Ear seeds are everywhere these days. And though the name may call to mind visions of flowering plants sprouting from your earlobes, they’re actually a form of acupressure, which targets acupuncture points without using needles.

So what can these tiny but mighty acupressure tools do for you? Acupuncturist Thuy Kim Nguyen, DAOM, LAc​, explains what ear seeds are, what they do and how to use them for the most benefit.

What are ear seeds?

Based in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), ear seeds are a form of auriculotherapy, which uses acupressure points in the ear to stimulate other parts of the body.

“Auriculotherapy is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat and even prevent conditions like anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, nausea, vomiting, substance abuse and gynecological and digestive disorders,” Dr. Nguyen says. “The ear seed is like an acupuncture needle that you use to stimulate a channel to help the patient’s condition without needing to puncture the skin.”

So what exactly is an ear seed? They’re small latex stickers — about the size of a fingernail — that contain a ripe seed from the Vaccaria plant. Your acupuncturist places each ear seed carefully on your ear in specific acupressure points that correspond with the conditions you’re experiencing.

“The ears reflect the condition of the internal organs,” Dr. Nguyen says, “so bodily problems will show on the ears. Certain points on the ear change in color, become tender or exhibit changes in size or shape. We use those signs to figure out where to put the seeds to help the patient.”

Types of ear seeds

The most commonly used ear seeds are made from Vaccaria seeds that are attached to an adhesive sticker, though some versions now are made with ion pellets, magnets, stainless steel, titanium, ceramic or other materials instead.

If you have allergies to latex, bandages or tape, make sure to consult with your acupuncturist to use ear seeds with a backing that’s safe for you.

Benefits of ear seeds

There’s not enough research to prove how well ear seeds work, but studies continue showing that they have a positive impact on insomnia and pain — and maybe on other conditions, too.

“There are more than 120 acupressure points in the ear,” Dr. Nguyen says. “The ears have a very close relationship with the nervous system, and some research shows that acupuncture or acupressure on the ear can stimulate the meridians.” (According to traditional Chinese medicine, 14 primary meridians carry energy throughout the body.)

Ear seeds, then, can be used to address a variety of health concerns, including:

Acute pain.
Anxiety.
Chronic pain.
Depression.
Infertility.
Insomnia.
Migraines.
Stress.
Substance abuse.
Weight issues.

How to use ear seeds

Thinking about trying ear seeds on your own? Dr. Nguyen explains how to get started and why you should see an acupuncturist beforehand.

1. Have a professional apply them

Although ear seeds are sold for use at home, Dr. Nguyen recommends first consulting with a licensed acupuncturist to make sure you’re putting them in the right place for your specific needs.

“It’s important that you always consult with your practitioner or your primary care provider first to see if this is something you should be doing and to make sure it’s safe for your condition,” she says.

2. Massage them gently

Three to five times per day, gently rub your ear seeds in a circular motion to stimulate the parts of your body they’re intended to help.

“Don’t press down too hard, to the point that you hurt yourself,” Dr. Nguyen says, “but just enough that you can feel the stimulation.”

3. Remove them after three to five days

Your ear seeds will lose their stickiness with time, especially as they’re exposed to the moisture in the air and water when you shower. And even if they’re holding up well, you should remove them after a few days so they don’t start to irritate your skin.

Can you apply ear seeds yourself?

After an acupuncturist has shown you where — exactly — to apply your ear seeds for the most benefits, you can try at-home application.

But Dr. Nguyen says it’s best to have someone else apply them for you using tweezers. This will ensure that the ear seeds are applied in the right spot and lessen the risk of the seed coming off of its sticker and falling into your ear canal.

Side effects of using ear seeds

Ears seeds are generally safe to use, but there are some risks. Adverse reactions may include:

Skin tenderness: If you rub your ear seeds too hard, you may cause yourself a little pain in the spots where they’re stuck.
Skin irritation: If you have sensitive skin or leave them on your ears too long, you may experience redness, irritation or swelling.
Allergic reaction: If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in ear seeds or materials used, inform your acupuncturist and ask them to use a version that doesn’t include those allergens.
Dizziness or nausea: Accidentally stimulating the wrong point on your body may make you feel faint, woozy or generally ill.
Losing the seed in your ear canal: Though ear seeds are stuck to an adhesive, they’re not firmly affixed to it, which means the seed itself can fall off — and into your ear, which may require medical attention to remove. This is why Dr. Nguyen recommends having someone else apply them to your ears.
Accidental labor: “There’s a certain point on the ear that can induce labor,” Dr. Nguyen warns, so save the ear seeds until after you’ve safely given birth.
The best way to make sure you’re using ear seeds safely is to talk to an acupuncturist before using them on your own.

“If you want to use ear seeds, it’s very important that you first consult with a practitioner so that they can show you where to put them and where to avoid using them,” Dr. Nguyen reiterates.