Many Americans struggle with overwhelming stress, or constant cravings for cigarettes or unhealthy foods. Auriculotherapy, also known as the ear staple, uses the healing principles of acupuncture to stimulate the points on the ear that relieve these cravings. If you need help to quit smoking, resist tempting foods or overcome stress, come visit us! We brought the ear staple to Houston!

Auriculotherapy uses a simple surgical-grade staple to stimulate the points in the ear that decrease cravings and stress. The principles of ear stimulation have been in use for centuries, but we are the first in Houston to use a staple. This allows continuous stimulation that doesn't stop when you leave our office.

Questions and Answers about the ear staple

WHO WILL BE PERFORMING THE EAR STAPLING PROCEDURE?

Both clinic doctors, Lynn Marquardt, D.C. and Mark Marquardt, D.C. will perform the procedure.

WHAT ARE THEIR QUALIFICATIONS?

Both doctors have been in private practice for over 20 years and have used leading edge acupuncture techniques in their orthopedic and sports medicine practices. They have been extensively trained in this specific auriculotherapy procedure, and subsequently, the results they have obtained for their patients have been very impressive.

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 OR TWO?

Only one staple is necessary for 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 DO I CARE FOR MY STAPLE?

Clean the staple twice daily with a cotton swab and alcohol. Then, apply Neosporin or an antibacterial cream to seal the area.

HOW LONG CAN I LEAVE THE STAPLE IN?

The staple can be left in for up to one year; however, the time frame for maximum benefit is different per individual. Stimulation (re-charging) of the staple is recommended every 2-4 weeks to keep the staple optimally functioning.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF IT IS WORKING?

The most common affect of the staple is a decrease in appetite. 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.

IS IT NOTICEABLE?

The staple is small and thin and sits flush against the inside of the ear. In most cases, a person facing you would not be able to see it. In fact, other people probably won't notice it unless you point it out.

WILL IT INTERFERE WITH SLEEPING/ SWIMMING/ TALKING ON THE PHONE?

No. Because the staple sits inside your ear, normal use of a pillow or phone will not bother it. Also, once it has healed, swimming will not cause the staple to loosen or affect it negatively.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The charge is $100. This includes measuring of the precise acupuncture points, the ear staple, and a follow up visit after two weeks. Additional staples for smoking cessation or stress control are an additional charge of $50. Another procedure we offer is stimulation ($20) which is recommended every 2-4 weeks to keep the staple functioning at its highest level of benefit. If at any time you would like to have your staple removed, the service is done FREE OF CHARGE.

As with any weight loss program, decrease of food intake and increase of exercise is highly recommended.