Ear acupuncture or also called auricular acupuncture is a technique that stimulates areas in ear with needles, magnets or ear seeds. The ear is also a diagnostic tool. Every organ and body part is represented on it and changes in shape and color of the ear can indicate changes or imbalances in the corresponding part.
A well know protocol is the NADA protocol, which includes 5 points to help the treatment of addiction. People who received auricular acupuncture during therapy reported less withdrawal symptoms.
Ear seeds are usually Vaccaria seeds on a small piece of surgical tape (photo right hand side), which is placed in the ear on the corresponding area, that is suppose to be treated. The ear seeds last between a couple days to up to 2 weeks in the ear depending on how often and intensely you wash your ear and hair.
Ear seeds are a great alternative for people, who have a fear of needles. The seeds can also prolong the treatment affects.
Ear acupuncture can be used to treat painful disorders, such as headaches, neuropathic pain as well as inflammatory diseases such as colitis or Crohn's disease. It also can be used to help balance hormones, support sleep, reduce stress and depression.