Novak Djokovic Wore Ear Seeds at Wimbledon. Here’s How They Work.
Written by Laura Donovan, ACI-Certified Auriculotherapist and Founder of Solstice Ear Seeds
Photo: BBC
Novak Djokovic walked onto Centre Court at Wimbledon wearing tiny adhesive patches on his ear.
Those patches are called ear seeds, a form of wearable acupressure rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
BBC presenter Clare Balding noticed them mid-broadcast and explained on air that Djokovic was using ear seeding and framed it as one of the many “little things” that may form part of his preparation, alongside his attention to sleep, diet, stretching, and recovery.
Not a shortcut.
One more input in a much larger system.
In one broadcast moment, an often-overlooked wellness practice landed on one of the biggest stages in sports.
The exact brand, material, placement, and purpose of Djokovic’s ear seeds have not been publicly confirmed.
Why did Novak Djokovic wear ear seeds at Wimbledon?
The BBC and Express framed ear seeding as part of Djokovic’s preparation and his continued search for a “competitive edge.”
However, Djokovic has not publicly explained why he was wearing them or which ear points were selected.
Depending on their placement, ear seeds are traditionally used to support goals such as relaxation, sleep, focus, recovery routines, and occasional muscle tension.
What are ear seeds, and how do they work?
Ear seeding is a form of auricular acupressure within the broader practice of auriculotherapy.
In auricular therapy, the ear is viewed as a microsystem of the body, with different points traditionally associated with specific organs, systems, and areas.
Small seeds, beads, or pellets are secured to selected points on the outer ear using adhesive. Once applied, they provide gentle, continuous pressure and can be pressed periodically throughout the day for additional stimulation.
A practitioner or at-home user selects points based on the goal they would like to support. One placement may focus on relaxation, while another may focus on sleep, mental clarity, or an area of occasional muscle tension, such as the neck, shoulders, or lower back.
Traditional ear seeds commonly use Vaccaria seeds. Modern versions may use materials such as gold, stainless steel, or crystal.
Solstice ear seeds use a tiny 24k gold bead secured with medical-grade adhesive. They are designed for guided, at-home application using placement maps developed by an ACI-certified auriculotherapist.
Place the seeds.
Press them periodically.
Wear them for up to five days.
That simplicity is part of what makes ear seeding so portable.
Curious to try ear seeding for yourself?
Solstice makes the practice easy to explore at home with 24k gold ear seeds, guided placement maps, precision tweezers, and protocols for Calm, Sleep, Focus, Neck + Shoulder, and Low Back.
Approximately 30 seconds to apply.
Up to five days of wearable support
Why the ear?
The outer ear contains a dense network of nerve endings. Parts of the ear receive sensory innervation from the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, alongside several other nerves.
The vagus nerve is involved in parasympathetic activity, commonly referred to as the body’s “rest and digest” response. Researchers continue to study how different forms of auricular stimulation may influence the nervous system.
Ear seeds use gentle mechanical pressure rather than needles or electrical stimulation. Although these approaches all involve the ear, they are not identical interventions, and the exact mechanisms behind auricular acupressure are still being explored.
EXPLORE THE EAR'S CONNECTION TO THE VAGUS NERVE
How athletes might incorporate ear seeds
Athletes may be interested in ear seeds because they are portable, non-invasive, and can remain in place through several days of training, travel, rest, and competition.
Depending on the placement, ear seeds are traditionally selected to support goals including:
Calm
Points selected to support relaxation during periods of physical or emotional stress.
Sleep
A wearable practice designed to support winding down and more restorative rest.
Focus
Points traditionally selected to support mental clarity and concentration.
Neck, shoulder, or low-back tension
Placements traditionally associated with areas that may feel tight or overworked.
Ear seeds are not a substitute for sleep, nutrition, mobility work, medical care, or recovery. They may simply offer one more supportive input within a larger wellness routine.
READ MORE ABOUT COMMON USES OF EAR SEEDS
How to use ear seeds at home
- Choose a placement based on the goal you would like to support.
- Clean and completely dry the outer ear.
- Apply the seeds using a clear placement map and precision tweezers.
- Press each seed periodically for gentle stimulation.
- Remove and replace the seeds after three to five days.
Only apply ear seeds to the outer ear. Do not place them inside the ear canal or over broken or irritated skin.
Always remove them sooner if your skin becomes irritated, painful, or uncomfortable.
*The Solstice iOS app available for download on the app store
Frequently asked questions
Do ear seeds hurt?
Ear seeds should not cause sharp pain. Some points may feel temporarily tender or sensitive when pressed.
Use comfortable pressure and remove the seeds if you experience persistent pain, irritation, or discomfort.
Can you shower or exercise while wearing ear seeds?
Solstice ear seeds are designed to remain in place through normal daily activities, including showering and exercise.
Clean the outer ear with rubbing alcohol and allow it to dry completely before applying the seeds for the best hold.
Do ear seeds need to be placed perfectly?
Follow the placement map and aim for the indicated area of the ear. You do not need millimeter-perfect placement.
Solstice provides printed maps, precision tweezers, and an iOS app with guided digital protocols to make at-home application clear and approachable.
How long can you wear ear seeds?
Ear seeds can be worn for up to five days.
After removing them, allow the skin time to rest before applying a new placement. Remove them sooner if your ear becomes irritated or uncomfortable.
What are Solstice ear seeds made from?
Solstice uses tiny 24k gold beads secured with medical-grade adhesive.
They offer a jewelry-like alternative to traditional Vaccaria seed patches while using the same basic principle of gentle auricular pressure.
Try ear seeding at home
You do not need to be competing at Wimbledon to explore ear seeding.
The Solstice 24k Gold Ear Seed Starter Kit includes:
- 40 24k gold ear seeds
- Gold precision tweezers
- Printed placement maps
- Guided protocols for Calm, Sleep, Focus, Neck + Shoulder, and Low Back
- Access to the Solstice iOS placement app
Self-applied at home.
Approximately 30 seconds to apply.
Up to five days of wearable support.
Different placements for different needs.
Looks like jewelry. Feels like a reset.
SHOP THE 24K GOLD EAR SEED STARTER KIT
This article is for educational purposes and discusses traditional uses and emerging research involving auriculotherapy. Ear seeds are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease and are not a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding medical concerns.
