Ear acupuncture is often selected chosen for weight loss, not because it is the only way to do it, but that it is an easier method. Auricular acupuncture is the manipulation of points on the ear to affect general good health and to control addictions and cravings. There have been a number of small studies that support ear acupuncture as a treatment for obesity. The most recent study was published in 2003 in Medical Acupuncture. The studies found that ear acupuncture can help when combined with a 2,000 calorie a day diet and 15 minutes a day of walking.

It has also been proven to be especially effective, at least in the correction of certain issues that lead to overeating. It is another tool in the arsenal of the Eastern practitioner to deal with this increasingly common problem. There are undoubtedly health risks to being overweight and the psychological implications are important to a sense of security also.

Acupuncture by itself will not cause you to lose weight. You will still need to eat healthily and exercise regularly to lose weight. However people who use acupuncture as a support system report that it is very effective in supporting their weight loss efforts, making the process easier. You may need to have weekly acupuncture for weight loss to feel the effects, or you may only need treatments every other week. How often you need acupuncture will depend on your individual constitution and how much emotional factors are playing into your weight condition.

Acupuncture helps you to suppress your appetite and increase self control. Acupuncture affects weight loss by reducing the feelings of anxiety, depression and anger. By helping you relax and gain control of your emotions, practitioners believe acupuncture for weight loss helps you gain control over your eating habits. This improved control empowers you to have the self control and will to eat healthful foods in smaller proportions.

Ear Stapling

Ear stapling is a nontraditional method that uses continuous stimulation of auricular acupuncture points by placing a staple in them. If you’re interested in trying it for weight loss, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of seeking out a certified acupuncturist. But there’s much more to normalizing weight than just having a staple put in your ear.