Ear seeding, also known as auricular acupressure, is a non-invasive technique that stimulates pressure points in the ear. The goal is to target specific pressure points to relieve symptoms and improve overall health.
Ear seeding is similar to auricular acupuncture, but without the use of needles. Instead, small seeds are placed in acupressure points in the ear to stimulate neural pathways to the brain and activate the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Ear seeding may seem like a new technique that can treat everything from insomnia to obesity, but it’s actually been around for years. Some of the earliest mentions of ear sowing date back to 221 BC in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Here’s what you need to know about ear seeding, including how it works, its potential benefits, and whether it’s right for you.
design by health
Ear seeding is a type of acupressure that stimulates the outer surface of the ear, or pinna, to reduce pain and promote healing in various parts of the body. Traditionally, Vaccaria Tape the plants to specific acupuncture points on your ear.
In some cases, “seeds” may be made of a variety of materials, such as stainless steel, gold, silver, and even magnets. Tom Ingegno, DACM, MSOM, LAC, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Physician, speaks to Charm City Integrative Health health.
Ear seeding is based on the idea that the entire body and its systems (nervous, reproductive, digestive, etc.) are represented in the ears. In fact, experts note that the ears look like an upside-down fetus, the head is represented by the earlobes, and the body and internal organs descend along the ear ridge. This approach, called “microsystems,” allows the entire body to be mapped into smaller body parts, Ingegno said. Other subtle systems include the scalp, hands, feet, and abdomen.
According to China’s national standards for nomenclature and location of auricular acupoints, there are 93 specific acupoints in the ear, and each acupoint corresponds to a different effect. Placing seeds on acupressure points stimulates neural pathways to the brain and promotes changes in the body, from reducing stress to alleviating pain.
Nicole Glathe, DAOM, LAc, DiplOM, acupuncturist, PhD in Chinese medicine, and director of product innovation at WTHN, likes to refer to ear seeding as acupuncture on the go. This is because it provides gentle but constant stimulation to the pressure points in your ears. Ear.
“Typically, I use about 2 to 5 seeds at a time, which can be placed in both ears for maximum effect. Selected acupuncture points can be mixed and matched depending on your needs, so you can work on multiple health goals at once. ” says Glathe.Said health.
Although research on the health benefits of ear seeds is limited, proponents believe that ear seeds (aural acupressure) can help with a variety of health concerns, including anxiety relief, pain management, insomnia, and weight loss. I’m guessing it might be possible to deal with it. Here we take a closer look at some of the potential health benefits of ear seeding.
Promotes pain relief and management
A recent review found that ear seeding may be an effective treatment for acute pain conditions. Acute pain is pain caused by injury, illness, or trauma. In the studies reviewed, ear seeding was used to relieve symptoms of everything from lower back pain to abdominal discomfort. The researchers also noted that ear seeding tended to require less pain management.
Meanwhile, another study comparing kinesio taping and ear seeding found that both were beneficial in reducing pain in people with menstrual cramps. They also noted that both groups showed similar pain relief, but the results of the group using ear seeding lasted longer.
Additionally, using either of these methods reduced the amount of drug used in both groups. Ultimately, the researchers concluded that these two approaches can be beneficial complementary therapies when used in conjunction with drug therapy.
Helps with weight management
Research on the use of ear seeding for weight management is limited, but one review of seven different studies found that ear seeding was used alone or in combination with dietary and exercise changes for 12 weeks. ), it was found that people were able to lose weight and lose weight. Reduce waist circumference and reduce body fat percentage.
Researchers concluded that ear seeding may be an alternative approach to helping people manage their weight. That said, they also noted that further research is needed. They recommended the use of a double-blind randomized controlled design to validate the results.
Relief from insomnia
Most of the research on treating insomnia with auriculotherapy has focused on acupuncture rather than acupressure, but recent research has shown that auricular acupressure, like ear seeding, has been shown to be effective in treating insomnia, especially in cancer and sleep disorders. It has been demonstrated that it can significantly improve the quality of a person’s sleep.
