Ear seeds use acupuncture points on your ears to stimulate different body parts. While this may sound like a new wellness trend created to steal your money, ear seeds date back to a form of traditional Chinese medicine called auriculotherapy.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of ear seeds.
They Relieve Pain
Ear seeds and other forms of auriculotherapy (ear therapy) can relieve pain. A 2020 overview of 14 articles proved that ear seeds effectively reduce musculoskeletal pain. Although acupuncture and electrical stimulation are also effective in this sense, ear seeds are more convenient because they don’t cause discomfort.
They May Contribute to Lower Blood Pressure
A 2019 study reviewed 44 trials involving 5,022 patients and found that ear acupressure combined with blood pressure medications is more effective than meds alone.
Since almost half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, trying ear seeds can’t hurt.
They Could Help with Anxiety
That’s right, rubbing little seeds on your ears can help you calm down. In a 2020 overview, 22 out of 24 studies indicated auriculotherapy could reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The researchers stated more research is necessary to confirm this.
A 2017 study involving 180 participants who had 10 sessions of ear therapy over five weeks showed the treatments reduced anxiety and pain. Although the study showed that needles were more effective, ear seeds were the most comfortable method with a lower risk of infections.
Enjoy Auriculotherapy
While the benefits of ear seeds are still to be explored in detail, several studies confirm this type of therapy can be useful. If you want to try it, keep in mind that you should find a professional practitioner. Otherwise, the effects may not be as noticeable.
