Auricular Therapy (Ear Seeds/Needles) Procedure Note

Procedure: Auricular Therapy – [Ear Seeds / Press Needles / Auricular Needles]

Date/Time: [Date and time]

Location: [Clinic/site]

Performed by: [Name, credentials]

Indication and Baseline

[Primary indication, patient-centered goal, and baseline symptom score if obtained; relevant risk modifiers] (State the primary indication being treated and the patient's treatment goal. Include baseline symptom score on 0-10 scale if obtained; if not, explicitly state "Baseline scoring not obtained." Note risk modifiers affecting safety or aftercare such as anticoagulation, immunocompromised status, bleeding disorder, adhesive/tape allergy, or metal sensitivity.)

Pre-Procedure Verification

• [Patient identity verification method]
• [Procedure and modality verified] – [Ear Seeds / Press Needles / Auricular Needles]
• [Intended laterality] – [Right / Left / Bilateral]
• [Allergies reviewed] (Adhesive/tape allergy required for all modalities; include metal sensitivity if applicable.)
• [Ear/skin suitability confirmed] (No active infection, dermatitis, open lesions, or piercings at intended points.)
• [Home monitoring capability and removal plan confirmed] (For retained devices only.)

Consent

[Informed consent documentation] (Document that informed consent was obtained after discussing nature of procedure, alternatives, and material risks. Tailor risks by modality: ear seeds—skin irritation, adhesive reaction, rare displacement into canal; press needles—pain, bleeding, infection, skin breakdown; auricular needles—bleeding, bruising, vasovagal response. For retained devices, document that retention and removal plan were specifically discussed.)

Auricular Assessment and Point Selection

[Pre-placement ear inspection findings] (Describe skin integrity and any areas avoided due to piercings or compromise.)

[Point identification method] – [Anatomic landmarking / Palpation for reactive points / Point finder]

[Selection rationale] – [Standard protocol / Individualized based on exam and patient presentation]

Procedure

Materials: [Modality and device specifics] (Specify device type: seed material/type, press needle/tack, or auricular needle gauge/length; adhesive/tape used; skin preparation method. For penetrating devices, note single-use sterile materials and gloves.)

Points and Laterality:

Ear	Point	Device	Number
[Right / Left / Bilateral]	[Point name/location]	[Ear seed / Press needle / Auricular needle]	[Count]
[Right / Left / Bilateral]	[Point name/location]	[Ear seed / Press needle / Auricular needle]	[Count]

Device Counts: (Required for press needles and auricular needles; omit for ear seeds.)

• [Number inserted]
• [Number removed] (If applicable.)
• [Number retained] (If applicable.)
• [Count reconciliation] (e.g., "All devices accounted for" or describe discrepancy.)

Immediate Response

[Patient tolerance and immediate symptom response] (Document overall tolerance and any immediate change using patient-reported metrics if obtained. If post-procedure symptom assessment was not performed, state "Post-procedure symptom assessment not performed.")

Adverse events: [None / Describe] (If present, document: dizziness/vasovagal symptoms, bleeding requiring hemostasis, localized pain beyond expected, skin reaction, or device displacement.)

Post-Procedure Check

[Skin appearance at treated ears] – [Intact / Mild expected erythema / Concerning findings]

[Adhesive integrity and device security] (For auricular needles, confirm all were removed.)

[Patient demonstration of point location for home stimulation] – [Demonstrated / Not instructed / Not applicable]

Discharge Instructions

Home stimulation: [Frequency, duration per point, and intensity guidance] (If not instructed, state "No home stimulation instructed.")

Retention and removal: [Planned retention duration and removal plan] (For ear seeds: advise early removal for rash, pain, or skin breakdown; peel tape and cleanse skin. For press needles: specify return visit vs home removal; if home removal, document sharps disposal plan provided and instruction not to reinsert if device falls out. For auricular needles: document all were removed during visit.)

Red flags: [Return precautions and contact information] (Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or fever; severe pain; spreading rash; concern about migration into ear canal; persistent dizziness. Include clinic contact and after-hours instructions.)

Follow-Up

[Planned follow-up timeframe and anticipated modifications] (State when to return and any expected changes such as alternating ear, adjusting points, or discontinuation criteria.)