As you know we have a great deal of interest in acupuncture pressure points where a piercing would do the same thing but being permanent. This one took way more research with acupuncturists but after working with a few we believe we've got it!!
We are testing it out on 6 people free of charge. It is 2 piercings done at precise points. These piercings would be familiar to some but if not done properly it won't work so be sure your piercer is properly trained in this area. One is a tragus piercing done in 18g with a hoop diameter of 8mm. The other is an anti tragus done with either a straight barbell or curved with a gauge of 16 and length of at least 10mm, possibly 11mm depending on the thickness of the persons anti tragus. We've chosen these gauges because we want the anti tragus to be the dominant one. Previously when we have only been in the test phase we have not allowed any piercings for money but the demand and request is so high that we are going to allow it this time so if anyone wants it done the price is 60 plus tax. That is a discount from what we would normally charge for the 2 piercings.
We are using 316LVM steel but a couple of our clients have metal sensitivities so we have also used grade 23 titanium.
We will not be using our test persons name so we'll call them test 1, test 2 and so on. If they choose to they can post on our Facebook page and talk about their experiences. We will be following up with them daily to see how the piercings feel (pain and swelling) and see if they need any tweaking. We will also be asking if they have noticed any difference in food cravings, emotions associated with food, times and routines, amount of eating. Their answers will be a copy and paste, we will not add to or take away from anything they say.
When we took each person on we asked them a series of questions so that we would have a good starting point. We have summarize their responses.
Test person #1 ----------------------------
Eating triggers are boredom, routine and watching TV. Emotional triggers are sadness, boredom and comfort. Her go to foods are chocolate, Ice cream, pop, chips, nachos with cheese. Her common eating time is at night. She is not on any meds to control eating and is at a weight of 245 lbs. She was pierced on Sept 8th.
Sept 9th Quote
I had an avocado for snack instead of chips or anything so that is promising. !
Sept 10th Quote
The eating went well both yesterday and today I didn't wake up starving (which is different ,.. I usually wake up feeling nauseous because I'm so hungry.) So far it seems to be less tender and swollen today
Sept 11th Quote
Hey! Yesterday I started my period so I could have eaten a whole horse aha. But I didn't feel cravings for anything that's really unhealthy for you.
Sept 12th Quote
Hey the eating was okay made a healthy smoothie for snack. Today they're pretty painful and swollen
Sept 13th Quote
My eating was okay last night i did have ice cream. My biggest notice from this piercing so far has been that In the mornings I do not wake up feeling so hungry that I'm nauseous.
Sept 15th Quote
Good good ! Appetite
Has definitely gone down
Sept 17th Quote
It's been pretty good ! Been eating a lot more smoothies instead of ice cream where I can incorporate more healthy ingredients
Sept 20th Quote
My cravings have been under control, I definitely see a decrease since having this piercing. Less inclined to reach for sugary food which is nice. I'm still very swollen and tender and since I can't take Advil where I'm getting surgery Friday it's kicking my behind lol
Sept 22 Quote
Well. I was not allowed to eat since midnight last night so today I wanna eat everything now that I'm out of surgery.
Sept 26th Quote
I feel the piercing is definitely worth getting . I have not woken up hungry a single time. Before I got this surgery (which all I've
Done was eat cause I'm stuck in bed ..) lol. I found it really helped in the sense I was reaching for healthier options. I don't have a scale right now I can weigh myself at my moms this weekend, but honestly almost a weeek bed rest probably did not help
Oct 1rst
Quote from piercer
One last question. Can I get you to rate on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being all cravings gone and 1 being no change. And would you recommend the piercings. Thanks!
Quote from client
7! I would recommend it :)
Research is completed on this client
Test person #2----------------------------------------
Eating triggers are medical marijuana, TV and depression. Her go to foods are cookies and chips. Eating times are at night. She is not on any weight loss meds. Her current weight is 325 lbs. She was pierced on Sept 8th
Sept 9th Quote
The swelling is not bad at all and the tenderness is only if I hit by mistake..I noticed last night as I smoked my weed I didn't have that craving to eat like I normally do..I also didn't crave junk or pop during the day either..so far I'm liking it..I do notice that I don't feel down as much as I was this week yesterday!!
Sept 10th Quote
Hey things went well yesterday.. at my sisters wedding there was all kinds of yummy stuff but I had the control that I normally don't have around junk food...not swollen anymore and not to tender anymore for me. Hahaha I also found in don't crave coffee like I do during the day..I'm very impressed with the results I see
Sept 11th Quote
Hey my app for texting isn't working for some reason...my ear is doing great no pain only if I hit it....cravings are very nil and I love it
Sept 12th Quote
Doing great still. I was on the scale and I'm down 8 lbs seems to be working for me really well.
Sept 15th Quote
I can't believe how much these actually work!...I don't crave coffee in the morning (although still have it) my night time cravings are gone and love it!! I can smoke weed and not get the munchies aswell...I'm so happy I was able to be a genie pig for this!!!
