What Are Ear Seeds, and How Do They Work?

Written By Zeyu Wang
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Ear seeds are small seeds used to stimulate pressure points in your ear. They’re a type of auriculotherapy, which refers to acupressure or acupuncture focused on the ear.

They’re based on the same general principles as acupuncture. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), your health depends on the flow of qi (energy) in your body.

According to TCM, this energy travels along invisible pathways, known as meridians. Meridians are found throughout your body, including your ears.

Ear seeds are placed on certain points, usually along meridian lines, to help clear up any qi blockages. In TCM, resolving these blockages may help with a variety of health conditions.

Read on to learn more about ear seeds, including their potential benefits and how to use them.

What do people use them for?

People claim ear seeds help with a range of health issues, including:

  • chronic pain, especially lower back pain

  • insomnia and other sleep issues

  • depression

  • anxiety

  • stress

  • infertility

  • migraine and other head pain

  • addiction

  • weight loss

Some people use ear seeds on their own. Others use them between professional acupuncture or acupressure appointments.

Are they safe to try?

Ear seeds are generally safe. They’re noninvasive and don’t require the use of needles, so there’s a much lower risk of infection or bleeding compared to acupuncture.

However, if you have sensitive skin or a latex allergy, metal seeds or adhesive tape might cause some irritation. If your skin tends to get irritated by metal, stick with ceramic or vaccaria seeds.

Some people also develop small sores around the seeds. This is often due to massaging the seeds too frequently or not letting the ears rest before applying new seeds.

In addition, some people do experience side effects while using ear seeds, including brief spells of:

  • dizziness

  • nausea

  • drowsiness

While these side effects aren’t very common, it’s best to avoid driving immediately after massaging your ear seeds until you know how your body reacts.

Generally, it’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider before trying any new treatment, including ear seeds.

If you’re pregnant, don’t try ear seeds or other forms of auriculotherapy before talking to your healthcare provider. Some points may induce early labor.

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Crystal Raypole on April 2, 2019

Zeyu Wang
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