Ear Acupuncture · Middlesbrough

Ear Acupuncture in Middlesbrough

Auricular acupuncture treats the outer ear as a gateway to the whole body. Choose from four different approaches with one experienced practitioner. Find the right one for you.

Book an Ear Acupuncture Session From £45 · The House, 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough · No pressure
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700+ Five-Star Reviews
Fresha verified
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NADA GB Certified
Anthony, FHT-registered
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Highly Recommended
Fresha Award Winner
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Acklam Road, Middlesbrough
TS5 7BP
Client receiving ear acupuncture at Deanna Thomas clinic Middlesbrough Fine ear acupuncture needles at Deanna Thomas Acupuncture Middlesbrough Ear seeds applied after auricular acupuncture session at Deanna Thomas clinic
Auricular acupuncture ear map showing treatment points at Deanna Thomas clinic Middlesbrough

What is auricular acupuncture?

The Ear as a Map of the Whole Body

Auricular acupuncture treats the outer ear as a microsystem that reflects and influences the rest of the body. Fine needles, semi-permanent ASP needles, or pressure pellets are placed at specific ear points to affect the nervous system, internal organs, and areas of physical or emotional imbalance.

The approach is used across a surprisingly wide range of conditions, from acute pain and nervous system dysregulation to sleep difficulties, anxiety, smoking cessation, and recovery support. Because only the ear is treated, there is no need to undress and sessions can be brief.

At our Middlesbrough clinic, ear acupuncture is delivered by Anthony, our FHT-registered, NADA GB and Level 3 battlefield certified practitioner. We offer four distinct ear acupuncture approaches, each with its own focus and application.

Our Treatments

Four Ear Acupuncture Approaches at Our Middlesbrough Clinic

Each approach uses the ear differently. Here is what's available and what each one is best suited to.

Anthony delivering NADA ear acupuncture at Deanna Thomas clinic Middlesbrough

Nervous System Support

NADA Ear Acupuncture

A standardised five-point protocol used internationally for stress, burnout, anxiety, sleep difficulties, addiction recovery, and nervous system regulation. No talking required. You simply sit, breathe, and allow your body to settle.

From £45 per session · 8-session package £300

View NADA Treatment Page
Patient relaxing during battlefield acupuncture at Deanna Thomas clinic Middlesbrough

Pain Relief

Battlefield Acupuncture

A five-point ear protocol originally developed for the US military. Uses tiny semi-permanent ASP needles that stay in place for three to four days. Research shows many people experience a noticeable reduction in pain within minutes. For acute and chronic pain presentations.

From £45 per session

View Battlefield Treatment Page
Ear seeds applied to outer ear at Deanna Thomas Acupuncture Middlesbrough

Between-Session Support

Ear Seeds

Tiny pellets secured to specific ear points that continue to stimulate them for three to five days. Applied during your appointment and pressed at home to manage cravings, anxiety, or pain between sessions. Evidence-backed for anxiety reduction and sleep support.

Applied at your appointment · Included with most treatments

Read Our Ear Seeds Guide
Client relaxing during Relax and Reset ear acupuncture massage session Middlesbrough

Combined Treatment

Relax & Reset: Massage + Ear Acupuncture

A combined treatment pairing massage with ear acupuncture for a more comprehensive physical and nervous system reset. Addresses both muscular tension and the underlying stress or dysregulation driving it. Ideal for people who want hands-on release alongside ear acupuncture.

Ask Anthony about availability

View Relax & Reset Page

Find Your Fit

Which Ear Acupuncture Approach Is Right for You?

A quick guide to matching your situation to the right treatment.

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If you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or burnout

  • NADA ear acupuncture is your starting point
  • Works without conversation
  • 8-session package for regular support
Explore NADA
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If you're dealing with pain

  • Battlefield acupuncture for acute or chronic pain
  • ASP needles work for days between sessions
  • Results often within minutes of first session
Explore Battlefield
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If you're trying to stop smoking

  • NADA protocol targets craving and withdrawal
  • 12-session cessation plan available
  • Offered alongside NHS stop smoking services
Explore Smoking Cessation
"
Thanks for today Anthony. Amazing sports massage and battlefield acupuncture. Went in feeling all anxious and came out feeling calm and collected. Also the pain in my body feels so much less.
Dominique Farley · ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Dec 2025

Ear Seeds

Everything You Need to Know About Ear Seeds

Ear seeds are one of the most common questions we get. Here's a complete, honest guide.

Ear seeds are tiny pellets (usually Vaccaria seeds, gold, or silver) secured to specific ear points with a small piece of adhesive tape. Unlike acupuncture needles, they don't pierce the skin. They sit on the surface of the ear and apply gentle pressure to stimulate the point.

