Ancient Practices Meet Modern Self-Care: A Conversation with WTHN

Ear seeding is showing up on social media. Facial cupping is on beauty editors' must-try lists. Facial acupuncture is transforming people’s beauty routines.

These practices might feel trendy, but they're rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques that have supported health and wellness for millennia. Their approach makes ancient wellness practices accessible for daily self-care.

We reached out to Dr. Nicole Glathe and Kirstin Bunton, MSTOM, LAC, from WTHN — the NYC-based acupuncture and TCM studio — to get answers about how these tools work and how you can use them at home.

WTHN brings Traditional Chinese Medicine practices into modern wellness routines. What's your philosophy behind making tools like ear seeds and cupping kits available for at-home use? 

We believe TCM should be accessible — not just something you experience in a clinic, but something you can integrate into daily life. Medicine and beauty are practices, not one-time events. Real results come from consistency and using multiple tools over time. We create tools to bridge the gap between acupuncture treatments and to support those without easy access to a TCM practitioner. At-home rituals empower people to stay connected to their wellness in a way that feels simple, modern, and approachable. 

Ear seeding seems to be having a moment right now. Can you explain what it is and how it actually works on the body? 

Ear seeding is based on the idea that the ear is a microsystem — it reflects a map of the entire body, with points corresponding to different organs and systems. By stimulating specific points on the ear, you can influence corresponding areas of the body. Small seeds (or, in our case, 24K gold beads) are placed on targeted points and secured with adhesive, providing gentle, continuous acupressure over several days. 

From a TCM perspective, this steady stimulation helps regulate the flow of qi (energy), calm the nervous system, and support the body’s return to balance. People commonly use ear seeds to support stress relief, sleep, digestion, hormonal balance, and overall well-being. It’s a subtle but powerful way to tap into the benefits of acupuncture beyond the treatment room. 

Your facial cupping tools are designed for at-home self-care. What benefits can people expect, and how does facial cupping differ from body cupping? 

Facial cupping is a much gentler technique than body cupping, but it’s incredibly effective. While body cupping is designed to work deeper into muscle tissue, helping to release tight fascia, ease tension, and create fresh circulation, facial cupping uses lighter suction and constant movement across the skin.  

On the face, the goal is to boost circulation, support lymphatic drainage, and stimulate the skin in a way that encourages collagen and elastin production over time. People often notice a glow and de-puffing right away, and with consistency, improved tone and elasticity. 

For someone new to these practices, which WTHN product would you recommend starting with, and why? 

We recommend starting with ear seeds. They’re the most approachable as they require very little time and technique yet can still offer meaningful benefits. Once applied, they provide gentle acupressure over several days, so you’re getting ongoing support without having to carve out extra time in your routine. It’s a simple way to experience TCM and see how powerful small, consistent rituals can be. 

You offer both beauty tools and products focused on stress relief and sleep. How does Traditional Chinese Medicine view the connection between inner wellness and outer appearance? 

In TCM, the skin, the face, the quality of your hair — even the brightness of your eyes — are all seen as reflections of what’s happening internally. If digestion is sluggish, sleep is disrupted, or stress is high, it will eventually show up on the outside. 

That’s why in TCM, beauty isn’t just about surface-level treatment. It’s about supporting circulation, calming the nervous system, nourishing the organs, and creating balance overall. When the body is internally in harmony, an outside glow naturally follows.  

What's one misconception about these ancient practices that you'd like to clear up? 

One of the biggest misconceptions is that TCM is only meant to treat one specific issue. In reality, it’s a complete system of medicine, not a single technique or quick fix. While people may discover it through acupuncture to address pain or skincare, the true power of TCM lies in its holistic approach. It looks at the whole person and uses a range of techniques to support balance, resilience, and long-term well-being. Whether someone’s goal is better sleep, less stress, improved skin, or overall vitality, TCM offers multiple pathways to get there.  

Learn about other Eastern and Alternative Medicine practices at a Personal Discovery or Get Healthy stay at our Michelin award-winning Tucson resort. Or, discover more healing articles in our Well Stated library.