Auricular acupressure is a treatment used in weight loss therapy that is based on traditional Chinese acupuncture. Acupressure, applied to your ear's key pressure points using ear clips, is believed to work on your body's natural energies, applying slight pressure to certain points for treatment of weight loss, pain and smoking cessation. Ear clips are believed to help suppress the patient's hunger.
History
The use of Chinese acupressure dates back centuries, but its use via ear clipping has only been used for weight loss since 1976, according to the National Institutes of Health PubMed. Early versions of acupressure included using acupuncture needles inserted into the key points of the ear. Results were inconclusive during past studies, showing no significant effect on appetite suppression. Later, ear clips replaced acupuncture needles in an attempt to provide better results with less hassle.
Studies
According to PubMed, the use of ear clips in weight loss efforts was studied in 1998 at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York. In the initial 1998 study, ear clips were worn twice daily by test subjects. By applying mild to moderate pressure at the ears, it was concluded that ear clips were more effective at delaying hunger and suppressing appetite in order to eliminate overeating. This conclusion has raised patients' hopes that using acupressure for permanent weight loss will work for them.
How it Works
Ear clips are applied to the tragus nerve, also known as the hunger spot. The tragus is located at the ear and is responsible for sending neurological transmissions to the digestive system. According to Acupuncture.com, acupressure also stimulates the vagus nerve, creating a sensation of fullness by raising serotonin levels in your brain and toning your stomach muscles.
Causes of Obesity
While the main cause of obesity may be looked upon as general overeating, this is not the complete truth. According to the Weight Control Information Network, as service of the National Institutes of Health, factors such as genetics, culture, social and environmental factors are also to blame. A person with a long family history of obesity is more likely to become obese himself, as is someone who doesn't exercise or who was raised to eat too much of the wrong kinds of food.
Considerations
It is important to remember that illness also plays a major role in obesity. Acupressure can either enhance healing properties with conventional medical treatments or have no effect on weight loss that is induced by illness. Always make sure that you discuss treatment of such conditions as hypothyroidism, Cushing's Syndrome, diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome with your doctor.
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