Theory

• According to auricular acupuncture theory, the ear can be viewed as a map of the entire body. Therefore, you can treat problems anywhere in the body through points on the ear. There are also empirical points that have specific uses such as improving sleep, decreasing appetite and lowering blood pressure.
  
  

Plant Seeds

• The plant seeds used are from the Vaccaria plant. They are small round seeds that come on a piece of tape and are the perfect size for applying to the ear points. In Chinese Medicine, these seeds taken internally improve blood circulation so they are also used for their energetic properties.
  
  

Treatment

• The acupuncturist tapes the seeds on specific points on the ear either as an adjunct to a treatment with needles or as the treatment itself. The seeds usually stay on for three to four days before being replaced. During this time, the patient can press on the seeds to stimulate the points and benefit from the therapeutic effects.
  
  

Usage

• Seeds are best known for their use in treating addictions. They are used for drug and alcohol addiction, for quitting smoking and for weight loss. Other common conditions treated are depression, insomnia and pain.
  
  

Results

• This type of therapy tends to work best in conjunction with others such as acupuncture treatments with needles. In the case of addictions or weight loss, the patient needs to be committed to the results as well. The treatment will help to curb appetite and improve digestion, for example, but no one can stop someone from eating if they are not committed to losing weight.