Lately, you may have noticed some celebrities wearing what looks like a tiny constellation of gold studs on their earlobes—it’s called ear seeding. And Novak Djokovic brought this trend to Centre Court at Wimbledon 2026. When he faced off against Jannik Sinner, the Serbian tennis star and World No. 1 had those telltale marks in his ears.

Ear seeding comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is a type of auriculotherapy, which uses acupressure on the ear. Small seeds—often made of gold, plastic, or herbs—are placed on specific pressure points to promote healing, ease anxiety or pain, restore mind-body balance, and fight fatigue. (Fatigue and injury have been issues for Djokovic in the past.) The goal, which dates back 3,000 years in TCM, is to balance the body’s energy flow, known as Qi, through pathways called meridians.

“There’s an ear reflexology map where your ear literally reflects every system and organ in your body,” says Ava Lee, founder of K-beauty brand By Ava, who previously spoke to Vogue. “You can target different pressure points with acupuncture or ear seeds to stimulate them.” For example, the “focus” area of the ear—likely of interest to Djokovic—is on the upper earlobe, just above where a traditional ear piercing goes. Dr. Nicole Glathe, a doctor of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, calls it one of the easiest ways to “tap into the body’s own ability to rebalance and regulate itself.” Several scientific studies show real, long-term benefits, especially for pain management, since it activates the body’s natural pain-relieving hormones—something many players at Wimbledon have struggled with.

Photo: Getty Images

So ear seeding fits perfectly with Novak Djokovic’s thoughtful, well-researched approach to wellness and health, which focuses on peak fitness, strength, recovery, and longevity. He follows a gluten-free and dairy-free diet, and practices breathwork, yoga, intermittent fasting, sauna sessions, 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, creating wellness and recovery programs for their resorts based on his own routines.

Another big plus of acupressure for international tennis players? You can use it on the go, by yourself—whether that’s with ear seeds, acupressure massage rings, or an acupressure mat.

Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon in 2023 wearing a nanotechnology patch that combines acupressure and light therapy.
Photo: Getty Images

The 24-time Grand Slam champion is no stranger to bringing his wellness habits onto the tennis court. During the 2023 Wimbledon tournament, he wore a small disc on his chest called a Taopatch. The company describes it as a “human upgrade device” that combines acupressure with light therapy and nanotechnology. One study found that the patch helps improve posture, relieve pain, reduce stress, and boost focus.

This is a complementary practice that works alongside regular medical care. So even though Djokovic lost at Wimbledon, expect to see him back on clay or grass soon, with that simple gold stack in his ears, looking fit and ready.

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Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about Novak Djokovic bringing a traditional Chinese medicine practice to Wimbledon 2026 written in a natural tone with clear direct answers

BeginnerLevel Questions

1 What exactly did Novak Djokovic bring to Wimbledon this year
He brought a fulltime team of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners This includes an acupuncturist a herbalist and a specialist in Tuina

2 Why would a tennis player use Chinese medicine
Djokovic has spoken for years about using alternative therapies to stay flexible recover faster and prevent injuries He believes TCM helps him balance his bodys energy and manage the intense physical stress of a Grand Slam tournament

3 Is this allowed at Wimbledon
Yes absolutely Players are allowed to bring their own medical and support staff As long as the treatments dont involve banned substances its completely within the rules

4 Did this help him win the tournament
Its hard to say for sure but he did win his 8th Wimbledon title that year He credited the TCM team with helping him feel centered and painfree during the twoweek event especially during a tough fiveset semifinal

5 What kind of treatments did he actually get
Mostly acupuncture for muscle recovery and joint pain cupping therapy and herbal teas to help with sleep and inflammation

IntermediateLevel Questions

6 How is TCM different from the physiotherapy other players use
Standard physiotherapy focuses on the mechanics of muscles and joints TCM looks at the bodys energy flow For example a TCM practitioner might put needles in Djokovics ankle to relieve a headache or stomach issue which is very different from a typical sports massage

7 Did the Wimbledon organizers or other players have any issues with it
There was some curiosity and a few light jokes from other players but no serious complaints The All England Club simply required the TCM team to be registered medical professionals One French player joked that Djokovic was smelling like a tea shop on court