Discover the Truth About Acupuncture Earrings for Weight Loss – Do They Really Work?

Ear seeds are gaining attention as a natural tool for weight loss support. People use ear seeds to stimulate pressure points in the ear, a type of auriculotherapy, which is acupressure or acupuncture focused on the ear. Some people claim they have health benefits, but the evidence is limited. But what exactly are they, and how do they work? At WTHN, we believe in making holistic healing accessible by blending ancient wisdom with modern wellness. Ear seeds are a time-honored element of traditional Chinese medicine, used for centuries to promote wellness. Originally crafted from Vaccaria plant seeds - hence the name 'ear seeds' - these tiny acupressure tools were taped onto specific ear points to deliver gentle, continuous pressure.

Understanding Ear Seeds and Auriculotherapy

Ear magnets or ear seeds are tiny metallic balls or pellets used in acupressure, the traditional Chinese medicine practice of using points on the ear to stimulate certain channels of the body. The practice, called auriculotherapy, or ear seeding, is similar to ear acupuncture. But instead of using needles, ear seeds are adhered to the ear and gentle pressure is applied, explains Gabriel Sher, Chief of Acupuncture at ORA in New York.

In auriculotherapy, the ear is seen as a microsystem reflecting the entire body. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the ears are considered to be a microcosm of the body. When we work on certain points on the ear, we work on the corresponding organ system of the body," Sher explains.

Ear seeds use the same general principles as acupuncture. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), your health depends on the flow of qi (energy) in your body. According to TCM, this energy travels along invisible pathways known as meridians. Meridians run throughout your body, including your ears. People place ear seeds on certain points, usually along meridian lines, to help clear up any qi blockages. In TCM, resolving these blockages may help with a variety of health conditions.

While traditional practitioners often used seeds from the Vaccaria plant, modern practitioners frequently opt for stainless steel balls due to their hypoallergenic properties and nearly invisible appearance. Today, our ear seeds are made from gold beads, chosen for their association with 'Yang' energy and their tonifying effects, which amplify their ability to strengthen the body’s systems.

Some of those points correspond to the vagus nerve, the nerve running from the brain to the colon that plays a role in regulating involuntary functions like digestion and heart rate. According to TCM, stimulating this nerve with ear magnets can help with processing stressful emotions, which in turn may make it easier to stick with healthy habits that can support weight loss, says Kim Peirano, DACM, LAc, a licensed acupuncturist in San Rafael, California. "Mitigating stress and managing it are a big key to being consistent with reaching our weight-loss goals. That's how acupuncture and acupressure can help with weight loss," Peirano says.

The Science Behind Ear Seeds and Weight Loss

There's not a lot of science behind using ear seeds to lose weight. But the studies that have been conducted suggest this kind of auricular acupressure could be helpful. One June 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis in Medicine concluded that utilizing the practice for 12 weeks was tied to lower body weight and body mass index, particularly when people also stuck with a healthy diet and exercise program. Another study, published May 2019 in JMIR mHealth and uHealth, found that participants lost body weight and body fat and reduced their waist circumference after eight weeks of at-home auricular acupressure.

Mainstream weight-loss experts agree there may be a role for ear seeding when a person is trying to lose weight. "In conjunction with a healthy diet and moderate exercise, ear seeds can help people lose some extra body weight," says Felix Spiegel, MD, a bariatric surgeon with Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas.

The key is treating ear seeds as a bonus tool to support other healthy weight-loss methods, like eating right and exercising - not relying on the magnets alone. "Used as a 'magic treatment,' they have not been proven to result in any meaningful weight loss, either short- or long-term," Dr. Speigel says.

There are few high quality studies about ear seeds and other forms of auriculotherapy. However, the few that do exist suggest ear seeds may be beneficial for certain conditions, especially when used alongside other treatments. More research is needed to fully explore the benefits and side effects.

