Often, treatment using ear seeds is patient-centered. Scott explains, “A patient will come in, tell us their chief complaint, and then, similar to any other clinical session, we will ask them questions to have a deeper knowledge of how they’re experiencing things and how it relates to traditional Chinese medicine.” Afterward, we formulate a treatment plan based on our diagnosis. The individual will thereafter receive auriculotherapy based on their specific demands.”

Fredlund, E., et al. (n.d.). Public health acupuncture of nm: Using ear seeds for stress reduction. Allergic reaction: If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in ear seeds or materials used, inform your acupuncturist and ask them to use a version that doesn’t include those allergens. Auriculotherapy is meant to promote the release of natural endorphins, "feel-good" chemicals in your body. Experts don’t fully understand why or how ear acupuncture or acupressure may help with certain conditions. But there's some evidence that auriculotherapy can relieve symptoms.If you choose the at-home route, under the guidance of your licensed acupuncturist, Blakeway advises you to write in a journal, noting the benefits you experience, any adverse symptoms, and how you feel. “Keep a record of your symptoms so you can evaluate if this modality is working for you,” she says. We first make a diagnosis using Chinese Medicine terminology. When evaluating a new patient, I use pulse and tongue diagnoses. I also review the patient’s health history and discuss their symptoms,” Dr. Durve says. Ear seeds, in conjunction with acupuncture, may help relieve the following health conditions: In addition, some people do experience side effects while using ear seeds, including brief spells of:

There are more than 120 acupressure points in the ear,” Dr. Nguyen says. “The ears have a very close relationship with the nervous system, and some research shows that acupuncture or acupressure on the ear can stimulate the meridians.” (According to traditional Chinese medicine, 12 primary meridians carry energy throughout the body.)According to traditional Chinese medicine, we have energy points on our ears. We look at the ear as a microsystem, if you will, of the entire body. We have a visual map of this system.” Integrative medicine enhances conventional treatments and benefits patients. Anisha Durve, D.O.M. (Doctor of Oriental Medicine) Chu warns that while ear seeds are generally safe, user error does occur. If they are massaged too roughly or too often — more than two to three times per day — complications may arise. “Locally, the seeds may cause discomfort or skin irritation,” Chu says. “Sometimes overstimulation may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so it is important that ear seeds be placed by trained providers.” Risk Factors of Ear Seeding With a Licensed Professional Shen Men: The Shen Men pressure point is roughly in the center top portion of the ear, a short way down from the top of the ear. After an acupuncturist has shown you where — exactly — to apply your ear seeds for the most benefits, you can try at-home application.

There’s not enough research to prove how well ear seeds work, but studies continue showing that they have a positive impact on insomnia and pain — and maybe on other conditions, too. Ear seeds can be applied before or after the onset of a headache. If symptoms start while your ear seeds are on, gently massage the antitragus area for 10-15 seconds to amplify the pressure. In Chinese medicine, the ear is a microsystem of the whole body with dozens of pressure points that do different things from relieving pain to boosting digestion, balancing hormones, calming the mind or helping you sleep,” Auth explains. And while ear seeds don’t work instantly, per se, they can shift your energy pretty fast and, most important, effectively. How does ear seeding work?Look for an ear seed diagram online and carefully assess the point at which you want the ear seed to be placed.' In other words, a homunculus is a very tiny representation of an entire human being. Your ear is your homunculus. This means that your ear represents your entire body, upside down, in a birthing position.

Although pressure points have long been used in acupuncture and sports massage alike to alleviate pain and tension, there's an untapped microsystem in the ear that consists of over 200 points waiting to be stimulated. “They're a type of auriculotherapy and the World Health Organisation has recognised 39 of these points for relieving pain, calming the mind and aiding certain symptoms,” Ooi says. A 2015 study compared the minimum and maximum sensations of pain felt by 16 healthy people before and after using ear seeds. The results suggest that using ear seeds could increase pain tolerance. Ear seeds don’t pierce the skin, but stimulate acupoints, making them [potentially] effective for many chronic conditions,” says Jill Blakeway, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in private practice in New York City. Blakeway says auricular acupressure via ear seeding is traditionally believed to affect every part of the body through the minute acupressure points in the ear. How Ear Seeding Works

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Snyder asserts that she has observed comparable outcomes with her own children and young patients at Moon Rabbit Acupuncture. She has also witnessed children gaining confidence because they feel they have a hand in their own health. First-time users of ear seeds or auriculotherapy should consult an acupuncturist to learn how to correctly place the ear seeds. These practitioners can help find the correct pressure points that may influence and treat their anxiety. First, it’s important to note that applying ear seeds at home brings a risk of user error. Blakeway says most at-home applications come with small maps that identify acupoints in your ear for easy application, but this may not be the best way to apply them. “I think it’s best to see a licensed professional first, because they can help you choose the most effective point to fit your diagnosis and they can make sure you’re putting them in the correct places,” she says. The conclusion of this study revealed that “ Comprehensive auricular acupuncture reduces apparently the headache score for migraine without aura and relieves the clinical symptoms of migraine. It is a simple and effective therapy for migraine without aura.” (Translated from the original Chinese)