Exploring the Benefits of Auriculotherapy

Auriculotherapy is a gentle yet powerful branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that uses the ear as a microsystem of the entire body. Specific points on the ear correspond to organs, metabolic functions, and physical structures. By stimulating these points with acupuncture needles or ear seeds, we can help relieve pain, reduce stress, support emotional balance, and promote whole-body healing.

A Bridge Between East and West: The NADA Protocol

Although ear acupuncture has been used in East Asia for centuries, it gained prominence in the U.S. in the 1970s through community-based addiction recovery programs at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx. There, practitioners developed the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol — a simple, effective five-point protocol used worldwide to support recovery, reduce stress, and stabilize the nervous system.

The five ear points used in the NADA protocol are:

• Shen Men (Spirit Gate) – Calms the mind and eases anxiety.
  
• Sympathetic – Balances the nervous system and promotes relaxation.
  
• Kidney – Supports vitality and energy.
  
• Liver – Promotes smooth emotional flow and detoxification.
  
• Lung – Connects to the respiratory system and helps process grief.
  

Today, the NADA protocol is used not only in recovery settings but also in clinics, disaster relief efforts, and community health programs worldwide because of its calming, grounding, and stabilizing effects.

Beyond Addiction Recovery

Auriculotherapy has applications far beyond its roots in addiction care. A growing body of research shows its potential benefits for many conditions, including:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – A 2024 JAMA Psychiatry study found significant symptom reduction after 12–15 weeks of auricular acupuncture.

Chronic Pain & Insomnia – A 2018 Medical Acupuncture study involving military personnel showed improved pain levels and sleep quality.

Depression – A 2024 Complementary Therapies in Medicine study found that participants receiving auricular acupuncture experienced significant improvements in depression scores compared to a control group.

What Are Ear Seeds?

Ear seeds are a simple, non-invasive way to stimulate acupuncture points on the ear — no needles required. They’re tiny beads (often vaccaria seeds or metal pellets) placed on specific points and secured with adhesive tape. The gentle pressure helps support balance, calm the mind, and ease a variety of symptoms.

Many people love ear seeds because they’re:

• 🌿 Non-invasive and easy to apply
  
• 💪 A great way to extend the benefits of acupuncture between visits
  
• 🧳 Perfect for travel or at-home self-care
  
• ✨ Even available in stylish options like Swarovski crystals for a touch of sparkle
  

Why We Love Ear Seeds at Encircle

At Encircle Acupuncture, we make it easy for you to experience auriculotherapy for yourself. In our retail area, you’ll find a variety of ear seeds, from traditional vaccaria seeds with clear or neutral tape to sparkly crystal ear beads.

We even have a self-serve ear seed station with laminated placement guides for different conditions. You’re welcome to take a photo on your phone and place them at home — or ask your acupuncturist to incorporate ear acupuncture or ear seeds into your next treatment.

The Bottom Line

Ear acupuncture and ear seeds offer a gentle, effective way to:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
  
• Support emotional balance
  
• Manage pain
  
• Improve sleep
  
• Enhance overall wellness
  

Our licensed acupuncturists are trained in auriculotherapy and often include ear points as part of your treatment. Whether used on their own or alongside regular acupuncture, these therapies are a simple yet powerful way to support your health.

✨ Ready to experience it for yourself?

Book your appointment online or call us:

East Nashville: 615-457-1979

Bellevue: 615-645-9866