How Ear Seeding Can Benefit Your Health and Wellness

If you're looking for a natural way to relieve pain and improve your overall health, you might want to try TCM ear seeding. This ancient Chinese practice involves placing small seeds or these days beads on specific points on the ear to stimulate different parts of the body. It's a non-invasive, drug-free therapy that can help with a variety of health issues, from headaches and anxiety to digestion and sleep and much more. 

How Does TCM Ear Seeding Work?

This ancient medical practice is garnering real attention from the likes of Byrdie, Goop, Greatist and even Forbes. Let's find out why!

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the ear is a microcosm of the body ( just like the hands, feet and abdomen), with each point corresponding to a different organ or body part. By stimulating these points with tiny seeds or beads, you can rebalance the body's energy flow, or qi, and promote healing.

The seeds are typically made from natural materials such as vaccaria or magnet, and are held in place with adhesive tape or a small bandage. They are easy to put on, takes seconds and look pretty cool too;)  They can be left in the ear for several days or even weeks, depending on the condition being treated and fall off over time. 

Benefits of TCM Ear Seeding

TCM ear seeding has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health issues, and modern research has started to confirm its effectiveness. Here are some of the potential benefits of this therapy:

Pain relief: TCM ear seeding has been shown to help with pain management, including headaches, migraines, and back pain. According to a study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, ear acupuncture (a related technique) was more effective than medication in reducing chronic lower back pain.

Stress reduction: TCM ear seeding can also help reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and promoting relaxation. In a study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, participants who received ear acupuncture had significantly lower levels of stress hormones than those who didn't.
Improved digestion: By stimulating specific points on the ear, TCM ear seeding can help improve digestion and relieve symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and constipation.

Fertility support: TCM ear seeding has also been used to support fertility by regulating menstrual cycles, promoting ovulation, and improving the quality of cervical mucus. According to a study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, ear acupuncture was effective in improving the pregnancy rate in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Boosted immune system: TCM ear seeding can also help boost the immune system. By stimulating specific points on the ear, it can improve the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases. In a study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, participants who received ear acupuncture had higher levels of immune-boosting cells than those who didn't.

Improved sleep: TCM ear seeding has been shown to help improve sleep quality and duration. According to a study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, ear acupuncture was effective in treating insomnia and improving sleep in patients with chronic pain.

Even though ear seeding alone can do wonders for your health we recommend pairing synergistic supplements and herbs by Juna to the practice for maximized benefits. Sleep, Digestion, Immunity, Pain and Mood.

How to Do TCM Ear Seeding

While TCM ear seeding is typically performed by a qualified practitioner, it's also possible to do it at home with the right supplies and instructions. Here's a basic guide to

How-to Guide to ear seeding:

Gather your supplies: You'll need ear seeds and a pair of tweezers or a small probe to place the seeds.

One of Goop's favorite ear-seeding kits is from WTHN, a modern-day acupuncture clinic in New York. It contains 20 Swarovski Crystal Ear Seeds*, 20 Gold and silver ear seeds*, tweezers, and a simple how-to guide. If you want just ear seeds we recommend Nao wellness on Amazon. 

Locate the ear points: There are over 100 ear points in TCM, each with a different function. For general health and wellness, you can start by locating the Shen Men, or "Spirit Gate," point, which is located on the upper third of the ear. This point is believed to have a calming and balancing effect on the body.

Clean and prepare the ear: Before placing the seeds, clean the ear with a swap and alcohol or soap and water. You may also want to use a small probe to gently massage the ear points to enhance their effectiveness.

Place the seeds: Using tweezers or a small probe, carefully place the ear seed on the desired point, with the adhesive side facing the skin. Press down gently to ensure the seed is secure.

Leave the seeds in place: Depending on the condition being treated, you can leave the seeds in the ear for several days or even weeks. It's suggested to press the seeds a few times a day, or as you are intuitively inclined to activate the energy channel. This feels great too.  You may want to cover them with a small bandage to keep them in place and protect them from moisture.

Remove the seeds: Generally, the seeds will fall off over time. If for some reason, they are uncomfortable, physically or energetically gently peel off the adhesive tape or bandage and use tweezers or a small probe to lift off the seed.

If ear seeding isn't something you want to do alone, or you'd like to understand more about the benefits, we recommend a telehealth appointment with AIMC Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine College in Berkeley Ca.

While TCM ear seeding is generally safe and well-tolerated, it's important to consult a qualified practitioner if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. They can help you determine the best ear points to target and ensure proper hygiene and placement.

This is also a great practice to use on your girlfriends, spouses or children to help them become more in tune and aware of healing their bodies.

Pair with Juna’s Active Botanical Roller Balls for a sensory/aromatherapy and mood-shifting experience.

In conclusion, TCM ear seeding is a natural and effective way to improve your overall health and well-being. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, stress, digestive issues, or fertility concerns, this ancient Chinese practice can help rebalance your body's energy flow and promote healing. By stimulating specific points on the ear with small seeds or beads, TCM ear seeding offers a safe and non-invasive alternative to medication or surgery. So why not give it a try and see how it can benefit you?

 References:

1. Forbes. (2019). Can Tiny Ear Seeds Really Help You Lose Weight and Quit Smoking? https://www.forbes.com/sites/jesscording/2019/07/08/can-tiny-ear-seeds-really-help-you-lose-weight-and-quit-smoking/?sh=4e8a0f564d69
2. Healthline. (2021). Ear Seeds for Weight Loss: Does It Work and How Is It Done? https://www.healthline.com/health/ear-seeds-for-weight-loss
3. WTHN. (n.d.). Ear Seeds: The Ultimate Guide. https://wthn.com/blogs/learn/ear-seeds-ultimate-guide
4. AIMC School of Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine. (n.d.). TCM Ear Seeding. https://www.aimc.edu/telehealth-clinic/