All About Ear Seed Acupuncture

Ear seed acupuncture is having a moment, lately. And with tons of ear seeds available online, it’s easy for people to think they can master this technique at home. But before you do, it’s important to understand exactly what it is and how to do it.

What is it?

Ear seed acupuncture seeds are different from traditional acupuncture needles called acuneedles. These seeds are used as a complementary approach and are rooted in the same belief system as traditional acupuncture.

Essentially, they are small metal seeds with adhesive backing that are applied along the ear, and work with the pressure points found in your ears. This method of treatment is also called auriculotherapy which translates to ear therapy (acupressure or acupuncture that focuses on ears.)

They can be used to help with a variety of ailments including ones not directly related to the ear. These include pain, mood disorders like anxiety and stress, headaches and migraines, addiction, weight struggles and even infertility.

Can you do it at home?

It’s our opinion that it is always better r to go to a trained and licensed professional and to have it performed by a clinician in a relaxing setting for a full and safe experience.

At NJ Acupuncture Center we believe that relaxation is important and the right center can provide calming music, a comfortable place to lay and clear your mind while having this performed for you – and that can make all the difference.

However, it is possible and relatively safe for someone to buy and attempt this at home (because it’s noninvasive) as long as they are familiar with the process and thoroughly clean their ears. The ear seeds are even available on Amazon, though you should of course do your research on which to buy.

Avoid These Mistakes

if you try this at home, you very well might put them in the wrong locations or think they actually go in their ears. (They do not, they are to be placed along the outside of your ear and NEVER in your ear canal.) 

Improper placement can result in discomfort, redness, swelling, and of course ineffective treatment. Also, if you don’t massage the points correctly or often enough, you probably won’t experience the results you are looking for.

It’s also really important not to try this on yourself if you are pregnant. Certain points along the ear are known to induce labor.

It’s important to know that ear seed treatment is not the same as acupuncture, and acupuncture should definitely never be tried at home.