Posted on 12/11/2006 11:04:03 AM PST by the_devils_advocate_666
Crash diets, plastic surgery, "miracle pills" and extreme workouts are the most common ways to shed off those extra pounds.
However, a new fad is gaining popularity and due to its price and supposed success, it is sweeping the nation one ear at a time.
Those who perform the acupuncture ear stapling procedure claim that by inserting a tiny, surgical staple into the ear, it will trigger certain pressure points that may curb appetites, reduce stress, relieve pain, and may even help one to quit smoking.
"I must admit, I was a little skeptical at first considering all the gimmicks that are out there. But once I had it done I couldn't believe it," says mother of two, Judy Kramer, 34, of Pittsburgh. Kramer explained how the staple helped her lose 15 pounds in two months.
For centuries, acupuncture has been a technique used by many to help certain symptoms. However, the process of traditional acupuncture, which places tiny needles along the body targeting pressure points, requires many visitations and can be very costly.
"With the 'Acu-staple,' it is a semi-permanent form of acupuncture which really increases its capabilities and maximizes your results," says certified ear-stapler and RN, Cindy Pace from Pittsburgh. According to Pace, the average price of this not-so-tedious procedure ranges from $60-$80, which generally includes both ears.
If one decides to take part in this new trend of ear stapling, the side effects and precautions are limited to but include infection and perhaps inability to work.
According to Acu-staple.com, auriculotherapy or ear puncture utilizes the body's micro system of the ear to treat the body. It has been scientifically shown that different points in the ear demonstrate higher electrical conductivity which will, in turn, increase energy to an area of imbalance and will potentially result in improvement in the physical as well as energetic state of the body.
Trevor Jarvis, 21, a Pittsburgh resident who received the procedure, said the feeling that overcomes the recipient is unexplainable. "I can't really describe it, but you feel a lot better about yourself and it looks pretty cool too," he said.
The centimeter or so staple is hardly noticeable in one's ear, but Jarvis says that many people ask him if it is some type of industrial piercing.
Results should be noticeable within seven to 10 days and most "staplers" offer free removal or free readjustment in case the staple isn't hitting the desired pressure points.
Aaaahhhh, the miracle of the placebo effect!
I will stick with baked/brolied chicken and veggies, when I diet. thank you!
I'm working on a theory that weight loss is associated with food intake and exercise. Neither one involves the ear. Oh, yeah, call me a radical...
Blast from the Past, Man!
(If at first you don't succeed.................)
Why wouldn't it work? It's hard to hold either a cigarette or a fork when you're clutching your still-bleeding ear, whimpering in pain.
It's the same way the rest of acupuncture works - if you stick pins in a guy every time he complains, pretty soon he stops complaining.
Already a hit in the public sector...
OLD idea. This was a fad back in the 70's.
Everyone I knew who had it said you had to 'wiggle' it to activate it. Trouble is, no one wanted to wiggle and so no one lost any weight.
There is truly nothing new under the sun......
"if it works, it works."
It doesn't. According to my doctor they brought him lots of business via infection.
LOL.
Placebo effect.
Yeah, that the problem with a lot of things.......
This has been around for years and years and years. How stupid are these people and those who write about them.
Has anyone used Cow Magnets for weight reduction yet...
psuedoscience for the sheeple
Yeah, but I kept getting stuck to the rail around the salad bar. LOL
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.