P. Sze 
As you may know, we love taking your questions and turning them into helpful blog posts for our weekly newsletter. This week, we received a question from one of our subscribers, Gina, who asked about ear seed placement for tinnitus. If you’re experiencing tinnitus and have ear seeds at home, you’re in luck! Let’s dive into how you can use ear seeds to alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
Do Ear Seeds Work For Tinnitus?
The use of ear seeds for tinnitus relief is based on the principles of acupuncture. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that involves the stimulation of specific points on the body to promote healing and relieve symptoms. The ear is a particularly rich area for acupuncture points, and ear seeds can be used to stimulate these points to help alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
How Long Does It Take For Ear Seeds To Work?
The length of time it takes for ear seeds to work varies from person to person. Some people may see results after a few days, while others may take several weeks to experience relief. The duration of treatment will depend on the severity of your tinnitus and how your body responds to the ear seed stimulation.
Where Is The Ear Seed Point For Tinnitus?
You can refer to the ear seed placement chart for tinnitus below.
Besides ear seeds, you can also apply acupressure. There is a region (where several acupressure points are) in front of the ear (check out the image below) that you massage using your index finger. Open your mouth slightly, and you will feel the depressed area near the ear hole. Apply pressure in a rotating motion around this region to help relieve tinnitus. You can refer to our article on acupressure for tinnitus.
In conclusion, ear seeds can be a useful tool for those experiencing tinnitus. While it may take some time to see results, many people have reported positive outcomes from using ear seeds for tinnitus relief. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Using Ear Seeds for Tinnitus Treatment?
Ms. Mai Sogawa, a TCM therapist, explains that the potential side effects of using ear seeds for tinnitus treatment can depend on the location of the acupuncture points being pasted. The ear seeds may cause pain by biting into the cartilage area if they are pasted incorrectly. Additionally, if the stimulation is too strong, a positive reaction such as fatigue, dullness, or headache may occur. She emphasizes that these reactions are only temporary and are expected as a part of the healing process. If someone has a fever or is feeling fatigued, they can remove the ear seeds and take a rest.
Are Ear Seeds Suitable for Everyone with Tinnitus, or Are There Any Contraindications?
Ear seeds are suitable for everyone, but there are some contraindications to keep in mind. According to Ms. Mai, It is not advisable for people with a fever, those who are drinking alcohol, those who suffer from increased blood circulation, such as inflammation anywhere in the body, malignant tumors, arteriosclerosis, etc., as these conditions are close to contraindicated diseases for massage. Additionally, it is not recommended for pregnant women due to the improvement of blood flow during treatment.
How Often Should Ear Seeds Be Reapplied for Best Results?
According to Ms. Mai, for best results, you can keep ear seeds on for 2-3 days or up to a week, depending on individual preferences. If the sticker comes off and there is no damage to the skin, you can apply it again. It is generally recommended to use ear seeds once every 2-3 days or once a week.
Can Ear Seeds Be Used in Conjunction with Other Tinnitus Treatments for Better Results?
Ms. Mai explained that using ear seeds in conjunction with western treatments is not a problem, and it can be said that the effect is ideal. However, this approach does not apply to everyone. Those who feel even a little change after receiving ear seeds, ear acupuncture, and ear massage can expect results. However, when using it in combination with western treatments, it is better to obtain doctor permission because treatment policies depend on the doctor.
Is There Any Scientific Evidence to Support the Efficacy of Ear Seeds for Tinnitus?
An article from Dr. Yoshinori Yamamoto discusses the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture, which involves using ear seeds to stimulate acupuncture points, for the treatment of tinnitus. It provides an overview of the mechanisms of action and the potential benefits of this treatment. Overall, the article suggests that auricular acupuncture may be a useful complementary therapy for tinnitus, but further research is needed to establish its efficacy.
