What You Should Know about Using Ear Seeds
So what are ear seeds exactly? They're tiny, hard pellets made from various materials like 24-karat gold, stainless steel, or even plant seeds. And they're often used in conjunction with ear acupuncture, which is said to help with everything from stress and anxiety to chronic pain and insomnia.
What Are Ear Seeds?
Ear seeds are tiny seeds placed on specific pressure points in your ear. The pressure from the seeds stimulates the corresponding areas of your body, based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. This form of therapy is said to help manage various conditions, including pain, anxiety, and addiction.
These are small latex stickers that are the size of a fingernail and contain a ripe seed from the Vaccaria plant. The acupuncturist puts each ear seed in specific acupressure points on your ear that correspond with your conditions.
How to Use Ear Seeds
Here's how you can use ear seeds:
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Get a Professional to Apply Them
Before using ear seeds at home, it is best to consult with a licensed acupuncturist. This will ensure that the ear seeds are placed correctly for your specific needs.
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Massage Them
Gently rub your ear seeds in a circular motion three to five times a day to stimulate the parts of your body they're intended to help.
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Remove after Three to Five Days
Ear seeds are small, round seeds that are placed on the ear. They are typically used in acupuncture and acupressure but can also be used for other purposes, such as massaging the ear. Ear seeds lose their stickiness over time and should be removed after a few days.
Can You Apply Ear Seeds Yourself?
An acupuncturist will tell you where to put ear seeds on your ears. Having someone else put the ear seeds on your ears with tweezers is best. This will ensure the ear seeds are put in the right place and less likely to fall off the sticker and into your ear canal.
Are There Side Effects to Using Ear Seeds?
Ears seeds are small, black seeds often used in traditional Chinese medicine. They are generally considered safe, but some potential risks are associated with their use. These include gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, and interaction with other medications. You need to expect the following adverse reactions:
- If you rub your ear seeds too hard, you may cause pain in the spots where they're located.
- If you have sensitive skin or wear earphones for too long, you may experience redness, irritation, or swelling.
- If you think you might be allergic to any materials used in ear seeds or during the acupuncture process, please let your acupuncturist know. They will be able to use a different version that doesn't include your allergens.
- If you stimulate a point on your body that shouldn't be stimulated, you may feel dizzy, nauseous, or otherwise unwell.
- If an ear seed falls off of its adhesive and into your ear canal, it may require medical attention to remove it.
- A pressure point on the ear can cause contractions and induce labor, so it's best to avoid using ear seeds until after the baby is born.
Conclusion
Before trying this type of ear acupuncture, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of using ear seeds. While ear seeds are generally considered safe, there is a small risk of infection. Additionally, ear seeds may not be effective for everyone. If you are considering using ear seeds, talk to your healthcare provider first.
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