Clinic, which provides more information about ear seeds, links to positive research into auriculotherapy and musculoskeletal pain.

For more information about acupressure, acupuncture and Chinese Medicine as well as information on how to find a reputable acupuncturist, go to the British Acupuncture Council website.

Are There Any Risks When Using Ear Seeds?

There are no known serious side effects to using ear seeds.  However occasionally there may be minor symptoms such as:

·       Discomfort of skin irritation around the seeds

·       Minor bleeding

·       Dizziness

·       Infection

·       Sleepiness

Ear seeds should not be used during pregnancy or by children under 10 years.  They should always be used externally and never within the ear canal.  They should not be used on red, sore, irritated or broken skin.  If you experience any of the above symptoms, remove the ear seeds immediately.  To avoid any irritation, proper hygiene should be practised.

Where Can I Buy A Trusted Source Of Ear Seeds?

For more information about ear seeds, go to our Ear Spheres website.