Ear Seeds and Auriculotherapy
Auriculotherapy, or the practice of stimulating pressure points in the ear to affect other areas of the body, dates back to 500 BC. This ancient healthcare practice has been used by physicians over the ages to alleviate pain, relieve tension and calm the nervous system. Piercings and the use of flower seeds taped to the ear are earlier versions of auriculotherapy. Modern day practice utilizes hypoallergenic metals like gold and stainless steel to manufacture tiny uniform seeds. When taped in place for up to 5 days, these tiny balls provide gentle and continuous stimulation to the points applied.
By stimulating a specific prescription of pressure points in the ear, you will send signals to the reflex centers of your brain to release neurotransmitters, relax the body and improve proper circulation. Ear Seeds should only be applied to one ear at a time for best results. With three sets of two, you have been provided with three weeks of nervous system calming and balance.
If you feel confident applying your own ear seeds the directions are below. If you prefer to wait until our one-on-one Virtual Wellness Tutorial, I will walk you through step-by-step the application of your ear seeds and confirm correct placement. This is the link to set up your personal Ear Seed Tutorial.
STEPS FOR EAR SEEDS
Review your diagram insert and using a mirror, familiarize yourself with the location of the points.
Use an Alcohol Prep Pad to clean the external surface of the ear.
When your ear is dry, use a set of tweezers to remove a single piece of adhesive tape and ear seed. Place on prescribed point.
Repeat for second point and save the remaining ear seeds for the alternate ear next week.
Do not stress over whether you have found the exact point. If you have done your best to mimic the diagram — you’ve done great!
Although the ear seeds provide constant stimulation, you may apply gentle pressure to the ear seeds 2-3 times each day for up to a minute.
CONSIDERATIONS
Once in place, you should not be aware of the ear seed. Although problems with ear seeds are rare, daily examinations are important. Any changes in the skin, such as persistent itching or prolonged redness or pain may indicate a reaction to the adhesive.
Remove the ear seed immediately if it causes you any discomfort at any time, including while sleeping or while on the phone.
You may wash and shower when you have the ear seeds in place; however, avoid vigorous washing or scrubbing of areas where they have been applied.
Ear seeds can be left in for 5 – 7 days. In the case of one falling prematurely, do not try and reapply.
Be sure to remove the ear seed as advised. Prolonged treatments of this kind can lead to infection.
To remove the ear seed, simply lift up the edge of the tape and peel it away. The tiny ball should still be attached to the tape. If it is not, check to see if it is still on your skin. Discard the ear seed and tape once it is removed.
If you have any questions regarding your ear seeds reach out by email to caroline@sparkwellnessct.com
Additional links to learn more
To learn more about the history and view more maps of the ear visit: Auriculotherapy.com
To watch and read the feature done by Good Morning America on the resurgence of ear seeds for wellness purposes; click here.