Specific Studies on Auricular Acupressure

Weight Loss: A 2019 study investigated the efficacy of auricular acupressure in reducing obesity in adolescents. Fifty eight participants were randomly divided into an experimental group that received auricular acupressure with ear seeds or a control group that received placebo acupressure. Over 8 weeks, the experimental group demonstrated significant reductions in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared to the control group. The study concluded that auricular acupressure is effective in improving cholesterol levels in obese adolescents. However, further research is needed to understand the broader applicability of these findings to other groups.
A current study was designed to test the efficacy of auricular acupressure on weight reduction and changes of waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. This study used a randomized design with one control group and one experimental group consisting of Asian young adults with a waist circumference ≥80 cm in the females and ≥90cm in the males. At completion of eight weeks of auricular therapy, the total sample size was 55 young adults who ranged in age from 18 to 20 years old. Each participant was treated weekly for ear acupressure in ten-minute sessions. Sessions continued for eight weeks wherein the control group received acupressure only while the experimental group received acupressure with the Japanese Magnetic Pearl on the ear acupoints. While both the control and treatment groups showed significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) to body weight and waist circumference after eight weeks of treatment, only the group treated with Japanese Magnetic Pearls showed decreased waist to hip ratio. Thus, auricular acupressure may be a beneficial addition to weight loss programs for young adults.

Other Potential Benefits of Ear Seeds

While the focus here is on weight loss, it's worth noting that research suggests ear seeds may have other health benefits:

Low Back Pain: A 2023 study examined the use of ear seeds in people with persistent low back pain following spinal surgery. Fifty-six participants were randomly divided into two groups. The first group had ear seeds placed on points associated with low back pain, while the second group received a placebo. Researchers discovered the ear seeds group experienced significantly reduced back pain, significantly improved neuropathy, and improved deep sleep after 5 weeks. They concluded that ear seeds in auricular acupressure were a safe and noninvasive treatment option for chronic pain. However, while the findings are promising, the researchers acknowledged that further research is necessary.
Labor Pain: A 2020 study assessed the effects of ear and body acupressure on labor pain and the duration of labor. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either body acupressure, ear acupressure with ear seeds, or routine care. The study concluded that both methods reduced labor pain compared to routine care, with ear acupressure also significantly shortening the duration of active labor. However, further research with larger sample sizes is needed to support these findings.
Depression: A 2021 study investigated the effects of auricular acupressure on stress, anxiety, and depression among outpatient nurses. The researchers randomly divided 54 nurses into two groups. An experimental group received real auricular acupressure with ear seeds, and the other control group received placebo acupressure. Over 5 weeks, the experimental group showed significant reductions in depression scores and increases in serotonin levels compared to the control group. The study concluded that auricular acupressure effectively alleviates depression, but not stress and anxiety, in outpatient nurses. However, additional, longer-term research is required to confirm the effects of ear seeds on stress.

How to Use Ear Seeds for Weight Loss

Unlike acupuncture, which involves the use of needles, acupressure and ear seeding are safe to try at home. It's easy to find ear seeding or ear magnet kits online (try NAO Wellness 24k Gold Ear Seeds, $28 at Amazon.com, or Kanjo Acupressure Ear Seeds, $49.99 at Amazon.com), which typically come with instructions for how to place the seeds on your ear. After putting them on the specific acupressure points, you can stimulate the points by pressing on the seeds several times an hour, Sher says.

Many ear seeding or ear magnet kits come with acupressure maps outlining the various pressure points you can stimulate. Yintang and Heart 7 are thought to calm the heart and the mind and strengthen the mind-gut connection, says Sher, while Shen Men may reduce cravings and Stomach 36 can help regulate digestion.

At WTHN, we offer two main Ear Seed Kit options: Crystal and Gold. They are a modern spin on this ancient technique, providing a needle-free solution with 100% latex-free medical-grade adhesive. Using ear seeds for weight loss support is a simple, effective way to activate key acupressure points linked to digestion, appetite control, and metabolism.

Placement is highly important, as the presence of ear seeds may correspond to more positive responses from your body’s systems. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this alone, consult with one of our Healers during an acupuncture session for a customized plan. Use tweezers to peel an ear seed from the strip carefully. If you purchase any of our ear seed kits, you should have a pair of gold WTHN tweezers handy. Place the seed adhesive side down on your chosen pressure point. Press gently to secure the seed in place and ensure proper stimulation. For enhanced activation, gently press on each seed for 30 seconds a few times a day. Ear seeds last 3 to 5 days and may loosen with time, so check daily that they’re still securely fastened. They should be reapplied weekly. Remove them by tilting your head forward (so the seed doesn’t fall into the ear canal) and gently peeling them off with tweezers.

Placing the seeds on these precise spots on your own can be tricky, though. "It's safe and easy to do on your own, but it would be great to have a friend apply them for you," Pierano says. You can also consult a licensed acupuncturist if you have questions or need additional guidance on getting the magnet placement just right.

