About Auriculotherapy
The ear resembles an upside-down fetus.
Auriculotherapy, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a profound healing modality that posits the ear as a complete microsystem of the entire body. By stimulating specific points on the outer ear, it can address a wide array of health conditions.
A pivotal advancement occurred in 1957 when researchers observed that the ear's topography remarkably mirrors an inverted fetus. This discovery revolutionized the field, leading to the highly organized and effective practice known as auricular acupuncture (AA). Notably, the ear boasts the highest concentration of acupuncture points found anywhere on the body.
With a rich history spanning over 2500 years, auricular therapy employs various techniques, including acupuncture and ear seeding, to activate these powerful points.
Auriculotherapy is supported by scientific research and is a strong, effective way to improve overall health.
Ways To Stimulate Ear Points
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EAR SEEDS
Ear seeds provide a gentle, needle-free form of auriculotherapy rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. They stimulate specific ear points to support physical and emotional health by applying continuous pressure on nerve endings, triggering the brain to release natural endorphins that relax the nervous system and reduce pain. AcuKITS™ use latex-free vaccaria seeds, chosen for their long-standing traditional use in stimulating ear acupuncture points.
AcuKITS™ includes 600 latex-free, sterile seeds for one-time use only and can be worn for up to 5 days maximum.
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PRESS TACKS
Press tacks deliver a significantly stronger stimulation compared to standard ear seeds, making them a preferred choice for those seeking more intense and focused acupressure benefits. They are designed to ensure a deeper engagement with the auricular points, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
AcuKITS™ uses latex-free, stainless steel, sterile press tacks for one-time use only and can be worn for up to 3 days maximum. Must be purchased separately.
The Science
Research Studies
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Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
“Preliminary Effectiveness of Auricular Point Acupressure on Chemotherapy‑Induced Neuropathy: Part 1 Self‑Reported Outcomes” (Pain Management Nursing, 2019):
Study found that auriculotherapy using ear seeds can be a promising, self-administered, non-pharmacological approach for managing the side effects of chemotherapy.
Results (after 4 weeks):
Tingling symptoms decreased by 38%; numbness by 49%.
Functional improvements exceeded 28–36%, sustained even one month post-intervention
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Pain Management
“Analgesic effect of auricular acupuncture for cancer pain: a randomized, blinded, controlled trial”, Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2003):
This trial offers strong evidence that ear acupuncture, when precisely applied, can provide meaningful relief for chronic cancer-related pain—even in patients already receiving analgesic medications. It stands out as one of the most rigorous and supportive studies in this area of complementary oncology.
Results (after 2 months):
Pain intensity decreased by 36% compared to baseline in the active treatment group, versus just 2% in placebo groups.
Demonstrates a clear analgesic benefit from auricular acupuncture as an adjunct to analgesic therapy.
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Sleep Quality
Auricular Acupressure Therapy for Patients with Cancer with Sleep Disturbance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021):
A randomized controlled trial found that auricular acupressure significantly improved sleep quality among cancer patients experiencing sleep disturbances—with no notable side effects reported.
Results (ranged from 10-42 days):
Significant improvement in overall sleep quality.
Improvements were seen across several areas of sleep — including quality, duration, and daytime energy.
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Symptom reduction in breast cancer
Auricular Acupuncture During Chemotherapy Infusion in Breast Cancer Patients: A Feasibility Study” (Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 2022)
The delivery of auricular acupuncture during chemotherapy infusion was associated with reduction of symptom burden, anxiety, and nausea in breast cancer patients.
Results (after 2 days):
A significant reduction in overall symptom burden
Reduced anxiety immediately after treatment
Less nausea on day 2
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Anxiety, Fatigue and Sleep
“Effect of Auriculotherapy on Anxiety-Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances in Cancer Patients: A Scoping Review” (Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2025):
16 studies with 669 cancer patients were analyzed. Most studies focused on breast cancer patients.
Results (after 3–8 weeks)
Lower anxiety
Reduced fatigue
improved sleep
Side effects were very mild (sometimes slight ear tenderness).
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Auriculotherapy for pain, fatigue & sleep
Pilot randomized controlled trial of auricular point acupressure to manage symptom clusters of pain, fatigue, and disturbed sleep in breast cancer patients. Cancer Nursing
The preliminary results suggest that using ear seeds may be a low-cost, effective complementary approach for managing symptom clusters in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Results (after 4 weeks)
71 % reduction in pain
44 % reduction in fatigue
31 % reduction in sleep disturbance
61 % improvement in daily activities
Follow-Up (1 Month Later):
Many improvements were sustained even after the intervention ended, suggesting ongoing benefits beyond active treatment.
History Of Auriculotherapy
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![A realistic artificial human ear on a white background.]()
Modern Auriculotherapy
Over 80% of ear acupuncture points were discovered in the last twenty years. Dr. Paul Nogier, a French acupuncturist and neurosurgeon, first explored the ear by combining scientific and traditional Chinese medicine principles, renewing interest in this area of Chinese medicine.
