Ear seeds, those tiny little seeds or beads that have been an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries, are taking center stage in our exploration of alternative acupoint applications. While we know them best for their traditional use in auriculotherapy, targeting specific points on the ear, we’ve discovered that their benefits can extend to other parts of the body as well. With the help of our TCM therapist, Ms. Mai Sogawa, we’re about to embark on a journey to learn how to use Dragon Acupuncture ear seeds on the hand’s acupoints. Are you ready to discover the potential of these small yet powerful seeds and how they can help you manage pain, relieve stress, and improve your well-being? Let’s dive in and uncover the secrets of ear seeds, learn Ms. Mai’s recommended acupoints, and explore the tips and techniques for using ear seeds on the body effectively and safely.

Using Ear Seeds on the Hand

If you’re new to the concept of acupressure, it’s basically the practice of applying pressure to specific points on the body to stimulate its natural healing processes. Ear seeds, often used in auriculotherapy, target numerous acupressure points on the ear that correspond to different organs and functions.

But guess what? We’ve found that ear seeds can also be effective when applied to other acupoints, particularly on the hand. Our hands are packed with acupressure points, and their size and accessibility make them an ideal playground for ear seeds. While their small size may not provide enough pressure for larger body areas, they can work wonders on the hand’s acupoints.

7 Recommended Acupoints on the Hand

With some valuable guidance from TCM therapist Ms. Mai, we’ve identified several key acupoints on the hand where ear seeds can be effectively applied to address various health concerns. By targeting these specific points, you can unlock the potential of ear seeds and experience a range of benefits.

Acupoint: HT-7 (Other Names: Heart-7/Shen Men/Spirit Gate)

Found at the wrist crease, on the radial side of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon, HT7 is known to regulate the autonomic nervous system. Applying ear seeds here can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and help treat insomnia.

Acupoint: PC-6 (Other Names: Pericardium-6/Nei Guan/Inner Pass)

Located about three finger widths above the wrist crease, between the tendons of the palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis, PC6 is quite versatile. Ear seeds applied here can alleviate car sickness, morning sickness, dizziness, nausea, and irregular menstruation.

Acupoint: LI-4 (Other Names: Large Intestine-4/He Gu/Joining Valley)

Nestled in the fleshy area between the thumb and index finger, at the highest point of the muscle when the thumb and index finger are brought together, LI4 is a powerful acupoint. Using ear seeds here can help manage headaches, stress, stiff necks, and toothaches.

Acupoint: SI-3 (Other Names: Small Intestine-3/Hou Xi/Back Stream)

Situated on the ulnar side of the hand, in the depression proximal to the head of the fifth metacarpal bone, SI3 is known for promoting blood circulation. Applying ear seeds to this point can provide relief from headaches, stiff shoulders, and back pain.

Acupoint: LU-7 (Other Names: Lung-7/Lie Que/Broken Sequence)

Positioned approximately one finger width above the wrist crease, on the radial side of the forearm, between the tendons of the brachioradialis muscle and the abductor pollicis longus muscle, LU7 is a versatile acupoint. Using ear seeds on this point can help relieve symptoms of stuffy nose, cough, facial swelling, dizziness, and stiff neck.

Acupoint: EX-UE 7 (Other names: Yaotongdian/Low Back Pain Point)

There are two points located at the V-shaped valleys where the bones of the fingers meet. One point is located at the V-shaped valley where the index finger and middle finger bones meet. The other point is located at the V-shaped valley where the ring finger and little finger bones meet.

To locate the acupoint for low back pain (EX-UE 7), spread your fingers widely, and search for the point by pressing in between the fingers. As you do this, you will encounter a large bone in the middle of the back of your hand. The point just in front of that bone is the low back pain point (EX-UE 7).

If you have pain in the right side of your lower back, you will likely feel pain when pressing the right hand’s low back pain point, and vice versa for the left side. Particularly, the area between the ring finger and the little finger is often painful.

When the entire lower back area is painful, you may feel pain in the low back pain points (EX-UE 7) on both hands.

Applying ear seeds to EX-UE 7 may provide relief from low back pain.

Tips and Techniques for Using Ear Seeds on the Body

To make the most out of using ear seeds on the hand’s acupoints, it’s important to follow some key tips and techniques provided by TCM therapist Ms. Mai. By following her expert advice, you can ensure a safe and effective application of ear seeds.

• Application duration and removal guidelines: When using ear seeds on the hand, the stickers should be left in place for approximately three days. After this period, it’s important to peel them off. If any itching or pain occurs during the application, the ear seeds should be removed immediately without delay.
• Pressing technique for hand acupoints vs. ear acupoints: The technique for pressing ear seeds on hand acupoints is largely the same as pressing them on ear acupoints. However, some areas of the hand may have thicker fat and skin, so pressing a bit more firmly may be acceptable. Remember that the goal is to stimulate the acupoint without causing excessive discomfort.
• Precautions for sun exposure and prevention of sunburn: The shape of the ear seed sticker may cause sunburn in the area where it’s applied. During the summer months, it’s best to exercise caution and remove the sticker before going out in the sun, such as when heading to the beach. Taking this precautionary measure will help prevent sunburn on both the ears and the hands.
• Guidance on when to remove ear seeds and when to seek professional help: If you experience any adverse reactions to the ear seeds, such as redness, swelling, or persistent pain, it’s crucial to remove them promptly. Should these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to consult a TCM practitioner or a healthcare professional for further guidance.