Acupressure Seeds are gaining attention due to a recent appearance on Dragon's Den and on social media platforms globally. These small, gold-plated magnets are said to stimulate energy flow (also known as "Qi") when placed on specific points of the ear. It’s all based on traditional Chinese medicine, where the ear is seen as a map of the entire body.

While Acupressure Seeds might sound like a new invention, their history stretches back to a much older practice involving vaccaria seeds, sharp little seeds that were pressed into the ear to promote healing.

Fast forward to present day, and these seeds have been swapped for a less painless option involving tiny magnets, and promising a gentler touch. Healf investigates how they work and how they should be used. To explore this, we asked the experts, starting with Melinda McKee, a facialist and acupuncturist at SatedFace.

Melinda has seen the rise of Acupressure Seeds firsthand. She explained that while they’re rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, there are some misconceptions. “Acupressure Seeds come from the tradition of using vaccaria seeds, which were sharp and pressed into the ear to stimulate points. Now, we use these little gold-plated magnets instead of seeds,” she explained. 

According to Melinda, the concept is super simple: “The magnets stimulate Qi, the body’s energy, in specific points on the ear. The ear itself is like a map of the whole body, with points representing everything from your spine to your organs.”

Melinda is also quick to point out their limitations. “I wouldn’t recommend relying solely on Acu Seeds. They’re a great complement to acupuncture, but they’re not quite enough on their own,” she says. “They’re perfect for in-between sessions. Like if you only see your acupuncturist once a week or less often. They help keep the treatment going, but they won’t deliver the full benefits of acupuncture by themselves.” 

Proper placement is key as well: “It’s not just about sticking them anywhere on your ear. The placement has to be right, which is why it’s important to get trained properly or have a professional help you,” she stresses. So without correct placement, you might miss out on the real benefits Acupressure Seed can offer.

As for how they work, Melinda compares the magnets to a softer version of acupuncture. “Qi is energy that flows through the body, and when it gets blocked, you can feel pain or illness. The magnets in Acupressure Seeds help unblock that energy, just like acupuncture needles do, but in a less intense way,” she explains. She also mentions that in the past, the sharpness of vaccaria seeds made them more intense. “Those seeds were sharp enough to press deep into the skin. It could be pretty uncomfortable, but it worked well for strong stimulation,” Melinda says, noting that modern magnets are much gentler.

“Auricular therapy is not only beneficial for emotional and mental well-being, but it can also be incredibly effective for pain management,” says May Cheung, a licensed acupuncturist and holistic therapist at Calma Healing Space in Stockport.

According to Cheung, auricular therapy is rooted in the belief that the ear reflects the entire body. “This ancient practice, with origins traced back to Ancient Egypt, sees specific points on the ear as corresponding to organs, systems, and functions,” she explains.

Cheung incorporates tourmaline ear seeds into her sessions. “Ear seeds are small seeds, beads, or metal pellets placed on specific ear points using adhesive tape. I find them particularly effective for women over 35, many of whom experience anxiety due to perimenopause,” she notes. Tourmaline, a natural mineral with reputed healing qualities, is especially helpful in balancing the body’s energy.

Cheung shares that many clients report powerful results. “One client told me she had the ‘best sleep’ and felt ‘calm and in control’ after her session. Another said her chest felt free of tension, and yet another found driving on the motorway, usually stressful, felt ‘like a piece of cake.’” She explains that stimulating ear points can release endorphins, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. “Whether for acute or chronic pain, auricular therapy is a valuable, non-medication-based option for relief.”

Cheung recounts an experience at a menopause-focused event, where she used auricular therapy to address a client’s symptoms. “Through a physical examination of the ear, I detected a shoulder issue, which she later treated with a physiotherapist,” she says, noting that auricular therapy often reveals imbalances that may not be immediately obvious.

With growing interest in auricular therapy for women’s health, Cheung finds ear seeds particularly helpful in managing stress and hormonal imbalances. “With increased awareness around menopause, ear seeds have become a top choice for restoring balance to the nervous system, emotions, and hormones,” she says. Through auricular therapy, Cheung provides a holistic approach that helps people feel calmer, more centred, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.

Explore Acupressure

So, where does that leave us with Acupressure Seeds? For many acupuncturists and individuals, they’re a useful tool, provided they are used correctly and in the right context. These little magnets won’t replace acupuncture, but they can help keep the benefits of a session going in between appointments whilst acting as a long lasting, less intense alternative therapy.

Ultimately, you can think of them as a top-up rather than a treatment in themselves. So, if you’re considering giving Acupressure Seeds a go, but you are unclear on how to use them — do make sure you talk to a professional who can show you how to use them properly. Keep your expectations grounded in reality. They’re no miracle cure, but as part of a broader wellbeing routine, they might just help keep your energy flowing.