Did you know that auricular therapy has been used for over 2500 years?
Initially, the methods focused on bloodletting and cauterization. After some years, the international scientific community started focusing on mapping specific pressure points. From there, knowledge of the therapy continued to grow until modern acupuncture became the norm.
So, keep reading to find out more about the use of ear seeds and the key differences between their use and acupuncture.
What Are Ear Seeds?
The use of ear seeds is based on traditional Chinese medicine. Using ear seeds is a form of auriculotherapy, where the pressure points in the ears stimulate other body parts.
Traditionally, ear seeds are small latex stickers that contain a ripe seed from the Vaccaria plant. But the seeds are also made from synthetic materials such as metal or ceramic if needed.
These days, ear seeds are also made with a different form of backing if you are sensitive to latex or if the adhesive irritates your skin.
The entire sticker is usually the size of a fingernail, but different sizes do exist. The sticker is applied by an acupuncturist to ensure the seed is on the correct acupressure point in your ear. From there, you simply go about your day and the seed will continue to apply pressure to the point until you remove the sticker.
Ear seeds are a great way to prolong the effects of acupressure since you don’t need to be with your practitioner the whole day. These seeds are usually used in conjunction with acupressure and acupuncture to help you get the most out of your treatments.
How Do Ear Seeds Differ From Acupuncture?
The use of ear seeds is a form of acupressure. With acupuncture, the same pressure points are stimulated. Where ear seeds and acupressure only use pressure to stimulate, acupuncture uses needles to stimulate the nerves.
Since ear seeds are a form of acupressure, if you’re trying to decide which is better for you, you should rather think about acupuncture vs. acupressure. Acupuncture practitioners required stricter licensing, so it might be a good idea to visit them first.
Acupuncture isn’t just used to treat physical ailments. It can also be used for mental health. Acupuncture has a whole range of benefits, and you can always try both forms of treatment before you decide on which is better for you.
Consider Ear Seeds Today
The use of ear seeds is a form of acupuncture, which prolongs the benefits you experience from seeing a practitioner. You don’t need to decide between getting ear seeds and acupuncture, as they all fall under the same umbrella. Your acupuncture practitioner will be able to tell you if they think you’ll benefit from the use of ear seeds.
If you’re in the Lynchburg area and in need of an acupuncture or acupressure practitioner, you should book an appointment with us today!
