First-time users of ear seeds or auriculotherapy should consult an acupuncturist to learn how to correctly place the ear seeds. These practitioners can help find the correct pressure points that may influence and treat their anxiety. Skin conductivity is a phenomenon where the skin momentarily becomes a better conductor of electricity when introduced to physiologically arousing internal of external stimuli. If you’ve ever seen a foot reflexology chart, you may have a better understanding of how this process works. Like the foot, the ear contains acupressure points that correspond to points on your entire body. Liu, M., et al. (2021). Effects of auricular point acupressure on pain relief: A systematic review.

First, it’s important to note that applying ear seeds at home brings a risk of user error. Blakeway says most at-home applications come with small maps that identify acupoints in your ear for easy application, but this may not be the best way to apply them. “I think it’s best to see a licensed professional first, because they can help you choose the most effective point to fit your diagnosis and they can make sure you’re putting them in the correct places,” she says.After an acupuncturist has shown you where — exactly — to apply your ear seeds for the most benefits, you can try at-home application. Insomnia point: This point is almost parallel with the opening to the ear, just on the inside of the outer ridge of the ear structure. Auriculotherapy is meant to promote the release of natural endorphins, "feel-good" chemicals in your body. Experts don’t fully understand why or how ear acupuncture or acupressure may help with certain conditions. But there's some evidence that auriculotherapy can relieve symptoms. Ear seeds don’t pierce the skin, but stimulate acupoints, making them [potentially] effective for many chronic conditions,” says Jill Blakeway, a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in private practice in New York City. Blakeway says auricular acupressure via ear seeding is traditionally believed to affect every part of the body through the minute acupressure points in the ear. How Ear Seeding Works

For those who suffer from migraines, the search for relief is often a never-ending one. Medications may provide some relief, but they often come with undesirable side effects. So, what's a migraine sufferer to do? Try ear seeds! In one small study, researchers found that ear seeds made people more tolerant of pain. We need much more research, but these findings suggest that ear seeds might help people better deal with chronic pain. Health Benefits of Ear Seeds

What Does Ear Seeding Cost?

Although ear seeds are sold for use at home, Dr. Nguyen recommends first consulting with a licensed acupuncturist to make sure you’re putting them in the right place for your specific needs. If you do decide to practice ear seeding at home, buy a complete ear seed kit complete with a chart containing all of the map points. Traditionally, ear seeds come from the flowering herb vaccaria. But today, you can also find metal or ceramic beads. Note: If your ear becomes red or inflamed, remove the ear seed as you may be sensitive to the adhesive. See an acupuncturist who can help you determine the best ear seed kit for your individual needs.