The quest for effective weight loss solutions has led to various approaches, some conventional and others more unconventional. One such method gaining attention is ear piercing for weight loss. Some call it body piercing. Some call it acupuncture. Some call it absurd. This article delves into the concept of weight loss ear piercing, exploring its theoretical basis, potential benefits, associated risks, and scientific evidence.
The Theory Behind Ear Piercing for Weight Loss
The idea of ear piercings for weight loss is rooted in the principles of acupressure and acupuncture. Auriculo-therapy is a type of acupuncture that recognizes the ear as a micro-system for the entire body. According to proponents, certain pressure points in the ear are connected to nerve pathways that influence appetite and metabolism. When stimulating specific Acupoints on the external ear, there is said to be corresponding health benefits. Believers in ear stapling claim that by continuously stimulating the Zero Point location, which is said by some to include the Stomach point presented above, they can curb appetite, reduce stress and increase metabolism, among other benefits.
Most believers point the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture for the source of the effect, while some attribute it to underlying physical connections in the body. According to some sources, the outer ear and the abdominal organs are right next to each other during fetal development in the womb, and the physical connection between these body parts remains via nerve pathways even after they are no longer in close proximity. In this explanation, stimulating a part of the external ear also stimulates the abdominal organs, including the stomach. Other practitioners claim that piercing this particular area of the ear releases endorphins -- chemicals released by the brain during pleasurable activities that make you feel good. But most people look at ear stapling as a derivative of acupuncture. The basis of acupuncture is the concept of qi, or life force. In ancient Chinese practices (and many modern derivatives of the ancient form), stimulating specific points on the body using needles or finger pressure can open or clear certain channels that run throughout the body that are crucial to overall health and wellbeing.
Types of Ear Piercings and Their Purported Weight Loss Benefits
Several types of ear piercings are associated with weight loss claims, each targeting specific pressure points:
Daith Piercing
The Daith Piercing is famous for relieving migraines occurrences and migraine pain. This piercing is made on the small fold of cartilage in the middle of the ear. Daith piercing goes through the inner ear cartilage and some believe it can help with appetite control and weight loss. This piercing is in the innermost fold of cartilage of the ear, this spot is associated with reducing food cravings and controlling overeating. Nerves in this area are connected to the lower diaphragm, mouth, esophagus, and other respiratory sites. It is believed that with Daith Piercings on both ears, the entire brain can be relieved from pain. Some people claim better sleep patterns after getting a daith piercing. There are also accounts of increased mental clarity and focus following daith piercing. Supporters of this treatment claim that it activates a pressure point that relieves migraine symptoms.
Read also: Facial Piercing Pain and Healing
Tragus Piercing
The small flap that covers the opening of the ear and connects to your head contains nerves that connect to adrenal glands, pharynx, and neuroreceptors that control thirst and hunger. It is believed that Tragus Piercing help with managing aggression, energy levels and even appetite control. When stimulated correctly, the Tragus can help people control appetite and aggression. In some cases, the Tragus Piercing has even helped to control smoking habits, since there are neurological receptors in this area that react to and demand nicotine.
Helix Piercing
The Helix Piercing is on the outer top cartilage rim of the ear. This piercing is on the outer rim of the ear, the upper cartilage area. Some acupuncturists say that this area will help cure this. This piercing is best for those who suffer from insomnia due to depression and/or stress. Stimulating nerves in this area is said to relieve insomnia, and in some cases allergies. For a more effective approach, two to three Helix Piercings are made to each ear. When pierced, it's said to relieve allergy symptoms like congestion and a sore throat.
Rook piercing
More geared toward females, the Rook piercing is said to have benefits for the menstrual cycle and digestive system. This piercing is in the middle of the ear, above the small fold of cartilage. Depending on the position of this piercing, various parts of the body are affected. The lower area of the Rook connects to the uterus and cavam pelvis in the female’s biological system, stimulation to this area is to alleviate menstrual pain and cramps. The upper part of the Rook connects with the bladder, intestines, the kidney, and even the sciatic nerve, helping with one’s digestive system.
Conch Piercing
Located just outside the opening of the ear is the Conch Piercing. When pierced correctly, piercings in this middle bowl area are said to help with relaxation and chronic pain. Though it is the most intense of ear piercings, it holds great benefits, helping with spinal or lower back pains. This area of the ear that are connected to the sacral sine, lumbar vertebrae, and thoracic vertebrae.
Ear Stapling: An Alternative Approach
Ear stapling involves a practitioner using a specialized staple gun to pierce a slightly protruding piece of cartilage just above and to the left of the tragus portion of the ear. Small surgical staples are placed into the inner cartilage of each ear. The resulting surgical-grade, very thin staple stays in the ear for six weeks to three months before it needs to be removed and re-pierced, as the body gets used to the presence of the staple. Once the body gets used to the staple, it needs to be repositioned, which means returning to the practitioner to have the ear re-stapled in a slightly different location. Practitioners charge anywhere from $35 to $60 per ear, and some recommend stapling both of your ears to achieve the maximum weight loss effect. All ear-stapling practitioners will tell you it works wonders (especially if you combine it with a good diet and exercise regimen).
