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Ear Stapling
THIS IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY.
WHAT TYPE OF STAPLE IS USED?
The staple used is surgical steel, similar to the ones used in many surgeries. Patients who are allergic to metal may have a reaction to the staple and should not use this procedure.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The staple activates the acupuncture point in your ear that sends a message to your brain telling it that your stomach is full. It also stimulates the point to help reduce cravings.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GETTING ONE STAPLE VERSUS TWO?
Only one staple is necessary for Weight loss appetite suppression. A very precise point is measured and then stimulated by the staple. Acupuncturists typically use the left ear for weight control and the right ear for smoking cessation.
DOES IT HURT?
The staple is instrumentally inserted and is similar to having an ear pierced. Most people experience a small discomfort, but some don’t feel anything at all.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Infection is the most serious risk with this procedure. The staple pierces the cartilage of the ear and therefore a small hole is created. This hole does not close due to the staple and is at risk for infection. Hygiene is extremely important and should be taken very seriously. No other health risks have been associated with this procedure.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF IT IS WORKING?
The most common affect of the staple is a decrease in appetite and the amount of food eaten. Many patients experience nausea and stomach cramps if they overeat. Other common findings include a decrease in cravings, such as for sugar and sweets.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS THIS PROCEDURE?
Statistically 20% experience an aggressive or exceptional degree of suppression, whereas 60% experience a moderate suppression. An approximate 20% have a mild response or no response. There is no way to predict the effectiveness prior to staple insertion. As with any weight loss program, decrease of food intake and increase of exercise is highly recommended.
WILL IT INTERFERE WITH SLEEPING/SWIMMING/TALKING ON THE PHONE ETC.?
No. Because the staple sits inside your ear, normal use of a pillow or phone will not bother it. Also, swimming will not cause the staple to loosen or affect it negatively.
We strongly encourage exercise to enhance weight loss.
Auriculotherapy for Weight Loss
The ear staple, when placed in specific measured acupuncture points in the left ear, causes a constant stimulation. This stimulation helps to reduce portion size, suppress appetite and cravings. Eating past your “full point” may cause nausea, bloatedness, stomach cramping and/or other symptoms; therefore you should not eat past this “full point”.
Auriculotherapy for Smoking Cessation
The ear staple is placed in specific measured acupuncture points in the right ear and helps to decrease the addiction to nicotine and minimizes physical withdrawal symptoms. Most experience a change in the taste of the cigarette which also helps to break the habit of smoking. The stimulation also helps with the oral fixation associated with smoking and/or smokeless tobacco use.
Auriculotherapy for Stress/Depression/Anxiety and/or Migraine Headaches
The ear staple is placed in specific measured acupuncture points in either ear which causes stimulation to the Tranquilizer point which reduces the physical effects of stress, depression and/or anxiety for most people. The stimulation of this point also helps to reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of headaches for most people.
Care for Your Staple
- Hygiene is the sole responsibility of the patient.
- Clean the staple(s) twice a day with alcohol and a small amount of anti-bacterial cream until the initial tenderness is gone. Neosporin makes an anti-bacterial cream with a topical pain killer, which many patients prefer. Thorough regular cleaning with alcohol is recommended after the initial tenderness is gone.
- Initially the stapled area will show some mild swelling, redness and tenderness. THIS IS NORMAL. Should the stapled are become infected (pus, severe tenderness and moderate to severe swelling), contact us immediately for staple removal. As the initial swelling subsides you may notice more movement in your staple. THIS IS NORMAL.
- The staple can be left in for up to one year; however the time frame for maximum benefit is different for everyone. Your body will become used to the stimulation at some point and no longer respond. The average times are different for everyone. For most, the initial reaction to the staple stimulation is the strongest and will then decrease somewhat as your body gets acclimated to it. This does not mean it has stopped working.
In addition to the staple, I highly recommend a healthy diet and routine exercise for overall health reasons and increased long term weight loss. While the stimulation from the staple will help with your habits, it is up to you to “listen” to those signals for maximum benefit.