His work on the ear's link to the human embryo led to significant research in Mainland China, identifying about 200 ear points, many of which differ from Nogier's original findings. Studies have shown that both approaches are effective and complement each other in treating illnesses.
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![Close-up of a person's ear with a small gold hoop earring, showing dark hair and part of the face's skin with freckles.]()
In Ancient China
In ancient China, diagnosing health by examining the ear was common. Although much information was lost in the "great burning of the books," some knowledge remains. For example, the Zen Zhi Zhun Sheng states that a bright, shiny ear helix shows good health, while a dry helix suggests imminent death. The Wang Zhen Zhun Jing notes that a darkened ear helix indicates poor digestion and a bumpy area may signal an intestinal abscess. Additionally, needling a point on the ear lobe was used to treat eye issues like pinkeye, myopia, and cataracts, with gold earrings often recommended to stimulate the brain's visual centers.
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![Close-up of a person's dark brown ear with short hair against a plain light background.]()
In Ancient India
Indian and Chinese traditional medicines share many similarities, such as concepts of vital energy (qi), the five elements theory, pulse diagnosis, and acupuncture. India has practiced acupuncture for about 7000 years, and it’s unclear whether it originated there or in China. Indian medical texts, known as the Vedas, mention "needle therapy," which predates Chinese medical texts by several millennia. One Veda, the Suchi Veda, written around 3000 years ago, focuses solely on acupuncture. Indians use both body and ear acupuncture points, employing similar techniques to the Chinese but with about half the number of points. They have around 180 body points used for acupuncture or moxibustion to treat various illnesses, from coughs to malaria.
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![Close-up of a person's ear with detailed skin and hair textures.]()
The Arabs
The Arabs use not only cauterization of the ear to treat sciatica, but also bleeding of the ears in cases of high blood pressure or kidney and back pain. This is still common practice in the small villages of Syria and Lebanon. Although this may have been of Egyptian origin, we are certain that the Arabs had the entire science of acupuncture from the 13th century onward, when the Chinese medical books were translated into Arabic for reference in their medical schools.
AcuKITS Symptom Cards
AcuKITS™ provides 23 symptom cards to ease symptoms and improve quality of life during cancer treatment using auriculotherapy.
For addressing symptoms such as:
Stress & Anxiety
Depression
Nausea & Vomiting
Loss of Appetite
Insomnia
Bladder/ Urinary issues
Cognitive Impairment
Immune Suppression
Fatigue
Taste Alterations
Diarrhea
Skin Conditions
Constipation
Dizziness & Vertigo
Bone & Joint Health
Liver Health
Headache & Migraine
Hot Flashes
Mouth Sores
Vision Issues
Neuropathy
Pain
Hair Loss
Easy To Use: Empowering Caregivers
AcuKITS™ are thoughtfully designed to provide convenient and accessible support, empowering caregivers to confidently integrate effective auriculotherapy and acupressure techniques into their routine. Specifically developed for individuals supporting loved ones through the challenges of a cancer diagnosis or chronic illness, these kits offer straightforward tools that are both easy to use and simple to apply. With AcuKITS™, caregivers can provide gentle, beneficial support with remarkable ease.
Directions
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1. APPLY THE EAR SEEDS
1. Choose the correct symptom card for auriculotherapy.
2. Clean ears with 70% rubbing alcohol.
3. Apply ear seeds with tweezers to one or both ears.
4. Stimulate the point by pressing for 15–20 seconds per point daily.
5. Repeat 2–3 times per day. Use firm, gentle pressure until you feel a mild tenderness — this means you’re activating the point.
6. Leave seeds in for 3–5 days before replacing them. You may shower with them in. Remove immediately if irritation or pain occurs.
*Have someone you trust apply the ear seeds for you. This ensures proper placement, makes the process easier, and can turn it into a supportive, caring ritual.
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2. MASSAGE THE BODY ACUPRESSURE POINTS
1. Use the acupressure cards to find your point.
2. Press gently with your thumb and fingertip. Keep steady pressure and move your thumb in slow circles. The pressure should be firm but not painful. Mild soreness is okay; stop if it hurts.
3. Massage each point for 1-2 minutes, either both at once or one side at a time.
4. Do this twice daily on both sides.
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3. EXPERIENCE RELIEF
Results from ear seeding can vary widely from person to person; some individuals may notice immediate effects shortly after application, while others might see gradual changes developing over the course of a few days. For those dealing with chronic or more severe health concerns, it may take several weeks before significant improvements become apparent.
Achieving balance in the nervous system through the use of ear seeds combined with acupressure is a process that requires time and consistency.
Research indicates that the most noticeable benefits often emerge over a period ranging from 4 to 12 weeks.
It is important to be patient with your body and maintain a positive mindset throughout your healing journey.
Your health is in your hands
Empower yourself to take control of your health with AcuKITS® – convenient at-home kits rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and backed by science. These kits use auriculotherapy and acupressure to support health during cancer treatment and improve quality of life.
AcuKITS™
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