Ear Seeding Is Everywhere, But Does It Really Help With Anxiety?
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
Not many wellness trends take the form of tiny, shiny earring-like objects. But that’s the case with ear seeds, the functional wearables that seemingly every wellness influencer—and every acupuncturist —has on these days. And although ear seeding may be a hot topic among those in the wellness community, its roots go back thousands of years.
“Ear seeding is one of the techniques used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a 3,000-year-old system of health and wellness that also encompasses acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other modalities for caring for the mind and body,” explains acupuncturist and CEO and founder of Moon Rabbit Acupuncture , Gudrun Wu Snyder .
So why the ears? “In TCM, the ear is viewed as a microsystem of the whole body,” says Kirstin Bunton, acupuncturist and head of healer development at WTHN . “Today, we use both ear acupuncture and ear acupressure to manage a diverse range of physical and emotional conditions.”
Interested in trying out ear seeding for yourself? Read on to find out everything there is to know according to the experts.
What is ear seeding?
Think of it as acupressure, but targeted to the ear. “In TCM, the ear represents a microsystem of the entire body with various acupressure points that, when stimulated, can have a therapeutic effect on the body such as relief from pain, stress, and digestive issues,” explains Bunton. “By gently pressing the specific area of the ear, the body will respond by releasing a cascade of regulatory hormones or other functions to address the health concern.”
The process has continued to evolve over the last century: “In the 1950s, a French neurologist mapped the ear in the shape of an inverted baby and helped formalize what's now called auriculotherapy,” says Snyder, who adds that “the foundation was already deeply established in TCM.”
The name—ear seeds—stems from tradition. “Practitioners used the seeds of the Vaccaria plant, which are small, round, and perfect for applying pressure without needles,” says Snyder. But today’s ear seeds pass for jewelry: “We've elevated things with gold, stainless steel, and even Swarovski crystals,” says Snyder.
What are the benefits of ear seeding?
You name it. “In TCM, there are over 200 acupuncture points on the ear, and conditions treated range from improving sleep quality to migraine management, pain relief, gut health, stress and anxiety, and the list goes on,” says Bunton.
Again, each part of the ear corresponds to a different area of the body, so you can choose your area, or areas, of focus. “The earlobe corresponds to the head and brain, the outer curve relates to the spine, and deeper areas of the ear connect with internal organs like the lungs, heart, liver, and kidneys,” explains Snyder.
Ear seeds can also be an add-on modality to other TCM treatments. “We use ear seeds at Moon Rabbit Acupuncture to extend the effects of acupuncture treatments, especially for stress, hormone balancing, and pain relief,” says Snyder. “They're subtle but powerful.”
Does ear seeding really work to reduce pain?
Studies are limited, but promising: A 2013 study showed that auricular point acupressure could potentially reduce chronic lower back pain. Another study from 2022 found that it could be effective for stress and anxiety. I have personally tried it a couple of times, including for this story; most of the time, I don’t notice a significant change or effect, but I haven't worn them consistently. I will say, on occasion, when I have squeezed the ear seeds, I have felt a bit faint, so be careful if you’re sensitive, especially with balance.
Can ear seeds help with lymphatic drainage?
Maybe , with “help” being the keyword. “You may have also seen the viral videos circulating on social media showing jaw snatching and face slimming from ear seeds,” says Snyder. “While those results are possible, they don't come from ear seeds alone.”
In other words, don’t get your hopes up—but also, it’s worth a try. “To achieve that kind of outcome, ear seeding needs to be part of a more comprehensive approach that includes lymphatic massage , acupuncture, and nutrition,” says Snyder. “Think of ear seeds as one powerful piece of a larger puzzle, not a standalone shortcut.”
How do you wear ear seeds?
You can apply them yourself, and most kits come with a guide. “Ear seeds are one of the few TCM tools that are genuinely user-friendly,” says Snyder. “You don't need to be a pro to get benefits, especially if you have a good guide or a practitioner's advice to start.”
Once the ear seeds are adhered to the skin, you can gently squeeze them to enhance their benefits. “Light pressure for about five to 10 seconds will help activate the point, and therefore manage the symptom,” says Bunton. You can also wear multiple ear seeds at once, depending on what you want to address.
Moon Rabbit Crystal Ear Seed Kit
WTHN Gold Ear Seed Kit
How long should ear seeds be worn?
“I recommend wearing ear seeds for at least five days to get the most out of them,” says Snyder, noting that “after about two weeks, the adhesive starts to break down.” And try not to put on a new one immediately if you want to go for another round. “Give your ear at least a day off between applications and consider alternating sides,” recommends Snyder.
But the experts say that the more often you wear them, the more likely you are to notice a difference: “Like all acupuncture-based therapies, results are cumulative, so consistency is where the real magic happens,” says Snyder. “Some people are incredibly responsive and notice a difference the same day; others may need a few rounds before they feel the full effect.”
Are there any risks or side effects of ear seeding?
“There are no significant risks associated with ear seeding other than for those who are sensitive to metals or adhesives,” says Snyder, who notes that Moon Rabbit’s kits use medical-grade adhesive. “If irritation occurs, remove the seeds as soon as you see or feel it and wipe the area with an alcohol swab.”
Bunton also points out that ear seeds are contraindicated during pregnancy. But in general, they are safe to try: “Because ear seeds don't puncture the skin, there are no long-term or serious risks,” says Snyder. “And even if you place them in the wrong area, the worst-case scenario is that nothing happens.”
Meet the Experts:
-
Gudrun Wu Snyder, DAc, is the CEO and founder of Moon Rabbit Acupuncture in Chicago.
-
Kirstin Bunton, MSTOM, LAc, is head of healer development at WTHN in New York City.
Why Trust Harper’s Bazaar ?
For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world's leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
You Might Also Like
