What Are Ear Seeds, And Do They Work? (2025)

Ear seeds are a type of auriculotherapy, also known as ear acupuncture or auricular acupuncture, that stimulates the auricle (the outer surface of your ear). This process uses acupressure to treat or manage symptoms in other parts of your body.

Ear seeds consist of tiny seeds or stickers applied to the outer ear. They are placed onpressure pointsthat align with the area of the body being treated. When pressure is applied to the seeds, it stimulates the pressure points, which may reduce symptoms in the targeted area.

What Are Ear Seeds Used For?

Ear seeds are typically used as a complementary therapy with other integrative medicine remedies. They may also be used in combination with conventional Western treatments or medication.

Ear seeds or other auriculotherapy techniques have been studied in managing the following symptoms and behaviors:

• Persistent low back pain after spinal surgery
• Obesity in adolescents
• Anxiety
• Epileptic seizures
• Cardiovascular disease
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Orthodontic (tooth) pain
• Pain
• Stress
• Substance use disorders
• Smoking
• Trauma

While there is evidence that ear seeds or other auriculotherapy methods can impact a wide range of conditions, many studies have used small numbers and used ear seeds as a complementary therapy alongside other treatments.

These factors make it difficult to determine the exact effectiveness of ear seeds. More research is needed to fully understand how ear seeds work and the best ways to use them to treat specific health conditions.

Benefits of Ear Seeds

While research is ongoing regarding the value of ear seeds in treating certain symptoms and diseases, they offer a noninvasive option to the needles used in traditional acupuncture.

Classic ear seeds consist of seeds from the Vaccaria herb, but you can also find ear seeds made of metal, ceramic, or stainless steel beads. Ear seeds are relatively inexpensive and widely available over-the-counter. Another type involves implanting semi-permanent metal needles.

Ear seeds utilize the relationship between your ear auricles and the nervous system, specifically targeting the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. Since the seeds remain in place for days at a time, they can be stimulated by gently pressing on them in a circular motion whenever you feel the need.

When used on the correct acupoints, the pressure may release endorphins (your body's natural pain-relieving chemicals) that promote healing, relaxation, and comfort in the body parts associated with the acupoint.

How to Apply Ear Seeds

Since your ear contains over 120 acupressure points linked to body systems and parts, it's important to ensure the proper placement of ear seeds. Inaccurate placement might interfere with the desired results and may even increase your risk of adverse effects.

To ensure accurate placement, consult a licensed acupuncturist or integrative health practitioner to demonstrate precisely where to place ear seeds to address your symptoms. They may use electric detectors at a clinic or probe with a metal probe or pencil to find the points that are the most tender.

This can help you learn how to position your ear seeds and handle them correctly if you choose to apply them yourself.

To apply ear seeds at home, follow the instructions and placement directions provided by an acupuncture professional. The proper application of ear seeds typically includes the following steps:

1. Clean the outside of your ear with rubbing alcohol to help the seeds form a secure bond to the skin. Dry thoroughly.
2. Identify the correct pressure points based on the advice of an acupuncture professional. Never place ear seeds or beads in your ear canal. Instead, place them on the exterior of your ear.
3. Using tweezers, remove the stickers from the plastic backing of the seeds or beads. Avoid touching the adhesive side of the tape. To ensure the tape adheres to your skin, gently press on the outside of the tape.
4. When you get symptoms, gently massage your ear two or three times daily for one to three minutes at a time. Apply pressure by rubbing the seeds in a circular motion.
   

Removal

Follow instructions from a licensed acupuncturist to safely remove ear seeds. The removal of ear seeds or beads typically involves the following steps:

1. Ear seeds should be replaced every few days to prevent them from falling off on their own. While the seeds or beads can be left in place for up to a week, the stickiness can begin to wear off gradually.
2. Use your fingers or tweezers to extract the seeds or beads. Before removing them, bend your head with your ear toward the floor to prevent them from getting stuck in your ear canal. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if a seed or bead gets stuck in your ear and doesn't come out.
3. Allow your skin to recuperate for at least eight hours before applying new ear seeds.

Are There Any Dangers?

Most people can use ear seeds with a low risk of side effects or danger to their health. The most frequently reported adverse effects of using ear seeds and other types of auriculotherapy include:

• Skin irritation
• Tenderness or pain at the site
• Discomfort at the site
• Nausea or dizziness
• Headache

While generally safe, ear seeds may present health risks to certain groups of people. Take the following precautions when using ear seeds:

• Don't use ear seeds if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, since some ear acupuncture points are believed to induce labor.
• Don't use ear seeds if you have a sore, wound, or active infection on the surface of your ear, since the ear seed could worsen or interfere with the healing process.
• Don't use ear seeds with latex, bandages, or tape if you have a known allergy to these products. Look for latex-free products or hypoallergenic stainless steel balls to avoid an allergic reaction.
• Don't use ear seeds if you have new pain or a significant change in the location or type of pain. Contact a healthcare provider to determine the cause of your pain and whether treatments other than ear seeds are appropriate.

Summary

While some data suggest that ear seeds may help alleviate certain symptoms, more research is needed to prove their effectiveness. It's important to understand that ear seeds are not meant for use alone or as a primary therapy. Instead, they are meant to enhance the effects of acupuncture, other treatments, and/or healthy lifestyle choices such as exercise and stress reduction.

For best results, consult an acupuncture professional to learn where to place ear seeds to get your desired results. Follow the advised steps to avoid the risk of infection, incorrect placement, or an allergic reaction.

Ear seeds should not be used in place of medical treatment. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience new or ongoing symptoms that affect daily activities or do not improve over time.