Ear Acupuncture and Ear Seeds

EAR ACUPUNCTURE? WHAT’S THAT? Acupuncture is the world’s oldest medical science. It has been around for 3,000 to 5,000 years. Ear (auricular) acupuncture is more recent, having been created and perfected in the last century by both Chinese and French physicians who were seeking new techniques in pain control. Their studies suggest that the use of either acupuncture needles and/or other acupressure methods on the ear can influence the body’s reaction to pain and other aliments already also treated with needles elsewhere on the body.  The needles used in acupuncture are the finest thin filament steel available and are pre-sterilized for single use. They are as thin as one of your hairs.

SO HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK? Chinese medicine science holds that there is an extensive and complex energy system that flows throughout your body along twelve main meridians and several lesser ones. When this stream flows freely, your body is in balance and healthy. Interruptions and blockages in these normally free-flowing energy streams cause stagnation, illness, disease and discomfort. Simply stated, the acupuncture needles are inserted to get the energy flowing freely and restore balance to your body. Auricular acupuncture is based on the fact that the ear is shaped like a human fetus and investigators have determined that many of the acupuncture sites on the ear appear to have an influence on an associated or corresponding part of the body.

WHAT ARE THESE TINY BALLS? A “needle-free” acupuncture treatment can be given with ear seeds (or pellets). Small circles of clear adhesive tape hold them in place on the surface of your ear. These are a take-home type of treatment, which will extend the benefits of acupuncture. They may be used after an acupuncture treatment with needles, or they may be used as the only method of treatment.

WHAT DO I DO NOW THAT I HAVE SEEDS IN MY EARS? Massage your ears at least six times a day, for three days. Press on your ears, squeeze them, tug them, fold them - you don’t have to aim just for the seeds. Ear massage will make contact with the seeds, and massaging your ears even without having seeds in them is good for you. It is okay to shower, shampoo, or swim while you have these seeds on your ears, but remember not to use a washcloth in your ears during treatment.

CAUTION!!: If itching or irritation or discomfort should occur, remove the seeds from that location on your ear at the time you notice it has become uncomfortable.  If all of them become uncomfortable, take all of them off.

AFTER THREE DAYS, THEN WHAT? On the third day, remove all of the seeds or pellets and throw them away. Simple.