Ear stapling for weight loss is a treatment based in part on auricular, or ear point acupuncture. A metal staple is placed within the ear with the tips of the staple placed in a way that is supposed to stimulate two acupuncture points in a long-term treatment designed to suppress the appetite. While acupuncture in conjunction with a sensible, limited calorie diet and exercise has been shown to be effective for weight loss, research on ear stapling is still inconclusive.
Theory
The idea behind ear stapling is that if a typical acupuncture treatment lasting 20 to 30 minutes designed to suppress appetite is good, then a full-time treatment and activation of those same points is even better. With the staple placed in a long-term temporary position, the patient can press on it with a finger to further stimulate the points.
Acupuncture
Traditional acupuncture treatment has a track record of effectiveness for treatment of appetite suppression, smoking cessation as well as drug and other substance addictions, according to Dr. Daniel Hsu of New York AcuHealth, a treatment center in New York City. Treatment for weight loss and appetite suppression follows a similar approach. Points along meridians in the ear through which energy flows are stimulated with sterile, stainless steel needles. The needles are left in place for between 20 and 40 minutes while the patient relaxes. After the treatment is over, the needles are removed. Excessively long treatments are traditionally less effective than optimized 20 to 40 minute sessions.
Stapling
Ear stapling is not acupuncture. Ear stapling falls under the category of nontraditional treatments and is merely based on one aspect of an acupuncture approach. In many states, it is not required that a practitioner or business be licensed before treating clients with ear staples, which raises safety and liability issues. According to the University of Alabama Birmingham medical center, with only limited oversight and regulation of the practice, the effectiveness of ear stapling for weight loss is questionable.
Effectiveness
A 2003 study published in Medical Acupuncture showed that medical ear acupuncture was quite effective at aiding weight loss when combined with a low calorie diet and regular, moderate exercise. Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, which is quite different from medical acupuncture, likewise has high effectiveness rates for appetite suppression and help in weight loss. Ear stapling, again perhaps as a result of lack of study or lack of professionally trained practitioners, has little backup documentation regarding it's effectiveness.
Risks
It is important for both success and safety that anyone considering ear stapling or acupuncture treatment find a license professional before receiving treatment. Some doctors can provide medical acupuncture treatment and licensed acupuncturists are nationally board certified. Without proper treatment, you run the risk of at best, a treatment that does not work, and at worst an infection that if left untreated could cause severe complications. The state medical board of Mississippi closed more than a dozen businesses offering weight-loss solutions in 2006 due to complaints from people who suffered from serious ear infections after being treated. You should never agree to be treated by an unlicensed professional.