Read also: Describing emotion through face
Proponents of ear stapling claim that the staples stimulate a pressure point that controls appetite, leading to weight loss. Ear stapling is based loosely on the principles of acupuncture, which involves stimulating certain points with fine needles.
Ear Seeds: A Non-Invasive Option
Ear seeds are based on the principles of auricular acupuncture, a microsystem where the ear reflects the entire body. Each part of the ear corresponds to a specific area-like the stomach, liver, spleen, or endocrine system-that plays a role in maintaining metabolic health. When used as part of a broader wellness routine, ear seeds can support the body’s natural ability to process nutrients, manage hunger cues, and deal with stress. Some of the key benefits people report include reduced sugar cravings, decreased appetite, improved digestion, and better energy levels. Several acupoints on the ear are commonly targeted during weight loss protocols. These points are usually stimulated for several days at a time. Most practitioners recommend replacing the ear seeds every 3-5 days and applying gentle pressure several times daily to enhance results. If you’re visiting a licensed practitioner for ear seed therapy, your session will usually begin with a consultation. The practitioner will assess your health goals, current habits, and specific concerns before selecting the appropriate acupoints to stimulate. Some notice a shift in appetite within the first day, while others report gradual changes over a week. They also serve as a gentle reminder throughout the day to stay mindful of your habits and choices.
Scientific Evidence and Research
While the theory sounds intriguing, it’s important to note that these claims lack strong scientific backing. Most of the information comes from anecdotal reports or traditional practices rather than rigorous studies. Despite what you may expect, you may end up lengthening jewelry first to accommodate irritation due to weight changes, and then downing to something shorter than you previously had. Cheeks can be a rollercoaster at the best of times, and any body changes like weight loss or gain will affect them.
The piercing that supposedly helps migraines is called the Daith piercing, located in the fold of cartilage just above the entrance to the ear canal. The piercing that supposedly helps with allergies is called the helix piercing, located at a particular point on top of the ear called the allergy point. The Daith piercing, which also supposedly helps with migraines, is said to help ease chronic anxiety. Another piercing is popular as well, called the Shen men or "heavenly gate" piercing. Located on the thick piece of cartilage that juts out just below the top curve of the ear, some believe that it can reduce anxiety.
A couple of scientific studies back up the use of auricular acupuncture in weight loss. According to one study conducted at the University of Adelaide in Australia in 1998, "Acupuncture stimulates the auricular branch of the vagal nerve and raises serotonin levels, both of which have been shown to increase tone in the smooth muscle of the stomach, thus suppressing appetite." In this study, a group of 60 obese subjects were split into two groups, with only one of the groups receiving acupuncture treatment. The treatment consisted of a simultaneous stimulation of the Shen Men and Stomach points. The results showed that the acupuncture group was more likely to experience a reduced appetite and to lose weight than the control group. Scientific studies on auriculotherapy have shown promising results. Some research indicates that stimulation of ear acupoints may influence the hypothalamus-responsible for appetite and satiety signals-while also improving circulation and calming the nervous system.
Read also: Paneer: A protein-rich food for shedding pounds.
Skeptics point out that the placebo effect -- a term used to describe the phenomenon of something working because you believe it's going to work -- is an possible explanation for all of these positive results.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Whether you think it's going to work or not, there are some things to keep in mind if you're thinking about giving ear stapling a shot. First, piercing anything on your body can lead to an infection, and piercing cartilage increases this risk. Also, piercing can be a big deal if you hit a nerve or other important body structure. So don't take the procedure lightly. Second, ear stapling is not well regulated (if it's regulated at all). Don't just walk into somebody's house who has a medical-looking setup and submit to getting stapled. Find someone who is a certified acupuncturist trained specifically in ear stapling. And most of all, remember that even the most ardent supporters of ear stapling say it works best if you also eat healthy and keep yourself active. If you have a nickel allergy, opt for seeds made from gold or stainless steel, or consider plant-based options like vaccaria. Ear stapling lacks scientific evidence as well and can carry higher risk when staples are left in place for extended periods of time.
Infection
The most common risk is infection, which can lead to swelling, pain, and discharge. Cartilage piercings like the Daith, Tragus, and Helix are prone to infections, especially if not cared for properly. Studs reduce the risk of infection, inflammation, and swelling as their straight posts promote better healing.
Nerve Damage
Piercing areas like the Tragus are dense with nerve endings, making them more susceptible to damage during the procedure.
Migration and Rejection
Tragus piercings are more prone to migration. That’s when the jewelry moves from its original spot. Surface piercings can sometimes deal with migration and even rejection as body fat changes affect how they sit in the tissue. Excessive rapid weight loss may also lead to migration and rejection. Excessive and rapid weight gain such as from binge eating can also lead to the same.
Pain and Discomfort
The piercing process itself can be painful, and the daith area may be sensitive for a while afterward.
Healing Time and Maintenance
Cartilage piercings take 6-9 months or longer to heal completely.
