4 Auricular Points for Better, Deeper Sleep

Having trouble sleeping? You're not alone.

If you're looking for natural ways to improve your sleep quality, consider using ear seeds in conjunction with other bedtime routines.

Ear seeds, tiny seeds made from natural materials such as the vaccaria plant or 24k gold pellets, can be placed on specific points on the ear with a medical adhesive tape.

By targeting ear points for sleep, ear seeds can help promote relaxation and reduce stress, making it easier for you to fall asleep and improve the quality of your sleep.

But how exactly do ear seeds work?

The answer lies in the connection between the nerves in your ear and the brain. In particular, the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in balancing the nervous system and turning off the body's stress response. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, ear seeds can help:

1. Reduce cortisol levels

2. Promote relaxation

3. Improve sleep quality

4. Balances the nervous system

Auricular (Ear) Points for Sleep

Auricular acupressure with ear seeds have been shown to help improve severe insomnia. Studies have shown encouraging improvements in sleep quality, including better sleep, reduced sleep disturbances, and improved daytime functioning.

Additionally, in another study with 618 participants, auricular acupressure (a.k.a. ear seeds) was found to have positive effects on sleep compared to other treatments.

It's worth noting that specific ear points like Shen Men, Sleep 1, Sleep 2, and Point Zero have been identified to aid in inducing sleep and promoting relaxation (see photo below).

Shen Men helps calm the mind and reduce anxiety, while Sleep 1 and Sleep 2 promote sleep and relaxation. Point Zero, located in the center of the ear, is believed to balance the entire body.

These findings highlight the potential benefits of targeted therapies like ear seeds, along with specific ear points, in improving sleep quality for individuals experiencing insomnia or sleep-related issues.

Applying ear seeds to these points is easy and virtually painless.

Simply clean the ear with an alcohol wipe, place the seed on the desired point, and press down on the tape to secure it to the ear.

To maximize effectiveness, it is recommended to wear the ear seeds for three to five days in a row, pausing a day to let the ear rest and then completing another cycle with ear seeds.

By incorporating ear seeds into your child's bedtime routine, you may find your child starts falling asleep more easily and waking up feeling more refreshed.