Ear Seed treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine is a form of auriculotherapy. Auriculotherapy, or “ear acupuncture”, stimulates points on the outer ear that connect to the central nervous system and internal organs.
Ear seeds are like time-release acupuncture. Small black seeds from the Vaccaria plant are secured in the ear with adhesive over specific acupuncture points. The seeds stimulate the point by exerting mild pressure; they can be rubbed or pressed on for an added effect.
The ear acts like a switchboard to the brain and a microcosm for the entire body. Signals are sent from the brain to the area of the body being treated. For example, stimulating a certain point on the ear may affect the digestive system. There are up to 300 acupuncture points on the outer ear, each point named after an anatomic area or body function, such as hips, knees, stomach, and heart.
Plus, Vaccaria is known to balance energy, invigorate blood, and further promote healing.
Ear seeds are commonly used, with much success, to aid patients in fertility, decreasing cramps, alleviating sciatica, and decreasing stress. However, research indicates a whole host of other issues that respond to auriculotherapy. Due to the lack of side effects, safety and efficacy of treating illnesses with ear seeds, it can be an excellent choice for patients of all ages. Similar to acupuncture, ear seeds not only treat certain conditions, but they also balance the energy, or “Qi’, and promote an overall sense of wellbeing.