Choosing a Piercer and Jewelry
To mitigate risks, it's important to choose a professional and experienced piercer. Follow proper aftercare instructions and ensure the piercing is done with sterile equipment. For best results, choose high-quality ear seeds that use medical-grade adhesive and are suited to your skin type. Look for practitioners with formal training in auricular therapy and a background in Traditional Chinese Medicine or integrative wellness. Some may even offer remote consultations and video guidance for at-home use.
When it comes to daith piercing materials, you have the same choices as tragus piercings. Gold is a popular option because the metal is higher quality and that encourages healing.
Choosing the right type of helix piercing jewelry complements your style and also promotes healing and comfort. Labret studs are recommended for initial piercings to allow space for healing.
Weight Changes and Piercings
When it comes to losing weight, I have some generally good news- it’s not very likely to affect most piercings, and it generally takes a considerable amount of weight change to do so. When we healthily lose weight, the weight loss is gradual over time, giving our bodies time to adjust to it. As anyone who has struggled with stubborn areas on their body, there’s also no way to spot reduce fat- so it’s not like you are losing from just one specific area- you lose weight all over as you go down. Losing 10 or 15 pounds is a lot- but distributed all over your body, it’s not nearly as much as losing it from just one place. This is why it does take a substantial amount of weight loss to really affect most piercings. The majority of clients are not going to fluctuate severely enough in weight from just weight loss or gain alone to really majorly affect their piercings.
For many who are on a journey with weight, the pressing question is when should I get pierced? Is there a best time? And honestly, there’s not! I would encourage you to get whatever piercings you want when you are ready to get them. Just try to use some common sense about it. If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to talk to your piercer about timelines. We can listen to your specific situation, and advise you on what would be the best place to start, the best timeline to work in, and how we can make sure your piercings still have a great time and don’t impact your weight journey.
Weight Loss and Piercings
Navel piercings can be among the most affected, and also the piercings I’m asked about the most often. Many folks can hold more body fat around their stomachs, and many may be focusing weight loss or gain efforts on these areas. As you lose weight, especially large amounts of weight, you may notice the skin on the stomach becoming looser, and this can also occur with piercings. As facial fat changes, you may notice changes to some facial piercings, predominantly surface piercings, some oral piercings, and things like cheek piercings. Surface piercings can sometimes deal with migration and even rejection as body fat changes affect how they sit in the tissue. Nipple piercings, particularly on breasts, can sometimes be affected by this as well. Breasts are made predominantly of fat, meaning when we are losing fat all over our bodies, we lose from breasts as well.
Weight Gain and Piercings
Much like weight loss, mild to moderate weight gain generally doesn’t affect most piercings, and also takes a pretty significant amount for most people to start noticing it. In general, if you are fluctuating 10-25lbs, you probably aren’t going to see any effects on your piercings, even facial piercings and navel piercings. Navels are among the most commonly affected, as numerous folks tend to hold more body fat around their stomachs. As your stomach grows, you may find you need to wear slightly longer or larger jewelry to accommodate the new tissue. In some rare cases, this change can cause migration and even rejection to occur, although this is not very common. As facial fat changes, you may notice changes to some facial piercings, predominantly surface piercings, some oral piercings, and things like cheek piercings. Surface piercings can sometimes deal with migration and even rejection as body fat changes affect how they sit in the tissue. Nipple piercings on breasts, as mentioned above, can be moderately affected by changes in weight. Weight gain can cause the breasts to increase in size, just as weight loss can shrink them. Clients may find themselves needing longer jewelry to account for these changes.
Eating Disorders and Piercings
Piercings can be really powerful tools to assist with recovery and help motivate you to nourish your body, be kind to your body, and be present in your body through the process of getting and healing a piercing. But, getting pierced while in a state of malnutrition makes healing a piercing very difficult. Lack of proper nutrients means our immune systems don’t have everything they need to work on healing a complex wound like a piercing well. This is a wound with a foreign object (jewelry) trapped in it, and this is a monumental task for our bodies to heal. As such, our bodies really rely on having proper nutrition to fuel this healing process. Many clients who are malnourished may experience prolonged healing times, irritation that doesn’t easily subside, or feeling like their piercings never progress past a certain point in healing. Active ED can cause dry, yellowing skin that is fragile and may lead to greater instances of migration. Excessive rapid weight loss may also lead to migration and rejection. Excessive and rapid weight gain such as from binge eating can also lead to the same. Clients in active disordered eating should consider the strain this already puts on the immune system, and the further strain adding piercings into the mix will do. That said, piercings can be a motivator to try to eat more and eat better, or balance our eating habits. Sometimes we may not want to take care of ourselves, but we do want to take care of our piercings. So allow your piercing to be maybe a motivator to be kinder to your body!
Medical Weight Loss and Gain
When we look at weight changes caused by medical circumstances, we have to look at the exact causes and outside impacts they might have. For example, gaining weight from changing birth control may have some effect on our piercings- but the changing hormonal levels that caused this weight gain will also have a significant impact on things. If you’ve experienced weight fluctuation due to medical causes, I would suggest getting some in-person troubleshooting with your piercer, and also consider bringing your doctors in on the issues as well.