Fertility Blog

Fertility Blog by Illume Fertility

Everything you need to know about reproductive health, fertility testing, fertility treatment (like IUI and IVF) and how to navigate fertility challenges.

Elaine M. Malin, DACM, L.Ac

Dr. Elaine M. Malin, DACM, L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist and certified herbalist specializing in women's health, fertility, and pregnancy. She has worked with Illume Fertility patients for many years across the Norwalk and Danbury offices, and holds a doctorate from Pacific College of Health and Science. She is board certified in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine (NCCAOM-Dipl.O.M.) and licensed in Connecticut and California.

Acupuncture | Wellness | Mental Health

Ear Seeds: What They Are, How Ear Seeding Works & Potential Benefits

By: Elaine M. Malin, DACM, L.Ac
April 1st, 2026

If you've spotted tiny metallic beads on someone's ear and wondered what they were, you're not alone. Ear seeds have been having a moment, but the practice behind them is older than social media (by several decades). Here's what to expect if you're considering trying them. at a glance What they are: Small adhesive beads applied to pressure points on the outer ear; a needle-free form of auricular acupressure rooted in traditional East Asian medicine What they're used for: Stress, anxiety, fertility support, chronic pain, insomnia What to know: Best used alongside acupuncture or conventional care, not as a standalone treatment