I recently mentioned ear seeds as one the tools in my TCM toolbox. I often use ear seeds to provide auriculotherapy to my clients. This helps to extend their treatment beyond the session in the clinic. Auriculotherapy is the stimulation of pressure points within the ear. This can be done with acupuncture needles but it can also be a needle-free treatment using the seeds. Ear seeds are exactly that. They are small seeds taken from the vaccaria plant, that are used to stimulate the pressure points in your ear.
Why the ear?
The ear is used because, similar to reflexology, it is believed to represent a micro-system of the body. Dr Paul Nogier studied the correspondences between ear points and the organs. He also observed how the external ear anatomically corresponds to an inverted foetus. From this he developed a detailed ear chart. This was built partly on experimentation but was also based on embryology and neuroanatomy. If you would like to read more about the history of ear acupuncture, there is an interesting article here.
How do you use ear seeds?
The optimal location of the ear seeds to help your particular health needs are best determined in consultation with a qualified acupuncturist who has also studied auriculotherapy. Ear seeds are held in place with tiny adhesive plaster. As the ear contains a lot of natural oils, it is important to thoroughly clean the ear before attaching the ear seed. If you don’t, then it may fall off very quickly.
Simply peel off an ear seed from the pack and apply it to the recommended location. The seed will apply a continuous mild pressure but you can also gently press it for a few seconds every few hours, to boost the effect. Seeds should only be left on for 4-5 days and then removed (if the seed hasn’t naturally fallen off before then). This is to avoid the plaster becoming unsanitary and leading to an infection. Allow the ear and skin to normalise for a day before reapplying seeds.
The great thing about ear seeds is that they can be posted to you. I can advise you about placement through a videoconferencing telehealth appointment and we can still maintain safe social distancing. If you’d like to try auriculotherapy and ear seeds to improve your health, then please get in touch (email or text 07865 593972) to book a telehealth appointment with me.
Stay safe, stay well, stay home.
One Reply to “Auriculotherapy and Ear Seeds”
Comments are closed.