Auricular Therapy: Ear Acupuncture & Ear Seeds

Your ears are more than just for hearing! They’re a powerful gateway to your nervous system. Auricular therapy, also called ear acupuncture, works by stimulating specific points on the ear, which are richly supplied with nerves, including branches of the vagus nerve, trigeminal nerve, and cervical plexus.

How Ear Therapy Works

• Nerve Pathways:

  • Stimulating points on the ear sends signals through these nerves to the brain and spinal cord. This communication influences your nervous system, digestion, hormones, mood, and pain perception.

• Brain Response:

  • Functional MRI (fMRI) studies show that stimulating specific ear points activates corresponding areas of the brain. For example, the “ear point” for the back can influence the part of the brain that processes back sensation, helping regulate pain signals.

• Parasympathetic Activation:

  • Ear therapy often activates the parasympathetic nervous system, your “rest and digest” mode. This helps lower stress, regulate digestion, improve sleep, and calm the body overall.

• Endorphins & Neurotransmitters:

  • Like body acupuncture, ear therapy can trigger the release of endorphins and influence serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol levels. This explains why auricular therapy can reduce pain, ease cravings, and improve mood.

• Ear Seeds:

  • Ear seeds are tiny beads, I use 24k gold pellets, and are placed on the same nerve-rich acupuncture points. They keep gentle pressure on those points, extending stimulation between treatments. They can be pressed gently for additional support and act like a natural “acupressure reminder.”

Ear Acupuncture vs. Ear Seeds

• Ear Acupuncture (Auricular Therapy): Thin needles are inserted into specific ear points and left in place while you rest quietly for 20–40 minutes. This direct stimulation can help with pain relief, stress reduction, cravings, and emotional balance.

• Ear Seeds: I use up to 6 tiny 24k gold pellets on both ears to provide gentle continuous stimulation. These ear seeds typically last 5–7 days, as long as there’s no skin irritation, providing ongoing support between acupuncture visits.

  • They can be placed:

    • As an add-on at the end of an in-office treatment

    • OR as a stand-alone session, perfect for anyone short on time or a little needle sensitive

Auricular therapy is a simple, effective way to support your body’s natural balance, reduce stress, ease cravings, and promote overall wellness. Ask about ear acupuncture or ear seeds at your next visit to experience the benefits of auricular therapy.