Carrying excess weight affects an individual physically and emotionally. Sometimes physical ailments may interfere with weight loss, but many times the problem stems from emotional issues. You can rid yourself of unwanted pounds by eating fewer calories than you need or by moving more and burning excess calories, but the best way is to do both, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Some Georgians may want a jump-start, however, and try different methods to help obtain weight loss goals. One such way is a type of acupuncture that involves inserting staples into your ears.
Ear Stapling 101
Decreasing appetite is the concept behind ear stapling. The staple is inserted into ear cartilage to activate pressure points that control appetite in an attempt to make the weight-loss candidate less hungry.
Ear stapling is based on the concept of auricular acupuncture theory where certain pressure points in the ear are thought to be linked to the stomach. Auricular acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that suggests the body and mind can be balanced through stimulating pressure points in the ear.
Pros
Ear stapling to lose weight has been offered to individuals for about 20 years. Acupuncturists suggest individuals may lose 2 to 3 pounds per week, but results vary. Individuals who put themselves on a nutritious calorie reduced diet may have even better results, according to Acupuncture & Herbal Works.
The staples usually stay in the ears for three to four months. Painwise, having the staples inserted is comparable to having your ears pierced, but any discomfort usually lasts only a short time, according to Acupuncture & Herbal Works.
Cons
Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky cautions weight-loss candidates against ear stapling, citing the low probability of weight-loss success and the possibility of infections.
"With auricular acupuncture, the needles are typically left in place for only a short period of time," Zeratsky says on the clinic's website.
Staples put in for weight loss are usually left in for several months versus a week or less, increasing the likelihood of infection. The level of training of the individual inserting the surgical staples and the cleanliness of the establishment are also points of concern for the weight-loss candidate.
Cautions
The major concern about surgical ear stapling is the risk for infection. The licensed professional should give you after-care instructions for your ears. One thing she will caution you about is touching your ears unnecessarily. Doctoring your ear is the only time your hand should come into contact with the staple site, and your hands should be clean before you begin.
Make sure you know how much the ear-stapling procedure should cost before committing to having it done.
Service Providers
Find a professional who has an up-to-date Georgia license to practice to insert staples into your ears. A licensed chiropractor or acupuncturist is a good place to begin your search. Georgia has more than 3,000 active licensed chiropractors and many licensed acupuncturists.
The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine works to make sure acupuncturists are competent in their work by offering certification to those meeting their educational standards. The NCCAOM will also help you locate a licensed acupuncturist.
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