What Are Those Tiny Stickers on Novak Djokovic's Ear?
- Tanya
- Jul 15
- 5 min read
Tiny Seeds, Big Conversation
Whenever ear seeds make the news, my phone usually starts buzzing with messages asking, "Are these the little stickers you use?" This week has been no exception.
If you've been watching Wimbledon, you may have spotted the tiny stickers on Novak Djokovic's ear and wondered what they were all about.
As it happens, they've been part of my reflexology toolkit for years, and many of my clients have worn them at one time or another.
So, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to explain what they are, how they're used, and why I think they offer us something much bigger than their tiny size suggests.
Why I'm talking about this now...
One of the things I enjoy most about moments like this is that they encourage us to ask questions.
Whether it's ear seeds, reflexology, meditation or breathwork, stories in the media often introduce us to ideas we might never have considered before. We don't have to believe everything we read, but we also don't have to dismiss something simply because it's unfamiliar.
Sometimes curiosity is the first step towards discovering something that genuinely helps.
As a reflexologist, I believe wellbeing isn't about finding one magic solution. It's about keeping an open mind, exploring different approaches, and finding what works for you.
So... what are ear seeds?
Ear seeds are tiny seeds from the Vaccaria plant (or sometimes small metal beads) that are placed on carefully selected points on the outer ear using a small piece of skin-friendly adhesive tape.
Unlike acupuncture, they don't pierce the skin. Instead, they provide gentle, continuous stimulation to specific points for several days.
Every few hours, you simply give the seed a gentle press with your fingertip to refresh that stimulation.
They're small, discreet and easy to wear as you go about everyday life.
Why the ear?
Auricular therapy (sometimes called auriculotherapy or ear therapy) is based on the idea that the outer ear acts as a microsystem of the whole body.
Just as reflexology views the feet as a map of the body, auricular therapy sees the ear in much the same way.
Different points are traditionally associated with different areas of the body and aspects of wellbeing. Practitioners select points according to the individual rather than treating everyone the same.
Why do people choose ear seeds?
People use ear seeds for many different reasons.
Some are looking for support with stress or anxiety. Others hope to improve their sleep, encourage relaxation, manage persistent discomfort, or simply feel a little more balanced during a busy or challenging period of life.
Elite athletes may include them as one part of a wider recovery routine, while many of my clients appreciate having something they can continue to use between reflexology appointments.
Like many complementary therapies, ear seeds aren't intended to replace conventional healthcare. Instead, they're another tool that may help support wellbeing alongside it.
What does the research say?
Research into auricular therapy continues to grow, with studies exploring its potential role in supporting anxiety, pain, sleep, stress management and overall wellbeing. Some reviews have reported encouraging findings, while also highlighting the need for larger, high-quality studies before firm conclusions can be drawn. That's often the nature of complementary therapies.
Rather than seeing ear seeds as a miracle solution, I see them as one gentle option within a much bigger wellbeing toolkit—one that may support the body's own natural processes of relaxation and regulation when used alongside other healthy habits and appropriate medical care.
If you'd like to explore the research for yourself, I've included links at the end of this article.
One of my favourite points: Shen Men
One of the points I use most often is called Shen Men, sometimes referred to as the Spirit Gate.
In traditional auricular therapy it's considered one of the master points and is commonly included to encourage calm, relaxation and emotional balance.
Whether someone is feeling overwhelmed, struggling to switch off, or simply needing a little breathing space, Shen Men is often where I begin.
The questions I'm asked most often
Do they hurt?
No. Most people quickly forget they're wearing them.
How long do you wear them?
Usually around three to five days, depending on the individual and the points being used. I'll always explain how to care for them and when to remove them.
Can I press them myself?
Yes! In fact, that's part of the treatment. Gently pressing each seed for a few seconds a few times a day provides additional stimulation.
Do I have to have acupuncture?
No. Ear seeds are completely non-invasive and don't involve needles.
Why I love using them
One of the things I love most about ear seeds is that they're tiny.
They don't ask you to overhaul your lifestyle.
They don't require expensive equipment.
They don't expect you to find another hour in an already busy day.
Instead, every time your fingers brush against one, they're a gentle reminder to pause.
To take a breath or two.
To check in with yourself.
To notice how you're feeling.
And perhaps that's the bigger lesson.
Sometimes we become so focused on finding the perfect solution that we overlook the small, simple things that might make a difference.
Ear seeds won't be for everyone, just as reflexology won't be for everyone. But I think there's real value in staying curious, thinking outside the box and being open to trying something new.
After all, we never know what might help until we give ourselves permission to explore.
My approach
I often use ear seeds alongside reflexology and facial acupressure treatments when I feel they're appropriate for the individual sitting in front of me.
I don't believe there's one magic point that fixes everything.
Instead, I see ear seeds as another gentle way of supporting the nervous system and extending the benefits of a treatment beyond the therapy room.
Many clients tell me that simply having that little reminder to pause throughout the day becomes just as valuable as the stimulation itself.
For me, that's one of the loveliest things about ear seeds. They don't just offer gentle stimulation—they encourage us to slow down, tune in and take a moment for ourselves.
Sometimes those small moments become the beginning of much bigger changes.
🌿 Tanya's Wellbeing Takeaway
Sometimes wellbeing doesn't come from making the biggest changes.
Sometimes it begins by staying curious enough to try one small thing that might make a difference.
Curious to learn more?
If you've been wondering about ear seeds after spotting them at Wimbledon—or you're simply curious about whether they might complement your own wellbeing journey—I'd be delighted to chat.
I'd love to help you explore whether they're something that could support you.
Further Reading
If you'd like to delve a little deeper into auricular therapy and the research behind it, here are some excellent places to start:
Complementary therapies work best as part of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Ear seeds are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions and should not replace advice or treatment from your GP or other healthcare professional.
