The ear as a map of the whole body — tiny seeds and pellets at precise auricular points, providing continuous gentle stimulation between clinic sessions for anxiety, insomnia, pain and more.
Book Auriculotherapy All TreatmentsAuriculotherapy — treatment of the ear as a microsystem of the entire body — has its roots in ancient Chinese medicine but was systematised and expanded dramatically in the 1950s by French neurologist Dr Paul Nogier. Nogier mapped the external ear in the shape of an inverted foetus, with anatomical regions of the body corresponding to specific points on the auricle. This Nogier auricular map, refined over subsequent decades and validated through clinical observation, forms the foundation of modern auriculotherapy.
Ear seeds are small seeds from the Vaccaria plant (or metal pellets of gold, silver or stainless steel) adhered to specific auricular points using a tiny piece of medical-grade adhesive tape. Once applied, they remain in place for three to five days and can be pressed by the patient themselves between clinic visits — extending the therapeutic effect of treatment continuously throughout the day.
At Health Therapies Clinics in Lane Cove, ear seeds are offered as a standalone treatment or as an add-on to acupuncture sessions. We see clients from St Leonards, Crows Nest, Artarmon and across the North Shore who appreciate this gentle, discreet therapy — particularly those who prefer a less invasive entry point to acupuncture, or who want ongoing support between visits.
Ear seeds as acupuncture add-on: Included within acupuncture sessions when indicated
Standalone ear seed application: From $60 / 30 minutes
NADA Protocol (group): From $40 — enquire for schedule
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 9pm
Location: Suite 1, Level 1, 141 Longueville Road, Lane Cove NSW 2066
Private Health: HICAPS — Medibank, BUPA, HCF, NIB, HBF, AHM
Book OnlineThe National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol is a specific five-point auricular acupuncture protocol developed in New York in the 1970s, initially for addiction treatment and subsequently expanded for trauma, stress, disaster relief and mental health support.
The NADA protocol uses five standard ear points: Sympathetic, Shen Men, Kidney, Liver and Lung. These five points together are considered to calm the nervous system, support detoxification, reduce anxiety and craving, improve sleep and support emotional regulation. The protocol is typically administered in group settings with participants sitting quietly for 30–45 minutes — making it cost-effective and community-oriented.
NADA has been used extensively in disaster relief situations — including after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand, Hurricane Katrina in the US and the 2004 Asian tsunami — and has been adopted by addiction treatment programmes and mental health services globally. It is particularly valued for its accessibility and its ability to reach populations who may not seek individual therapy.
At our Lane Cove clinic, the NADA protocol is available in small group sessions and individually. It is particularly recommended for clients dealing with anxiety, trauma recovery, stress and the early stages of smoking cessation or other behavioural change.
Natural seeds from the Vaccaria hispanica plant are the traditional choice for ear seed application. They are smooth, slightly rounded, and produce a gentle, even pressure on the auricular point. Vaccaria seeds are biodegradable and typically held in place for three to five days. They are the most commonly used option and are appropriate for most patients.
Metallic pellets — in gold, silver, or stainless steel — are used when a stronger stimulation is desired or when metallic conductivity is considered therapeutically useful. Gold pellets are traditionally associated with tonifying and warming effects; silver with sedating and cooling effects. Metallic seeds are also preferred where longevity is important, as they can remain in place longer than plant-based seeds.
A key advantage of ear seeds is that you can press them yourself throughout the day. Your practitioner will demonstrate exactly how to stimulate each seed — typically three to five presses, two to three times daily, and whenever you notice a craving, anxious thought, pain episode or other target symptom. This extends the therapeutic window of a single clinic visit across the full three to five days the seeds remain in place.
Auriculotherapy for smoking cessation is one of its most sought-after applications. The treatment works by addressing multiple dimensions of nicotine addiction simultaneously: the physical craving and withdrawal response, the habitual and behavioural triggers, the anxiety and oral stimulation needs, and the underlying emotional drivers of smoking.
Specific auricular points are selected to reduce the intensity and frequency of nicotine cravings. Clients often report that the urge, when it arises, is less overwhelming — providing a crucial window to make a different choice. Pressing the ear seeds when a craving arises provides an immediate alternative focus.
Many smokers use cigarettes as a primary stress management tool. Auriculotherapy addresses this by activating parasympathetic nervous system responses — reducing cortisol, calming the HPA axis and providing a natural alternative to the brief nervous system relief that nicotine temporarily provides.
Best results are achieved when auriculotherapy is combined with body acupuncture, naturopathy for withdrawal support, and a clear quit plan. We recommend discussing your smoking cessation goals at your first consultation so we can design a comprehensive protocol tailored to your specific pattern of use and triggers.
Ear seeds are very small — similar in size to a sesame seed — and the tape holding them is skin-coloured. They are generally barely noticeable. Metallic gold or silver pellets are slightly more visible if someone looks closely, but most clients find them unobtrusive in daily life. Many people wear them to work and social situations without comment.
Ear seeds are generally safe during pregnancy and can be a gentle, non-invasive option for managing morning sickness, anxiety, insomnia and back pain without needles. Certain points are avoided during pregnancy, but most conditions have safe alternative point selections. Always disclose your pregnancy when booking.
Ear seeds are easily removed by gently peeling off the tape. They typically fall off on their own after three to five days. If you experience significant discomfort, skin irritation or itching before then, remove them immediately and notify your practitioner. Do not leave seeds in place beyond seven days.
This depends on the condition being treated. For acute anxiety or stress, two to four sessions may produce significant relief. For smoking cessation, a protocol of four to six sessions over four to six weeks is common. For chronic pain or hormonal regulation, ongoing monthly maintenance is recommended once initial improvement is achieved.
Ear seeds and auriculotherapy at Health Therapies Clinics, Lane Cove. Available as a standalone treatment or add-on to acupuncture. Open seven days, 9am–9pm.
Book Ear Seeds