A Guide to understanding how your ear staple works
Robert T. Aldridge, DC
HealthWorks of Arlington
What it is
Auricular (ear) acupuncture is simply using pressure to stimulate certain points on the ear that correspond to areas of the body. You may be surprised to know there are more than 200 points on each ear that represent separate parts of your body!
What we call “ear staple” are simply surgical stainless steel staples or clips that are inserted onto the points which help to curb your appetite and reduce the amount of food you eat, thereby allowing your body to begin using the stored fat as a fuel source.
How it works
Choy and Eidenschenk examined the effect of ear staples and that they caused a slowing down of the digestive system which led the patient to have a sensation of being full faster(Auriculotherapy Manual, Third Edition by Terry Oleson).
It’s that simple Your stomach feels full after you have eaten only a portion of what you normally eat. Not only do you eat less at each sitting, but since you feel full you are less likely to snack between meals.
What to expect
When you have the staples in your ears, you should notice a physical change in your eating habits. This should not be a mental preoccupation with your diet. You will still become hungry when your body needs to be fed, but the amount of food required should be much less than before. Also, your cravings for sweet things may decrease too. If for some reason you do not notice a change in your eating in the first 2 weeks, Dr. Aldridge will re-adjust the staples at no charge and extend your 2 weeks to notice the results. When you come in to the office, you will be weighed and a body fat analysis will be done. This is to chart your progress. Dr. Aldridge will discuss your eating habits with you in order to assess if this procedure will benefit you. Ear staples can last up to 3 months and can be replaced if more weight loss is desired or simply taken out once you have adapted to your new healthier eating habits. The cost of the procedure is 75.00. Please feel free to ask the doctor about any additional questions or concerns you may have. 5% of staples may become inflamed or infected and should be removed as soon as possible by the doctor.