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EAR SEEDS / AURICULOTHERAPY
What is Auriculotherapy?
Auriculotherapy, also known as auricular or ear acupuncture, is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that focuses on stimulating specific points on the outer ear to influence the health of the entire body.
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In TCM, the ear is viewed as a microcosm — a reflection of the entire body and its systems. From the Eastern perspective, by gently stimulating these points, auriculotherapy works to regulate the flow of qi, the body’s vital life energy, along the meridians to restore balance between the mind, body, and spirit.​
From a biomedical standpoint, auriculotherapy works through the ear’s rich network of nerve connections with the brain and body. The outer ear (auricle) is innervated by several cranial and spinal nerves — including branches of the vagus nerve, trigeminal nerve, and facial nerve — which connect directly to areas of the brain involved in pain perception, emotional regulation, and autonomic (involuntary) body functions.
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When specific points on the ear are gently stimulated — whether through acupuncture needles, acupressure, or ear seeds — these nerve pathways send signals to the central nervous system. This stimulation can influence the release of endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters that help regulate pain, mood, and stress responses.​ Because these points correspond to organs and physiological systems, auriculotherapy can be used to address a wide range of concerns, from stress, anxiety, and sleep issues to pain, digestion, and hormonal balance.​
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