Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the resurgence of "ear beans" (埋耳豆) in Japan, transforming from a traditional Chinese remedy into a trendy fashion accessory among young Japanese women, highlighting the cultural fascination with Chinese medicine and the commercialization of wellness trends [10][16][21]. Group 1: Cultural Transformation - Ear beans, once considered unattractive in childhood, have been rebranded in Japan as fashionable ear accessories, now referred to as "ear穴饰品" [10][8]. - The popularity of ear beans is attributed to their perceived benefits, such as appetite suppression and body balance, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine [18][16]. - The marketing of ear beans has evolved to include exaggerated claims about their health benefits, likening them to previous wellness trends in Japan [22][21]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Japanese consumers exhibit a strong belief in the efficacy of wellness products, often driven by marketing narratives that emphasize natural elements and energy [35][51]. - The article notes that the allure of these products often lies more in psychological comfort than in actual scientific validation [51][32]. - The trend reflects a broader cultural phenomenon in Japan, where there is a deep-seated reverence for nature and its perceived powers, influenced by Shinto beliefs [36][46]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The ear bean trend has led to a surge in demand for related beauty services, with prices ranging from 2000 to 4000 yen (approximately 100 to 200 RMB) [10]. - The commercialization of ear beans and similar products has created a cycle of consumer spending, driven by the desire for new experiences and wellness solutions [50][51]. - The article suggests that the ongoing fascination with such products will continue to fuel innovation and marketing strategies in the wellness industry [48][51].

埋耳豆，是个古早的词汇。 还记得在我小学的时候，家长们都急着矫正自家小孩的视力，把一批批孩子送到中医院"贴标"。 在班里，至少有一半耳朵都贴着这种肉色的小胶布。不仅有时会对胶布过敏，每天晚上还要被妈妈强行挤压穴位，堪比上刑。 当时这也不是一件光彩的事：觉得它看起来太丑了。小时候的我认为埋耳豆很丢人，才索性留了好几年都不露耳的波波头。 可现在，曾经被嫌弃的耳豆在日本的时尚界穿越重生了。 只是他们把中国传统的王不留行籽换成更容易获得的金属球，外面贴上亮晶晶的皓石和爱心。让土气的小耳豆摇身一变，成为了Y2K潮人们必备的耳饰。 在日本流行的美容服务预约平台Minimo上可以看到，大部分美容店都推出了叫做"耳つぼジュエリーシール"的服务，翻译过来就是耳穴饰品。 价格普遍在2000-4000日元，折合人民币一两百块。花点小钱，就可以让耳朵在一周内都是时尚单品。耳穴埋豆，由此火遍全球。 在埋耳豆之前，店员会模仿中医"望闻问切"的手法：先看顾客脸色怎么样，再问最近哪里不舒服、需要啥样的效果，然后再让客户挑选自己喜欢的耳饰套 装。 预热之后，她们就会用一根金属棒使劲怼耳朵的各个角落，美名其曰"测试反应"。有时候顾客疼得一抽，这 ...