Additionally, they noted that there are no additional side effects associated with ear seeding that may be experienced with sleeping pills or other medical interventions. However, the researchers acknowledged that these results are only preliminary. They suggest more rigorously designed clinical trials to support ear dissemination as a potential clinical application.
Manage symptoms of anxiety
Although research on the use of ear seeds to manage symptoms of anxiety is limited, many people report feeling more at ease when using this complementary therapy. In fact, one study found that people who took mustard seeds for anxiety and jaw pain saw significant reductions in both symptoms.
Meanwhile, a 2018 study investigating the use of auricular therapy for anxiety during labor also showed promising results. Researchers found in a triple-blind study that using auricular acupressure significantly reduced anxiety during labor, recommending auricular acupressure as a treatment option for pregnant women nearing delivery. That’s right.
Ear seeding, like any alternative therapy or treatment, is a relatively safe practice, but there are some minor risks. For example, if you have sensitive skin or allergies, you may have a reaction to the seeds, tape, or metals used to sow. If you have any allergies, be sure to check the materials used.
There is also a risk of skin irritation if you leave the seeds out longer than recommended, if you touch them, or if you manipulate them frequently. There have also been reports of mild dizziness, pain, and nausea. However, some acupuncturists actually teach you to press the seeds to press more pressure points.
There is a slight chance that the seeds may fall off and become stuck in the ear canal. In fact, one case report shows that an ear seed fell into a person’s ear and passed through a hole that existed in the eardrum. The metal beads were discovered during a routine MRI scan and had to be surgically removed.
Ear seeding is relatively inexpensive, whether done as an extension of acupuncture treatment or purchased as part of an at-home do-it-yourself (DIY) set. In fact, most acupuncture clinics can perform this service for a small fee, or even include it in the cost of your acupuncture treatment, Ingenyo said. It’s important to note that everyone’s ears are different, so finding the right point location on your own can be difficult. It may be more effective to ask a specialist.
Ear seeding kits for home use range from $20 to $50, depending on the number of seeds included in the kit, Ingegno added. Higher quality ear seeds may also contain Swarovski crystals, which increases the price.
Almost anyone can use ear seeds. However, ear seeds can be especially helpful for people who are looking for an alternative to traditional medicines and treatments, or who have a fear of needles. Ear seeds may also be beneficial for older adults who need another method of treating pain.
That being said, it is still important to talk to your healthcare provider about this treatment option before starting. If you decide, it’s the right thing for you.
If you are new to ear seeding, it is best to consult a qualified acupuncturist or acupuncturist to help you get started. He also has a number of DIY kits that have everything you need to apply ear seeds yourself. However, be aware that it can be difficult to apply the seeds yourself while looking in the mirror, Ingeño says.
Ear seed placement depends on the condition you want to treat. Some kits are condition-specific, while others list multiple conditions in a small booklet. Once you have selected your kit, application is very easy, but you may need professional help to find the points, as people’s ears vary greatly in size and shape.
Using tweezers, remove the tape from the card with the seeds and place it along with the seeds in the desired pot. Then press lightly with your finger to keep it in place. Seeds can typically survive for about five days, Ingegno said. After that, you need to peel them off.
Ear seeding (also known as auricular acupressure) is a non-invasive treatment that stimulates acupuncture points in the ear with small seeds or beads. The purpose of ear seeding is to relieve certain symptoms or improve your overall health. Typically, two to five seeds are applied at a time, each designed to target a specific part of the body.
Ear seeding is primarily used to treat pain, calm the mind, reduce anxiety, prevent insomnia, and aid in weight management.
Ear seeding is relatively safe and can be done by a qualified acupuncturist or at home using a DIY kit. If you are considering ear seeding, first consult your health care provider to determine if it is right for you.
