The power of ear seeding

Ear seeding, also known as ear acupressure or auriculotherapy, is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves applying small seeds or beads to specific points on the outer ear.

These seeds stimulate specific acupressure points and are typically held in place with adhesive tape. While the scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of ear seeding is limited and more research is needed, some people claim to experience various benefits from this practice.

What are the benefits of ear seeding?

Here are some potential benefits associated with ear seeding:

Stress reduction

Ear seeding is often used as a complementary therapy for stress relief. The pressure applied to specific points on the ear is believed to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

Pain management

Some individuals use ear seeding to alleviate pain, particularly in the head, neck, and face areas. The stimulation of acupressure points on the ear is thought to release endorphins and promote natural pain relief.

Improved sleep

Ear seeding may be used to help improve sleep quality. Stimulating certain points on the ear is believed to promote relaxation, reduce insomnia, and support better sleep patterns.

Support for addiction recovery

Ear seeding is sometimes used as an adjunct therapy in substance abuse treatment. It is believed that stimulating specific points on the ear can help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and support overall recovery.

Enhancing overall well-being

Ear seeding is also considered by some as a general wellness practice. It is believed that stimulating specific points on the ear can help balance the body's energy and promote overall health and well-being.

Ear seeding is a great alternative for clients who would like to experience the benefits of acupuncture without needles! Ear seeding can be a stand-alone treatment or is a fantastic add-on service to other holistic treatments such as reflexology or Reiki. 

How does ear seeding work?

The initial treatment involves seeds/beads to be placed on one ear; the client's dominant side (based on which side the client writes with). This is only true for protocols that do not require stimulation of the spleen or heart - the left ear must be used to locate and activate these points.

An acupressure tool is then used to stimulate and activate these points. The client should feel a sensation of tenderness - this means the reflex point is unbalanced and the therapist has hit the correct spot. The area is then stimulated for approximately 15 seconds before a seed/bead is placed and secured with adhesive tape.

Traditionally, a seed from the Vaccaria herb is used, however, the modern technique is to use a silver or gold-plated bead. Generally, the beads are smaller than the seeds.

There are over 200 acupressure points in the ear and, by using the smaller metal beads, the therapist can be a little more precise with placements. The seeds/beads normally last between three to five days before naturally falling off. It's recommended to have a few days break (to avoid overstimulation) before the seeds/beads are reapplied. Most therapists will alternate the ear with each treatment. 

Sometimes, essential oils might be used to invoke the acupressure points before stimulation. Essential oils only take 20 minutes to travel to every cell in the body, so are a fast way to prepare the body. Frankincense and rose are considered the king and queen of the oils due to their extensive healing properties and high emitting frequencies. Lavender can also be used to open all chakras (energy centres) before an ear seeding treatment. Oils should be placed on the outer concha (back of the ear) to avoid interfering with the adhesive tape. 

Once seeds/beads are secured, training should be provided on how to re-activate the reflex points. Normally we advise that the client massages each point once or twice per day (one minute per session), explaining the function of our internal body organ clock and giving advice as to when certain organs are in their prime functioning time. For example, according to the traditional Chinese organ body clock, the small intestine is most active between 1 pm-3 pm. This would be of benefit to any clients suffering from digestion issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); this would be the perfect time to stimulate the corresponding ear acupressure point.

*Ear seeding is contraindicated for pregnant ladies (under 39 weeks gestation period) and children under the age of eight.