Ear Seeding: The TikTok Trend, Explained

The Trend: Despite its name, ear seeding has nothing to do with gardening. Even though it’s gotten more attention lately as one of TikTok’s latest wellness fads, ear seeding has actually been around since the 1950s. Known as auriculotherapy, ear seeding is a form of acupressure in which tiny metal beads or actual seeds are affixed to certain pressure points on the ear. They’re typically left in place for several days and then removed. 

What People Are Saying: TikTok ear seeders are touting the practice’s ability to depuff the face and snatch the jawline. But its purported benefits aren’t just aesthetic. Some manufacturers of the beads claim that by sending signals from pressure points through the nervous system, ear seeding can help, well, basically anything: sleep, hormonal balance, stress, allergies, food cravings, chronic pain, brain fog, migraines, digestion, and more.  

What to Know: Acupressure and acupuncture are both well-substantiated therapies that use pressure points like ear seeding does. There’s not a ton of high-quality research specifically on ear seeding, but the most promising findings so far have been for pain, anxiety, and sleep. The U.S. military also uses ear seeding (though they call it battlefield auricular acupressure) to reduce pain. It’s considered to be safe for most people (but not if you’re pregnant, as certain pressure points may induce labor). The main caution is making sure the seeds don’t fall off and into your ear canal. Ear seeding won’t alleviate every ailment, but it could possibly be a drug-free alternative treatment for some.