Key Acupressure Points for Weight Loss

Stomach: Located on the lower region of the ear.
Mouth: Like the stomach point, targeting the mouth helps control compulsive eating patterns.
Endocrine: Hormonal imbalances can disrupt your body in multiple ways, affecting hunger signals, circadian rhythm, and sleep-wake cycles.

The ear contains acupressure points corresponding to digestion, metabolism, and hunger regulation.

What to Expect

Activating ear seeds is a simple process that begins with their application to specific acupressure points on the ear, known for their influence on appetite and metabolism. Most ear seeds are intended for single use and should be replaced every 3-5 days. Ear seeds can be made from several materials, including stainless steel, titanium, or gold-plated alloy, for hypoallergenic options. Some ear seeds may also incorporate natural seeds from the Vaccaria plant, often favored due to their traditional use in Chinese Medicine.

The timeline for experiencing results with ear seeds varies based on individual health profiles and the consistency of use. Some users may notice changes shortly after starting, while others may require longer periods to feel the full benefits.

Safety and Precautions

Traditionally, ear seeds come from the flowering herb Vaccaria and are generally safe. You can also find metal or ceramic beads. Modern practitioners usually opt for stainless steel balls due to their hypoallergenic properties and nearly invisible appearance. They’re noninvasive and don’t require the use of needles, so there’s a much lower risk of infection or bleeding compared to auricular acupuncture techniques.

However, if you have sensitive skin or a latex allergy, metal seeds or adhesive tape might cause some irritation. For those sensitive to metal, ceramic or Vaccaria seeds are good alternatives. Additionally, hypoallergenic 24K gold ear seeds are available. If you’re allergic to adhesive tape, consider using an ear seed product with clear, latex-free, medical-grade tape.

Some people also develop small sores around the seeds. This is often due to massaging the seeds too frequently or not letting the ears rest before applying new seeds. In addition, some people do experience side effects while using ear seeds, including brief spells of dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness. While these side effects aren’t very common, it’s best to avoid driving immediately after massaging your ear seeds until you know how your body reacts.

Removing them immediately is essential if you experience pain or discomfort while using ear seeds. You can consider re-evaluating their placement, as they should not hurt you. Consult with a licensed acupuncturist at WTHN to ensure proper application and explore alternative options tailored to your needs.

Generally, it’s always a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional before trying any new treatment, including ear seeds. If you’re pregnant, don’t try ear seeds or other forms of auriculotherapy before talking with a healthcare professional. Some points may induce early labor.

Integrating Ear Seeds into a Holistic Weight Loss Plan

Whether you're a busy professional or someone looking to upgrade their self-care routine, ear seeds provide a simple, non-invasive way to support weight management. The potential of ear seeds truly shines when paired with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques.

Ear seeds are meant to be a holistic addition to your wellness routine and are generally safe to use alongside other weight loss treatments such as diet, exercise, or herbal supplements. As with any holistic practice, patience and consistency are key. Whether you're managing weight, reducing stress, or enhancing overall health, ear seeds work best when paired with mindful nutrition, movement, and self-care.

More Tips for Long-Term Weight Loss:

Balanced Nutrition: Fuel your body with whole foods that support your metabolism. Focus on incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals.
Regular Movement: Engage in physical activities you enjoy, whether it's yoga, cycling, or a brisk walk. As little as 20 minutes a day may be helpful for reaching your goals, says Dr. Spiegel. Any activity that gets you moving regularly fits the bill, just be sure to include both cardio and resistance exercises.
Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Stress can be a significant barrier to weight management. Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing to enhance your mental well-being. When we're stressed out, we're less likely to exercise, sleep well and make healthy food choices - all of which are crucial to healthy weight loss.
Hydration and Rest: Maintain adequate hydration and ensure you are getting enough sleep. There's research to show that sleep deprivation can ramp up hunger hormones and make us crave less-healthy foods.
Pay attention to what you eat: "Controlling your calorie intake is extremely important," Dr. Spiegel says. Aim for three square meals a day that are rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats, which will help you stay fuller longer.
Be patient: Sustainable weight loss doesn't happen overnight. "Gradual lifestyle changes are the most important thing," Dr.

Integrating these lifestyle changes with the strategic placement of ear seeds can optimize your results, fostering a holistic approach to achieving your weight loss goals. For those interested in a more tailored treatment, seeking the expert advice of a Licensed Acupuncturist can help ensure proper placement and integration into a personalized routine.

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