Thinking About Using Ear Seeds? What You Should Know

Hearing about “ear seeds” may call to mind flowering plants sprouting from your earlobes. But they’re actually a form of acupressure, a practice that targets acupuncture points without using needles.

Ear seeds are pieces of adhesive tape that look like stickers, which are about 5 to 7 millimeters across, that contain either:

• A ripe seed, usually from the Vaccaria plant
• Small metal pellets, usually gold or stainless steel

An acupuncturist places each ear seed on specific acupressure points on your ear that correspond with the conditions you’re experiencing.

But do they work? Acupuncturist Thuy Kim Nguyen, DAOM, LAc, explains what ear seeds are, what they do and why you should only try them under a trained acupuncturist’s guidance.

How do ear seeds work?

Based in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), ear seeds are a form of auriculotherapy that uses acupressure points on the ear to stimulate other parts of the body.

TCM practices like ear seeding are based on the idea that your body’s energy, or qi (pronounced “chi”), travels along invisible pathways throughout your body called meridians. These meridians can become blocked, leading to a wide range of health issues.

Auriculotherapy practices, like ear seeding, are believed to open these channels, allowing the body to heal itself.

“The ears reflect the condition of the internal organs in traditional Chinese medicine,” Dr. Nguyen says. “So, it’s believed that bodily problems can show on the ears.”

According to auriculotherapy practitioners, certain points on your ear can change based on what’s happening to your body. They may:

• Turn another color
• Become tender
• Change size or shape

“We use those signs to figure out where to put the seeds,” she continues.

Dr. Nguyen explains that the ear contains a rich network of nerves, including branches of the vagus nerve. The theory is that stimulating specific points on the ear may influence autonomic nervous system activity. Depending on who you ask, there are anywhere between 90 and over 200 auricular acupressure points to choose from.

Are ear seeds worth it?

Ear seeding is a form of integrative or complementary medicine, meaning you should use it as an add-on — not an alternative — to conventional medicine. It’s a low-risk procedure that may help relieve symptoms, but it isn’t proven to prevent or cure diseases.

“Think of it as an added layer of support, not a substitute for eating well, exercising, going to check-ups and practicing healthy habits,” Dr. Nguyen emphasizes.

Possible benefits

Advocates say ear seeds can be helpful for a wide range of health issues, from migraines to substance use disorder, but more research is needed to confirm these claims.

“Research suggests auricular acupressure has potential benefits for stress management, pain relief, sleep quality, emotional well-being and overall nervous system balance,” Dr. Nguyen says.

That said, there’s very little research on ear seeding in particular.

Risks

Ear seeds are generally safe to use, but there are some risks. Side effects may include:

• Skin tenderness: If you rub your ear seeds too hard, you may cause pain in the spots where they’re placed.
• Skin irritation: If you have sensitive skin or leave them on your ears too long, you may experience redness, irritation or swelling.
• Allergic reaction: Tell your acupuncturist if you’re allergic to any of the materials used to make ear seeds, and ask them to use a version that doesn’t include them.
• Dizziness or nausea: Accidentally stimulating the wrong point on your body may make you feel faint, woozy or generally ill.
• Losing the seed: If the adhesive wears out, the ear seed itself can fall off — and into your ear canal. You may need medical help to remove them. That’s why Dr. Nguyen recommends having a professional apply them for you.
• Accidental labor: “There’s a certain point on the ear that can influence uterine activity,” Dr. Nguyen warns. So, avoid using ear seeds while pregnant, unless the treatment is specifically intended to stimulate labor.

The best way to make sure you’re using ear seeds safely is to talk to an acupuncturist before using them on your own.

How to use ear seeds

Thinking about trying ear seeds? Dr. Nguyen details how to get started and why you should see an acupuncturist first.

1. Ask if they’re safe for you. “It’s important that you always consult with your practitioner or your primary care provider first to see if this is something you should be doing and to make sure it’s safe for your condition,” Dr. Nguyen urges.
2. Have a professional apply them. Although ear seeds are sold for use at home, Dr. Nguyen recommends consulting a licensed acupuncturist first if you want to use them yourself. An acupuncturist can make sure you’re putting them in the right place for your specific needs.
3. Massage them gently. Three to five times per day, gently rub your ear seeds in a circular motion to stimulate the parts of your body they’re intended to help. “Don’t press down too hard,” Dr. Nguyen advises. “Do it just enough to feel the stimulation.”
4. Remove them after three to five days. Your ear seeds will lose their stickiness with time. Even if they’re holding up well, you should remove them after a few days so they don’t start to irritate your skin.

“If you want to use ear seeds, it’s very important that you first consult with a practitioner so they can show you where to put them and where to avoid using them,” Dr. Nguyen reiterates. “That’s the best and safest way to make ear seeding part of your self-care routine.”