They stay in place for three to five days and can be pressed at home whenever you feel a craving, a wave of anxiety, or a spike in pain. The pressing technique takes around 30 seconds and can be done anywhere.

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Vaccaria seeds

The original, most widely used option. Small plant seeds from the Vaccaria herb, known for their smooth, round surface. Suitable for most people and most points.

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Gold pellets

Used for tonifying (strengthening) effects. Often used on points where stimulation is intended to build or strengthen an organ system.

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Silver pellets

Used for sedating (calming) effects. Often preferred for anxiety, pain, or points where the intention is to reduce excess rather than build.

Ear seeds close-up applied to auricular acupuncture points Middlesbrough

How to Press Ear Seeds at Home

  1. Locate the seed by feeling gently for the small pellet on your ear
  2. Apply gentle circular pressure for 15 to 30 seconds
  3. Breathe slowly and intentionally while pressing
  4. Use when a craving, anxious moment, or pain spike occurs
  5. Replace when they fall off, usually after three to five days
Read Our Full Ear Seeds Guide

Research Highlights

Based on articles retrieved from PubMed, auricular acupuncture has a substantial evidence base across multiple conditions. A 2021 systematic review involving 1,603 patients found significant anxiety reductions with auricular acupressure. Studies by Xin et al. (2024, 1,199 patients) and Huang et al. (2025, 1,125 patients) both found meaningful improvements in sleep quality and duration. For pain, the battlefield acupuncture RCT by Johnston et al. (2021) found greater pain reduction than standard medication in an emergency department setting. For smoking cessation, Wang et al. (2019) pooled 24 RCTs covering 3,984 participants and found acupuncture was 2.37 times more effective than no intervention for short-term cessation.

Evidence is strongest when ear acupuncture is used as part of a wider treatment plan rather than as a standalone intervention. We're clear about this with every patient. Full evidence references are available in our individual treatment guides linked above.

Anthony in consultation at Deanna Thomas Acupuncture Middlesbrough

Your Practitioner

Anthony, FHT-Registered Ear Acupuncture Practitioner

Anthony specialises in auricular acupuncture across all four approaches offered at our Middlesbrough clinic. His calm, methodical approach is well-suited to patients dealing with pain, anxiety, stress, burnout, or those new to acupuncture who are unsure what to expect.

  • FHT-registered auricular acupuncture practitioner
  • NADA GB certified, renewed annually
  • Level 3 certified battlefield acupuncture practitioner
  • Licensed to practice by Middlesbrough Council
  • Fully insured
  • Also offers sports massage and battlefield acupuncture

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ear acupuncture?

Ear acupuncture (auricular acupuncture) treats the outer ear as a microsystem reflecting the whole body. Fine needles or pressure pellets are placed at specific ear points to influence the nervous system, internal organs, and areas of physical or emotional imbalance. No undressing is required.

Do ear seeds work?

Research shows ear seeds can be effective for anxiety, sleep difficulties, pain, and stress. A 2021 systematic review involving 1,603 patients found significant anxiety reductions. Multiple studies show improved sleep outcomes. They work best when applied professionally to correct points with guidance on how and when to press them.

What is the difference between NADA and battlefield acupuncture?

NADA uses five standardised ear points to support nervous system regulation, stress, anxiety, burnout, and recovery. Battlefield acupuncture uses a different set of five points and focuses primarily on pain relief, often using ASP semi-permanent needles that stay in place for days. They are separate treatments delivered in separate sessions.

How long does ear acupuncture take?

Sessions at our Middlesbrough clinic typically last 30 to 45 minutes. Ear seeds can be applied in under 15 minutes and remain in place for three to five days between appointments.

Is ear acupuncture safe?

Yes. Ear acupuncture has an excellent safety record across all protocols. No serious adverse events have been reported in major trials. Minor side effects such as brief discomfort at needle sites or mild skin sensitivity can occasionally occur but are self-limiting. Single-use sterile needles are used throughout.

Where can I get ear acupuncture in Middlesbrough?

At Deanna Thomas Acupuncture & Wellbeing, The House, 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 7BP. Ear acupuncture sessions with Anthony from £45. Book here or call 0800 593 2023.

"Wellness grows where energy flows."

Book Ear Acupuncture in Middlesbrough

Sessions with Anthony at The House, 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough. From £45. Four treatment approaches available. No pressure to decide in advance. Just get in touch.

Book an Appointment Or call us: 0800 593 2023 Serving Middlesbrough, Teesside, Stockton, Yarm, Ingleby Barwick, and Darlington
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