Sept 17th Quote
Everything is good, cravings are way better. Down 12.8 lbs. Ear is still sore.
Sept 20th Quote
Hey I'm feeling great..I hardly ever have junk food now and if I do its only a little bit. Which is a bonus cause I can stop myself from eating it all. I find my mood has been up compared to the last few months..I super happy!!!
Sept 22nd Quote
Still going strong with no cravings!!!
Sept 26th Quote
These piercings I would recommend to anyone! I found over the past 10 days after getting them that I don't crave the junk food I always tend to go for when watching tv or relaxing and wanting something to munch on. My weight was 325 when I got these done I have lost 15 pounds in the past 10 days and feel these piercings have worked wonders on me. I have also found my mood as been way more positive. I don't tend to get mad as fast the past couple weeks. The pain over all wasn't bad but it has been one of the more sensitive ones I've had done.
Oct 2nd Quote
I rate it a 7 and yes I would recommend them..I already have 🙂
Our research is completed on this client
Test person #3-------------------------------
Eating triggers are stress, TV. Common eating times are at night. Go to foods are salty foods, chocolate, chips. She eats constantly during the night and has never She is not on any meds for weight loss. Her current weight is 226. She was pierced on Sept 7th.
Sept 8th Quote
Last night was fantastic! I didn't eat at all after supper
I started my period today though and I feel like I could eat for a small village hahaha
Sept 9th Quote
Yeah I was passed out aha. Swelling is fine, tenderness it hurts only if I bump it. Anti tragus keeps bleeding because I bumped it off my boyfriends chest the other day and it keeps scabbing but I washed the scab off and it started bleeding again.
My emotions - I've been feeling upbeat and pretty happy. Foods, haven't been eating much junk - if at all! Amount of food has been lowered. Last night I did eat a bag of popcorn but was so full afterwards but it was because I had smoked a joint lmao.
Sept 10th Quote
Swelling is pretty bad right now on the anti-tragus I think it's just because I bumped it, but it's coming down. The tragus is pretty sore but not swollen. Eating was overall good today, I have seen quite a difference in my appetite in general.
Sept 11th Quote
My boyfriend bought me a bag of chips and I didn't even open it!!
Sept 12th Quote
Piercings are great! Eating is great. I switched my anti depressants yesterday to something new to also combat this weight I have put on over the last couple months.
Sept 13th Quote
Great! Didn't eat after supper
Sept 15th. I feel I have to pull this client out of the test because of a change in meds designed to effect eating . It's impossible to gauge the progress of the testing with meds that can interfere in the results. I have added another person that is to be pierced tomorrow.
Test person #4-------------------------------
Her triggers are boredom, frustration and stress. Go to foods are breads, rice potatoes..starchy foods. No real fixed eating times, just throughout the day. She is not on any weight loss meds. Starting weight is 350. She was pierced on Sept 7th.
Sept 8 Quote
So far, so good. The tragus is the most tender right now. I used the sea salts and applied a cool wet compress as suggested to help provide a bit of relief. Hunger was present this afternoon after leaving the shop but I attribute that to not having had lunch prior to; was easily fixed though. I noticed a bit of a difference at supper time tonight. I had an appetite but it wasn't as robust as it can be with some of my favourites, such as the stew tonight. Here's to hoping it continues.
Sept 9th Quote
Early work mornings + a 2.5yr old usually result in early nights for me. A bit of swelling on the anti-tragus and tenderness hasn't changed from previous days. I found I was able to go longer in the morning before getting breakfast. I was up at 630 and usually would be wanting to eat by 730 but I didn't get a real hankering to do so until 10am. I found once again that my appetite was curbed quicker than usual, not wanting/needing as much.
Sept 10th Quote
Eating wasn't as sporadic today and it was more controlled. I had a lot of downtime with work which caused me want to want to snack but I was able to refrain. Piercings are still tender and the swelling is minor on the anti-tragus.
Sept 11th Quote
Yesterday went well. Felt hungry around regular meal times with little urge to snack. I feel full faster which is great!
Sept 12th Quote
There doesn't appear to be any swelling anymore. The anti-tragus continues to be quite tender. Eating went well yesterday with little to no snacking. Smaller portions continue to make me full quicker lately. Went out last night on a movie date and had a few handfuls of popcorn before having had enough. Previously, I would have wanted the entire bag.
Sept 13 Quote
Last night went well eating-wise. Meals involved a bit of extra starchy foods which made me feel bloated and just downright yucky. No urge for snacking whatsoever. Tenderness is slowly diminishing from the piercings.
Sept 15th Quote
Everything seems to be remaining consistent. I'm getting fuller faster/with less and the cravings are minimal. When my cravings do hit, I don't really have the urge to satisfy them which is nice.
Sept 17 Quote
It's been going good. Hungry in and around regular meal times, small snacks, and minor cravings for my usual weaknesses. I had some crackers as a snack and didn't feel like eating all in one go.
