In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is designed to restore the natural flow of one’s life force energy, or qi. This 3,000-year-old technique pricks the skin with needles at strategic points throughout the body to alleviate any tension caused by the disruption or blockage of qi. Reasons for this range from mental to physical health-related conditions.
While many are familiar with body acupuncture, auriculotherapy is a specific type of acupuncture that targets the outer parts of the ear. Considered to be a microcosm of the body according to Chinese medicine, the ears consist of over 200 acupressure points that can aid in balancing the mind and body. A study found that auriculotherapy is able to target a plethora of conditions such as migraines, chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and one’s overall well-being.
"Ear acupuncture, or auriculotherapy, is a microsystem used to treat the entire body, and the many conditions that arise when something is out of balance," says L.Ac (licensed acupuncturist) Stefanie DiLibero. DiLibero works with clients at the highly-rated acupuncture center, Gotham Wellness. "Think of it like a reflexology map, located in the ear, that can treat specific parts of the body like the back, shoulder, ovaries, and kidneys. Multiple points can also be combined to treat conditions such as substance use disorders, smoking cessation, insomnia, PTSD, etc."
Recently, however, the popularity of ear seeds has soared. Ear seeds, also known as ear acupressure or ear reflexology seeds, are small seeds or beads that are placed on specific points of the ear as part of traditional Chinese medicine practices. These seeds are typically attached to adhesive tape and applied to specific points on the outer ear, corresponding to different organs, systems, or parts of the body.
"When applied to an auricular acupuncture point, they [ear seeds] create sustained pressure which stimulates the healing properties of that ear acupressure point," says DiLibero. "Touching or gently pressing the sticker serves to create pressure at the auricular point to stimulate healing in the corresponding area of the body."
If you're not ready to take the plunge and get an ear piercing for acupuncture benefits, ear seeding is considered a non-invasive and relatively low-cost alternative therapy. While scientific research on the effectiveness of ear seeds is limited, many people report positive experiences with this practice for managing various health conditions and promoting relaxation and well-being. As with any alternative therapy, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before trying ear seeds (especially ear seeds for weight loss) or before getting your ears pierced for acupuncture benefits.
"Ear seeds and press balls are definitely an alternative or complement to auricular or body acupuncture," DiLibero assures. "As there are over one hundred auricular acupuncture points, it's best to get guidance on application from a licensed acupuncturist, or ask your acupuncturist if they can apply appropriate ones for you, during your next acupuncture session, or as a stand-alone treatment, if you prefer a needle-free option."
Here, L’OFFICIEL breaks down everything you need to know about ear piercings and their potential acupuncture properties.
1. Daith
Located in the innermost fold of your ear, the faith ear piercing is believed to relieve symptoms of reoccurring migraines. In one case study, a 57-year-old participant suffering from chronic migraines sought to get his daith pierced in order to alleviate his pain. After a couple of weeks, the participant noticed a large reduction in the number of migraines he was getting on a daily basis.
While this can be a viable (and more cost-effective) solution to treating migraines, it’s best to be realistic with the results, as researchers claim there is not enough evidence to conclude that daith piercings are a cure-all for migraines.
2. Conch
Named after the spiral shape of the ear (the conch), conch piercings are associated with aiding muscle relaxation and combating chronic pain.
3. Helix
The helix, one of the most popular cartilage piercings, is located on the outermost rim of your ears. If stimulated or pierced, this area is said to provide allergy relief and quell symptoms of congestion or a sore throat.
4. Forward Helix
The forward helix is on the very front of the ear, closest to the head. This specific acupressure point can help with muscle tension and encourage blood circulation. By encouraging increased blood flow, this piercing may also aid in preventing wrinkles.
5. Tragus
Similar to daith piercings, piercings targeting the tragus can help reduce the frequency of migraines alongside its anti-anxiety and appetite suppressant qualities. The tragus is located in the small flap of cartilage in front of the ear canal and stimulating this area targets the vagus nerve, which extends from the base of the brain to the rest of the body.
6. Rook
Located at an unusual spot, a rook piercing targets the pressure point that is intended to mainly reduce migraines alongside aiding with stress relief.
Don’t feel like committing to piercings? Try ear seeding.
Not ready for ear piercings with acupuncture benefits? Ear seeding is a needle-free, non-invasive form of auriculotherapy. Tiny “beads” resembling jewelry studs are placed on the surface of your ear with adhesive, stimulating pressure points that are connected throughout the body. Aside from balancing the body’s flow of energy, ear seeds aid in balancing hormones and regulating one’s nervous system.
Ear seeds are believed to stimulate acupressure points on the ear, which are connected to various areas of the body. By applying pressure or stimulating these points with the seeds, practitioners believe that they can promote balance and wellness throughout the body, alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall health.
The seeds used in ear seeding are often made from natural materials such as Vaccaria plant seeds or metal beads. They are typically small and discreet, allowing them to be worn on the ear without drawing much attention. Some ear seeds may also be coated with materials such as gold or silver for added therapeutic benefits.
Opt for either the traditional Chinese ear seeds or the flashy, Gwyneth Paltrow-approved kit from WTHN, coming in both 24-karat-gold-plated and Swarovski crystal versions. The pellets will usually last for three to five days before naturally falling off.
