What Are Ear Seeds?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Ear seeds offer a non-invasive, low-cost, and accessible method for addressing various health issues. They are used in complementary medicine to enhance well-being and manage symptoms related to different conditions. While more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms and efficacy, current studies suggest that ear seeds can be a beneficial addition to traditional medical treatments.

Ear seeds are a form of auriculotherapy, a type of alternative medicine that involves stimulating specific points on the ear to promote health and well-being. This practice is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and is often used to address a variety of health issues.

How Ear Seeds Work

Ear seeds are typically small seeds from the Vaccaria plant, which are adhered to specific points on the ear using adhesive tape. These seeds apply continuous pressure to the ear points, which are believed to correspond to different parts of the body and various health conditions. The pressure from the seeds is thought to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and improve health outcomes2 4 6.

Applications of Ear Seeds

1. Constipation Prevention: Ear seeds have been used to prevent constipation in patients with acute stroke. In a study, patients who received ear seed treatment showed a significant reduction in the incidence of constipation compared to those who did not receive the treatment1. 
2. Sexual Function in Lactating Women: Ear acupressure using ear seeds has been studied for its potential to improve sexual function in lactating women. The treatment involves placing seeds on specific ear points related to sexual health, and results have shown improvements in sexual function and quality of life2. 
3. Weight Management in Pregnancy: Auriculotherapy with ear seeds has been used to control weight gain in overweight pregnant women. The seeds are placed on ear points associated with metabolism and appetite, and studies have shown significant differences in weight gain patterns between those who received the treatment and those who did not5. 
4. Post-Surgical Recovery: Ear seeds have been combined with moxibustion to alleviate bloating after gynecological surgery. This combination has been shown to be more effective than routine care alone in reducing postoperative bloating6. 
5. Menopausal Symptoms: Auricular acupressure with ear seeds has been found to improve the quality of life in postmenopausal women by alleviating symptoms associated with menopause7. 
6. Pain Management: Ear seeds are also used for pain relief, such as in the management of knee osteoarthritis and primary dysmenorrhea. Studies have shown that auriculotherapy can reduce pain intensity and improve systemic symptoms4 8.