Have you ever considered this idea? Please allow me to share my perspective: a resounding “NO” is my answer. What is amazing about acupuncture is that it doesn’t always involve needles! 

You DO NOT NEED to get punctured to get acupuncture. 

In fact, there are numerous methods and modalities of “needleless acupuncture” that you might not be aware of. One such method is known as “ear seeds.”

I find myself often depending on ear seeds, especially for those who cannot tolerate needle punctures. For example, children and pregnant women. I also use it for those who have long, chronic health issues. Ear seeds are simple and safe. Once a popular home remedy in Asia, it is now gaining popularity in the United States.

The trick with ear seeds is that your ears are rather like a little map of your whole body (see the map below). By putting these small seeds on particular spots on your ear, you can ease certain pain. These are also the areas used for acupuncture.

What is really interesting is that ear seeds don’t only help with pain. Great for stopping food cravings, they also calm anxiety, help you focus, and more. Since your ears are so close to your brain, stimulation to these ear areas makes your brain release helpful chemicals that ease these types of issues. How wonderful!

Nowadays, many people use ear seeds to help with quitting smoking or drinking, losing weight, and even help for children with ADD or ADHD. 

These are all connected to the lack of a certain chemical called dopamine.  Some acupuncturists use ONLY ear needles (or beads). This is called Auricular Acupuncture.

To be honest with you, I give my own ears a little massage every day to see how my body is doing. I also check my children’s ears, to see if they feel any discomfort in any areas. I highly recommend that you massage your own ears. It is free, easy, and a safe way to take care of yourself and your loved ones.

If you ever encounter any discomfort while massaging your ears, do not shy away from exploring it further. Keep massaging the area until you notice it becoming softer or less painful.

You do not need to know all of the specifics about which part of the ear corresponds to a particular part of the body (but it is pretty interesting!). Just a few minutes of ear massage can make you feel better and more focused, with less pain. Give it a try!

Naomi