Studies of the 2,000-year-old treatment suggest that ear seeding may reduce pain intensity, improve daily functioning, and lower the use of pain medications like opioids.
“Acupuncture and acupressure are becoming more widely accepted, and so finally more studies are being done to show the credibility behind our medicine,” Snyder said. “Only now because of social media are people coming to my practice, asking for ear seeds, and wanting to know about the scientific benefits.”
Rosenquist added that this kind of treatment, depending on the condition involved, should “absolutely” be considered before more invasive treatments or those that have more side effects.I’ve been dealing with a lower back injury since December that has prevented me from sitting for too long, exercising to my fullest capabilities, and even, at times, loading the dishwasher without an energy-sucking dull, achy pain.
I pushed through the discomfort for two more days until I had to remove them. My ears were just too sensitive; even smiling would hurt. The other spots on my ears were tender, but manageable. And to my surprise, the seeds never lost their stickiness, even after washing my hair, exercising, and sleeping on them.
To be honest, it was hard to tell if the ear seeds really helped — I’m also undergoing acupuncture treatments and physical therapy two times a week each, as well as daily full-body stretching. That said, I believe the seeds may have helped reduce the soreness and fatigue I typically feel after an acupuncture and physical therapy session, despite not noticing immediate pain relief when I attached them.
Ear seeds, for the most part, are easy to use and adverse reactions are rare. Applying them incorrectly won’t result in injury, and at worst, people may experience an allergic reaction to the adhesive or metal in the seed. Plus, practically everyone can use them. For example, I applied extra seeds to random spots on my ear just to be cute . Shortly afterward, I started feeling periodlike cramps; I wasn’t menstruating or ovulating, and cramps aren't a common period symptom for me anyway.
Even if it does, Snyder said, it doesn’t hurt to try, especially given how expensive healthcare has become. “If it’s low cost, something you enjoy, and has little to no side effects, why not do it if it makes your pain better? Whether it's placebo or an actual scientific mechanism, I still think it's worth it.”
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