Auricular Acupuncture and Ear Seeds with Erinne Adachi, Dr. Ac.
November 12, 2024 - By Erinne Adachi
“In the same way the breaker box in your home can affect power to every room in your house, auricular acupuncture or acupressure—through the use of ear seeds—can access your body’s organ systems and parts.”
– Erinne Adachi, Dr. Ac.
There’s a good chance that if you’ve had acupuncture with Dr. Erinne Adachi, you’ve either had needles
in your ear or have gone home with something called ear seeds, tiny balls the size of a pen tip taped into
your ear. But how do they work?
Similar to the foot and reflexology, the ear is considered a microsystem for the whole body. Everything
from your head to toes is represented on a map of the ear. There are specific points to help with
relaxation and sleep. There’s even one to help with hangovers!
The effectiveness of stimulating these points in treatment is linked to the vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve
X)—the “wandering” nerve that travels down the side of the neck and wraps around all your organs. It’s
particularly known for its role in the parasympathetic (rest & digest) response. The pinna (your ear) is the only peripheral access point to this
nerve.
Auricular treatments have been used for centuries, from Ancient Chinese practices to community
acupuncture spaces in New York in the 1970s that developed and popularized an auricular protocol
called NADA (an adjunct therapy to help those suffering with addictions and PTSD).
In her own clinical work, Dr. Erinne Adachi has seen the amazing effects of auricular
acupuncture/acupressure first-hand. Along with the more general ability to calm the nervous system,
offering a reset & relaxation, she’s seen results that include improved pain, relief from dizziness, and
reduced acid reflux.
Ways to Use Ear Seeds
Set ‘em and forget ‘em! Once the seeds are in place, you don’t need to do anything if you don’t
want to. Or…
Gently press on the seeds from time to time. Caution, though: Do not push on the seeds too hard.
While they are not sharp, heavy pressure can still break the skin.
Integrate a breathing practice: for example, push on the seeds while taking a deep breath in
through the nose and then release while exhaling slowly through the mouth. Repeat seven times.
Remove the seeds after 4 or 5 days. Permanent use of seeds is not recommended as it can dull
the action of the point.
If you have questions about how auricular acupuncture/acupressure can help you, reach out. Meanwhile,
don’t be surprised if you see the rest of the Healthspring team walking around with ear seeds or orange
needles sticking out from their ears! It’s a sure sign that Erinne is in the clinic.