Photo: Getty Images Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story Over the last little while, you might have spotted some celebrities sporting what looks like a constellation of twinkling gold studs on their earlobes—it’s ear seeding . And Novak Djokovic has brought the practice to Centre Court at Wimbledon 2026 . When facing off with Jannik Sinner , the Serbian tennis star and World No. 1 had the tell-tale marks in his ears.
Originating in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ear seeding is a form of auriculotherapy, which is a treatment method that uses acupressure techniques on the ear. The small seeds—usually made of materials like gold, plastic, and herbs—are placed on particular pressure points on the ear to stimulate healing, relieve anxiety or aches, promote mind-body balance, and fight fatigue. (Fatigue and injury have been issues for the player in the past.) The goal—a 3,000-year-old goal with TCM—is to balance the body’s flow of energy (also known as Qi) through specific pathways in the body called meridians.
“There is an ear reflexology map where your ear literally reflects every system and organ of your body,” Ava Lee, founder of K-beauty brand By Ava , previously told Vogue. “You have all of these different pressure points you can target with acupuncture or ear seeds to stimulate them.” For example, there’s the “focus” area of your ears (probably a point of interest for Djokovic), which is located on the upper earlobe, right above where a traditional ear piercing would be. Dr. Nicole Glathe, DAOM, LA.c., Diplom., a doctor of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine thinks it’s one of the easiest ways to “tap into the body’s own ability to rebalance and regulate itself.” Several scientific studies reflect real, long-term benefits, particularly for pain management as it activates the body’s natural pain-relieving hormones—something players across this Wimbledon have had issues with.
Photo: Getty Images And so, ear seeding makes sense within Novak Djokovic’s own considered, well-studied wellness and health philosophy; designed for optimum fitness, strength, recovery, and longevity. He follows a gluten- and dairy-free diet, and practices breathwork, yoga, intermittent fasting, sauna-ing and ice baths. He’s even talked about hugging trees as a grounding practice. Djokovic also serves as the global wellness advisor for the ultra-luxury hotel brand Aman, curating wellness and recovery programs for Aman’s resorts based on his own practices.
Another major benefit of acupressure for international tennis players? It can be used on the go, by yourself: whether that’s with ear seeding, or acupressure massage rings and acupressure mat .
Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon in 2023 wearing a nanotechnology patch that combines acupressure and light therapy.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is no stranger to bringing his wellness sensibilities to the tennis court, either. In the 2023 Wimbledon tournament, he wore a a small disc on his chest: a Taopatch. It’s described by the company as a “human upgrade device” that combines acupressure with light therapy and nanotechnology. One study found that the patch helped users with posture, helps to eliminate pain, reduce stress, and aids focus.
It’s a complementary practice that works alongside conventional care, so while Djokovic was defeated at Wimbledon, expect to see him back on the clay or grass soon with that minimalist gold stack in his ears, fighting fit.
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