Ear Seeds and Auricular Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture uses specific points on the outer ear, and ear seeds let you keep stimulating those points at home between visits. Both are offered at Integrative Acupuncture Center in Ridgewood.
How Ear Acupuncture Works
Auricular acupuncture is acupuncture on the outer ear. Joshua explains that the ear is connected to the brain through the cranial nerves, and ear acupuncture is thought to affect the whole body through those nerve connections. Ear points are often combined with points on the body.
Joshua has long used ear points in his stress reduction treatments. One example is Ear Shen Men, or Spirit Gate, a point in the upper ear that is used to calm the body. Another is the Sympathetic point, which is used to help rebalance the fight or flight response with the rest and digest response.
Ear seeds are small seeds or beads on a piece of adhesive tape that are placed on ear points. They stay on after your visit, and you press on them gently at home to keep stimulating the points between treatments. Ear seeds do not break the skin, so they can also be an option for patients who are nervous about needles.
Uses specific points on the outer ear
Ear seeds continue support between visits
No needles involved with ear seeds
Can be paired with body acupuncture
Simple to use at home
Commonly used for stress and sleep
What Ear Acupuncture Is Commonly Used For
Ear acupuncture and ear seeds are commonly used as part of treatment for concerns such as these.
Individual results vary, and ear acupuncture is not a substitute for care from your physician.
See all conditions we treatWhat to Expect
Your Ear Acupuncture Visit
Ear points are often included as part of a regular acupuncture treatment. Joshua cleans the ear, places thin needles or ear seeds on the selected points and shows you how to press the seeds at home. He will also explain how long to leave the seeds on and how to remove them.
Health History
You will review your health history and current concerns with Joshua.
Point Selection
Joshua chooses ear points based on your concerns, often along with points on the body.
Treatment
Thin needles or ear seeds are placed on the selected ear points while you rest.
Home Care
If ear seeds are used, you press on them gently a few times a day at home between visits.
Ear Seeds FAQ
What are ear seeds?
Ear seeds are small seeds or beads attached to a small piece of adhesive tape. They are placed on specific points on the outer ear and pressed gently at home to keep stimulating those points.
Is ear acupuncture painful?
The needles used in the ear are very thin, and most patients feel only a brief pinch, if anything. Ear seeds do not break the skin, and pressing them should feel like firm pressure rather than pain.
Can ear seeds be used without acupuncture?
Ear seeds are usually placed as part of an acupuncture treatment. Joshua will recommend the approach that fits your concerns.
What if an ear seed falls off?
Ear seeds sometimes come loose with showering or sleeping. If one falls off, you can throw it away and mention it at your next visit.
What patients say
Joshua and his team are amazing! Joshua has helped me tremendously with anxiety and sleep issues. He is very patient and starts each appointment discussing how I’ve been feeling and what concerns I would like to address. His staff is very kind and helpful with appointments. I highly recommend.
Josh is great! He is professional, caring, and Knowledgeable. What sets him apart, is his tailored approach to his Accupuncture treatments. I highly recommend his practice for anyone who suffers from pain, anxiety, depression or stress.
I went to Josh Goldstein for a back issue which he quickly resolved. I was convinced it was caused by stress. We discussed working on stress and anxiety, which I was not aware acupuncture could target. With a combination of treatment, and herbs the results have been really wonderful. Josh is so patient and really caring. I highly recommend him.
Let’s Get You Back to Doing What You Love
Whether it's gardening, playing with your kids, sleeping through the night, jogging on the beach, or simply getting through the day without pain, our personalized acupuncture treatments are designed to help you move, heal, and feel better naturally.