It’s no secret that wellness has become a major industry in recent years and, in the pursuit of holistic wellness, ancient healing practices continue to captivate individuals seeking alternative therapies. Enter ear seeding, a technique rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. With its myriad benefits, ear seeding offers a natural and non-invasive way to promote balance and well-being.
Ear seeding, also known as auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture, involves placing small seeds or beads on specific points of the outer ear. These points correspond to different organs and systems within the body (similar to how acupuncture works but without the needles). By stimulating these points, ear seeding aims to enhance the flow of energy and restore harmony. Seeds have been spotted on the A-list ears of everyone from model Kate Moss, as well as Matt Damon and Penelope Cruz and, of course, Gwyneth Paltrow, who even offered them as a treatment at her GOOP Wellness Summit in 2019.
“Ear seeds are producing acupressure on the acupuncture points on the ear,” explains Dr. Irina Logman a Doctor of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine who heads the Advanced Holistic Center with locations in N.Y.C. and Miami. “It is able to stimulate specific organs and body parts that are mapped on the ear.” The ear, Logman explains, has over 200 points that can help regulate functions of internal organs, glands and body parts. “Auricular acupuncture points work through the central nervous system rather than peripheral like most of the acupuncture points on the body. That allows for a quicker effect.”
Ear seeds can be placed over an organ like the liver, spleen, kidney, intestines, stomach, heart or a body part, like the lower back, neck, hip, knee, shoulder, hand or even glands like the adrenals, thyroid or mammary, says Logman. “The seeds themselves can be selected based on the need of the patient. Gold seed will be more tonifying, silver for draining, stainless steel or vaccaria seed to be neutral.” The seeds come in a variety of styles, including plain metal or blinged-out versions with Swarovski crystals in different colours.
Logman notes that, “Ear seeds are most popular for stress-related ailments like anxiety, lack of concentration, insomnia, depression as well as for addiction cessation. NADA (national acupuncture detoxification association) protocol is widely used in rehab clinics.”
The process itself is relatively simple and painless. Tiny seeds are secured to the ear with adhesive tape and can be left in place for several days. As the seeds apply gentle pressure on the ear, they stimulate the corresponding areas of the body, aiding in pain management, stress reduction, and even addiction recovery.
“Ear seeds can stay on the ear three to five days depending on the adhesive tape used,” Logman says. “As long as skin is not irritated, they can be re-applied regularly. I like to give a few days break in between just to let the skin breathe.”
Logman recommends using ear seeds in conjunction with acupuncture, with the seeds allowing patients to work on their condition in between their acupuncture sessions. “But ear seeds can be a stand-alone treatment as well,” Dr. Logman explains.
While ear seeding should not replace professional medical advice, it serves as a complementary therapy that can be integrated into one’s wellness routine. Embrace the ancient wisdom of ear seeding and embark on a journey to enhance your overall well-being naturally.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA USA.