Ear Stapling: A Weight Loss Solution?

by Lashell Hoover | More from this Blogger

29 Jan 2007 10:04 PM

According to the January/February 2007 issue of Health magazine, Mississippi and Arkansas are the only states that require medical professionals to perform ear stapling. However, this doesn't stop less qualified individuals from practicing this technique. If you haven't heard about it, ear stapling is a derivation of acupuncture. Pressure points in the ear correspond with the stomach. When done by a professional, he or she will use proper methods to consider where the staple needs to be placed. If accurately executed, placing light pressure on the tiny, surgical staple will cause a reduction in cravings and appetite suppression. Depending upon the individual, between two and five pounds per week could be shed. Some practitioners say that the more a person weighs the more he or she will lose.

People, who choose to have the inner cartilage above the ear canal stapled, can choose to have the procedure done to one ear or both. The staples can be worn for up to six months. Some have said that the pain is equivalent to ear piercing. As someone who has two cartilage piercings, one in each ear, I can tell you that it stings. I had to blink away the tears. Currently, I'm having problems with one piercing; it's taking longer than the other to heal. Based on my experience with cosmetic piercings, it didn't surprise me that the most common complaint about ear stapling concerns infection. In addition, permanent scarring and damage to the cartilage can occur or a loose staple could fall into the ear canal, damaging the inner ear.

Even if this sounds like a viable option for weight loss, healthful meals and regular exercise are recommended. Ear stapling alone may not produce the desired amount of weight loss. Before trying this procedure, consider this. What happens when your target weight loss is achieved and the staple is removed? Will the weight return? Is ear stapling just another trend that will drain your wallet?

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Learn more about Lashell Hoover

Lashell Hoover lives in Maryland with her husband, three children, and beloved pets. A former SAHM, she is currently a full-time university student. She enjoys writing, reading, music, art, and life.

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Andrea Hermitt (5507) 31 Jan 2007 10:30 PM

Can't you just put in a permanent earing?

Lashell Hoover (470) 02 Feb 2007 10:54 AM

Yes, I think you can. If so, it makes more sense because the staples leave holes that won't heal. These staples have to be moved once in a while because the body becomes accustomed to the pressure. I know that cartilage piercing can be painful, so the thought of the staples makes me cringe.

Aerie (309) 02 Feb 2007 01:03 PM

I had never heard of such a thing! Is this more effective than just pinching the pressure point, I wonder? Sounds like it could be effective for people who gain weight because of cravings. I bet people who are emotional eaters would be sorely disappointed with the results though.

hogangal (10) 04 Mar 2007 07:51 PM

I had my ears stapled in Nov. 2006 I had them removed a couple of months later by my father who had to take wire cutters because they had embedded into my ear and no weight had been lost. Very dangerous!!!!