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Austin Longevity Shelves Use of Ear Stapling for Weight Loss With Commitment to Establishing Alternative Best Practices, Consumer Protection Guidelines

Posted on: Tuesday, 28 November 2006, 09:01 CST

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Austin Longevity Center, the trusted source for alternative and holistic health and wellness services, today announced it will suspend the use of surgical ear stapling as a solution for weight loss and cravings, warning consumers to question the integrity of any therapist using a surgical stapling device as an acupuncture or weight loss tool. As an alternative solution, Austin Longevity will offer the AuriFlex(TM) craving reduction technique, an auriculotherapy practice developed exclusively at the Center, for those who want to lose weight, quit smoking or reduce stress. Auriculotherapy is a health care procedure in which stimulation of the auricle of the external ear is utilized to alleviate health conditions in other parts of the body.

Said Dr. Laura Whipple, certified auriculotherapist and doctor of chiropractic, "We wanted to take an aggressive position and warn our patients and others in Central Texas of the inherent risk to stapling the ear cartilage with a device designed for post-surgical incisions. While we remain committed to proven auriculotherapy and acupuncture techniques, the practice of stapling delivers results that are inconsistent and carry with it a high risk of infection, pain and possible permanent damage to the cartilage."

In early October, Austin Longevity completed a trial program for patients who wanted to test the effectiveness of ear stapling for weight loss. More than 80 percent of patients reported experiencing little or no discomfort in maintaining the installed ear staples, but only 30 percent of those experienced significant weight loss -- up to 3 pounds per week. Of the 20 percent who encountered problems with the staple, all needed immediate removal.

The Texas Department of Health has received complaints from patients across Texas. Because this technique is not regulated, many of the clinics providing this service are not responsible for maintaining sterile techniques nor do they have to report infections to the Board of Health. The device that is often used for ear stapling has not been approved for use in the ear.

"Despite some limited success with ear stapling, the health and safety of our patients is most important," said Dr. Todd Whipple. "For more than 10 years we have earned the trust of our patients and we are committed to providing only those therapies that are proven, effective and safe. We will continue to advance best practices in alternative medicine and guidelines for consumers that are based on evidence and proven success."

As an alternative to ear stapling, Austin Longevity has introduced AuriFlex(TM), a technique based on the pioneering addiction research of Dr. Jay Holder at the University of Miami. The AuriFlex(TM) protocol works by using a cold laser device and tiny ear pins to stimulate reflex points in the ear which releases endorphins to the brain. FDA-approved low-level lasers are often used to restore abnormal cellular function and improve metabolism, circulation and tissue healing. After the laser treatment, an electrical device called the Stim-Plus Pro is used to locate and treat any other active ear-reflex points. Once these additional points are located and stimulated, tiny pins are inserted to maintain treatment in the auricle of the external ear for up to 7 days following the session.

"I applaud Drs. Todd and Laura Whipple for taking a leadership role on this issue to protect their patients and reject the claims made by those preaching get-thin-quick schemes like the ear staple," said Holder, president and cofounder of the American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders and director and founder of Exodus Treatment Center, a 350-bed addiction facility in Miami. "Nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population suffers from the disease of addiction, whether that be chemical, food, work, sex or gambling. Stimulation of specific diagnosed points on the ear -- modern auriculotherapy -- is a proven therapeutic technique that has helped thousands of addicts change their lives for the better."

According to industry surveys, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), like auriculotherapy, is gaining widespread acceptance in the United States. More than 25 percent of U.S. hospitals now offer CAM programs to their patients, and a recent survey by the National Center for Health Statistics indicates that more than 36 percent of adults use some form of alternative medicine and 75 percent have used CAM at some point in their lives. The American Medical Association recently recommended adding CAM education into medical curriculum.

About Austin Longevity Center

Established in 1996, Austin Longevity Center has become the trusted source for alternative and holistic services to promote longevity and best practices for a better life. The Center is staffed by a team of highly qualified professionals that provide chiropractic care, applied kinesiology, acupuncture, auriculotherapy, nutritional counseling, myofascial release, cold laser therapy, Rolfing(R) and many other services, treating the mind and body as a whole. For more information, visit http://www.austinlongevity.com/ or call 512-448-0900.

Austin Longevity Center

CONTACT: Scott Campbell of Phillips and Company, +1-512-423-4907, ordscampbell@phillipscompany.com , for Austin Longevity Center

Web site: http://www.austinlongevity.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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