What is Auriculotherapy/Auricular Therapy?
Auriculotherapy is a health care modality whereby the external surface of the ear, or auricle, is stimulated to alleviate conditions in another part of the body. This therapy is partially based on the ancient Chinese practice of body acupuncture, but it is more derived from the discoveries of a French physician in the 1950s. Dr. Paul Nogier studied the ear and mapped out the reflex points as they are known today. For this reason, he is known as the father of auriculotherapy.
What are ear seeds?
Ear seeds are a non-invasive, safe, and effective tool used to stimulate points on the ear with acupressure. The pressure from the seed on the ear point helps to stimulate the numerous nerve branches on the ear connecting directly to the brain.
The brain, in turn, sends messages of homeostasis or balance to the corresponding area of the body. Ear seeds are non-invasive and virtually painless, making them an ideal option for those seeking natural treatments.
All ear seeds are small pellets that are held in place with medical adhesive tape. There are four different common types of ear seeds. The first and most traditional are Vaccaria seeds. These are made with an actual seed from the Vaccaria plant, which are a consistent 2mm in size. The other types are 24K gold plated ear seeds, stainless steel ear seeds, and Swarovski crystal ear seeds. The crystals are affixed to the tape above the gold bead, providing a little bling to the ear!
Top Conditions Treated with Ear Seeds
So, what can you use ear seeds for? Just about everything! Since stress is a contributing factor for 80% of chronic illnesses ear seeds can be a first-line option for reducing stress as well as helping with:
- Anxiety
- Back and Neck pain
- Migraines and Headaches
- Weight Loss
- Insomnia and Sleep Disorders
- Allergies and Asthma
- Digestive Issues
- Fertility and Menstrual Disorders
- Smoking Cessation
- High Blood Pressure
Are Ear Seeds Safe?
Yes! Because they are a noninvasive therapy, there is little to no risk of infection. Allergic reactions are rare, but if the area under the tape itches or swells, they should be removed. It is not unusual for the ear points to become reddened and tender during treatment, and that means they are working! They should become less tender after the first couple of days. They should be removed after 4-5 days to give the acupoints several days of recovery time, and then they can be reapplied if needed. Be aware that the Vaccaria seed tapes from some companies do contain latex. Be sure to check with the practitioner if that is an issue for you. The other types do not.
Summary
The use of ear seeds is growing in popularity as an effective, non-invasive, holistic health treatment that can help the body and the mind. Book Your Ear Seeding with Bluebird Sky Integrative Wellness Today.