HEALTH ROW
BBC pull Dragons’ Den episode after health row over ‘ear seeds’ pitch viewers dubbed ‘exploitative’
Boxer told how she used a number of methods to ease her symptoms
THE BBC has removed a Dragons' Den episode from its streaming service after a guest showcased controversial "ear seeds".
Giselle Boxer, 31, made history on the hit show in recent days after landing an astonishing six offers from the Dragons.
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But her business was said to have been reported to the Advertising Standards Authority over what are said to be "unproven" claims.
Doctors and "vulnerable sick people" alike have written letters and complaints claiming the product is giving patients "false hope".
And now the BBC has pulled the episode, which aired on January 18.
A BBC spokesperson told The Sun: "We're taking the concerns raised seriously, so we are reviewing the episode and therefore it's currently not available on iPlayer."
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The broadcaster previously defended the inclusion of the wellness business.
Action for ME said on social media that it had written to BBC Director-General Tim Davie to voice its concerns about the episode.
What are Ear Seeds and how do they work?
WHAT ARE EAR SEEDS?
Ear seeds act as tiny acupressure devices.
It is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that is thought to promote comfort and relaxation.
People may use them to help with pain, insomnia, substance abuse and mental health issues ranging from anxiety to grief.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
A practitioner places the seeds on the outside portion of your ear.
Once in place, you massage them two to three times a day - gently applying presseuire to the seeds and moving them in small circles.
This is meant to promote the release of natural endorphins that may help with certain conditions.
Early research suggests ear seeds might help people deal with chronic pain, but much more research is needed to prove this, according to
Boxer proudly pitched her business Acu Seed - which sells a version of what she says helped her overcome a debilitating disease.
The mum said she was just 26 when she was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) - also known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - which left her gravely ill.
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CFS/ME is a condition that makes it impossible to carry out basic everyday tasks, including brushing your teeth.
However, Boxer told the Dragons that with the help of diet, acupuncture, Chinese herbs and ear seeds her symptoms were eased.
Ear seeds are tiny needle-less beads, based on acupuncture principles, which are applied to the ear to stimulate nerve endings.
Boxer said her recovery inspired her to set up Acu Seeds with the aim of helping others recover from similar conditions - including anxiety and migraines.
The mum was overwhelmed by offers from the Dragons, and ended up settling with entrepreneur Steven Bartlett.
He invested £50,000 into her business for a 12.5 per cent return.
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What are the signs and symptoms of chronic fatigue symptom (ME/CFS)?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptom is extreme tiredness.
CFS is also known as ME, which stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis.
It can affect anyone, including children, but is more common in women, and tends to develop between your mid-20s and mid-40s.
As well as extreme tiredness, people may have other symptoms, including:
- sleep problems
- muscle or joint pain
- headaches
- a sore throat or sore glands that aren't swollen
- problems thinking, remembering or concentrating
- flu-like symptoms
- feeling dizzy or sick
- fast or irregular heartbeats (heart palpitations)
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