Myalgic encephalomyelitis: Charities complain about Dragons’ Den featuring claims about ear seeds

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) charities and support groups have complained about “misleading and potentially dangerous information” on an episode of the BBC television show Dragons’ Den featuring an entrepreneur seeking investment in her ear seed business.

Giselle Boxer said that she had set up Acu Seeds after recovering from ME/CFS following a combination of “diet, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and ear seeds.”

According to the business’s website, Acu Seeds are rooted in the principles of Chinese medicine and are a “DIY needle-free form of acupuncture for anxiety, migraines, hormonal problems, insomnia, weight loss, and more.”1 Tiny gold or silver plated balls are attached to different points on the ear with a small sticker.

Action for ME organised the open letter, which was sent to the BBC and the chairs of the health and social care committee and the culture, media, and sport committee following the …