What are ear seeds?

Ear seeds work as a form of Auriculotherapy, which is a type of Acupuncture or Acupressure. The ear seeds are placed on Acupuncture points, specifically selected based on the focus of your treatment. The seed then applies a gentle pressure on the Acupressure point to activate the reflex centres of the brain. The body then receives the signal and is able to restore any imbalance or disharmony. More recently, these little seeds have had a facelift. Upgrading from the traditional tiny black seeds on a flesh coloured plaster, to fashion forward embellishments of colourful crystals and gold. Ear seeding works as an addition to the traditional Acupuncture session, enhancing and improving longevity of results. However, you don’t need specialised training to start using the stick on ear seeds. You are able to apply the ear seeds safely and easily yourself, further supporting the rising trend of people wanting to both look and feel great on their own terms.

Ear seeding has been used for over 2,000 years and is based on the same Eastern Medical principles as Acupuncture. Auriculotherapy views the ear as a map or microsystem for the entire body. A microsystem is the philosophy that all is whole, within a part. Iridology and Reflexology are both powerful modalities that embrace this concept. These intricate systems contain all the information of the whole and can reflect and affect it. However, despite some similarities the ear is unique amongst these microsystems due to its structure and sensitivity. The ear contains four sensory nerves, and it is thought that stimulating pressure points on the ear relays directly to the nervous system. This messaging system then stimulates neurotransmitters that reduce pain and relax the nervous system. Studies have found there to be brain activity in areas of the brain directly corresponding to the specific Auricular Acu-point. For example, stimulating the stomach point in the ear activates a response in the satiety area of the brain, the same as if you were feeling full following a meal. This means that our brain interprets pressure applied to the Acupuncture points on the ear as the stimulation of the actual body part allowing us to treat a wide range of conditions ranging from emotional to physical by applying pressure to these points.

The benefits are not limited to the stimulation of these brain centres. Auriculotherapy has shown to improve circulation, delivering increased oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, as well as elevating our endorphin levels. Many health issues are supported with the ear seeds, as the whole person is represented in its microsystem. This includes, detoxification, anxiety, depression, digestive issues, fatigue, insomnia, stress, immune system, pain, menstrual irregularities, libido and headaches. People report feeling relaxed, calm, grounded and reduced pain when using ear seeds, regardless of what condition they are targeting.

Not to be underestimated, these little ear seeds have the power to make some significant improvements to your health and wellbeing.

Interested in studying Acupuncture? Visit our course page for more details.