Sept 20th Quote
Cravings are minimal. When I do cave, nowheres near the amount is consumed as previously. I don't feel the urge to eat just because lately which is amazing. I seem to have a bit more energy
Sept 22nd Quote
Cravings continue to be minimal, still feeling full from eating less. I find that I feel gross and overly bloated if I eat a fair amount lately.
Sept 26th Quote
I think that two piercings do make a difference with appetite control. Maybe it is only psychological and thinking/wishing that it is working but I have noticed a difference in the amounts and times that I have been eating since being poked. I find myself not snacking a lot throughout the day and no longer eat larger portions before feeling full. When I have done this, I felt gross afterwards to the point of feeling sick. Little weight difference, starting at 354 and ending at 347 but a small difference is better than nothing.
Oct 1rst
Quote from piercer
One last question. Can I get you to rate on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being all cravings gone and 1 being no change. And would you recommend the piercings. Thanks!
Quote from client
6 and I would recommend the piercings
Research is completed on this client
Test person #5--------------------------
Her triggers are TV. She is a night time eater. Go to foods are fatty so fried foods, dairy foods etc. She is not on any meds to control her eating. Her starting weight is 190-200 lbs.
Sept 9th Quote
I can honestly say I feel a weight taken off me
It hurt last night when ever I smiled ,but no more than anything other
Piercing I've gotten done over the years .
I did
Not! Eat before bed last night :)
Woke up hungry - which is not normal for me - this is a good thing because your body needs fuel for the day
Sept 10th Quote
Not one bit sore. Not swollen. I dunno if it's the piercing but I feel fantastic ! And zero snacking!
Sept 11th Quote
It's so weird. I'm not snacking. This shit
Works !
Sept 12th Quote
Very well. Zero desire for junk
Sept 13th Quote
Awesome So happy also. This is a game changer
Sept 15th Quote
Amazing still!
Sept 17 Quote
Been doing some emotional eating but weight is steady. Yeh. Lots of stress here. But my mind is still happy.
Sept 20th Quote
Very good and mood def has changed. Stopped drinking
Sept 22nd Quote
Good good no night eating. And mood is. Still amazing
Sept 26th Quote
192.
It def made a huge difference. I no longer snack at night.
The most I got out of it was a mood change. I feel peaceful And not taking the pills the doc wanted me too! I would highly recommend this too anyone who wants a mood lifter and appetite control regime. Life changer!!
Oct 2nd quote from piercer
One last question. Can I get you to rate on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being all cravings gone and 1 being no change. And would you recommend the piercings. Thanks!
Waiting on response
Test Person #6------------------
Eating is more constant while watching TV or from boredom. Go to foods are energy drinks, chocolate and chips. Anger provokes eating. Starting weight is 315 and is not on any meds to assist in weight loss. Pierced on Sept 13th.
Sept 14th Quote
Hi there! The pain has been fairly low, still sore and swollen, but nothing unmanageable. As for food, I ate a lot less today, I just got full super quickly. I did have an energy drink, but I only drank a quarter of it before throwing it out. And I had a bag of chips but I ended up giving my brother half because I couldn't finish. That's a lot better than my usual munching without thought and eating a huge bag. I was quite busy with errands this week, and eating on the go. But we stopped for sushi for lunch and I ate about half of what I usually eat for sushi, I was full so fast. My cravings weren't really there either, I only had the junk because we already had it in the house and I was bored. But I just didn't feel the need to eat them like I usually get.
Sept 17th Quote
Hi there! The piercing itself has been swollen and tender but nothing out of the ordinary with a piercing. My eating has been sporadic, honestly. Last night my cravings were fairly overwhelming at work, but I felt quite guilty about them so I didn't give in. Today my cravings have been pretty nonexistent, and I haven't craved an energy drink since before I had the piercing done so that's good. Overall, I'd say it's still a work in progress, but it seems to be much improving every day.
Sept 20th Quote
Hey! Sorry, I haven't been around today. Today my cravings have been fairly decent actually. Pretty much nonexistent and haven't been nothing me in a couple days at all. I've been keeping busy and making time to eat healthy, so that's a good thing. Everything has been going well. I'm going away for the weekend, so this will be the true test since I won't have access to home cooked meals and much.
Sept 25 Quote
Hey the piercings feel fine, a little sore but only if my hair gets caught in them or something. As for cravings, I was busy all weekend doing birthday stuff and whatnot. I had 2 pieces of cake total for the weekend, and other than that ate normal meals like lasagna and baked chicken with potatoes. My boyfriend even bought a lot of cookies and candy and chips and I didn't eat any of them. I didn't even want to eat any of them, so that's a good sign.
Sept 30th Quote
Hey sorry my phone has been on the fritz all day and only just started letting me send texts again. The piercing has swelled the last couple days again but I think I got some dirt in it so I've been extra vigilant about washing and rinsing with sea salt. As for cravings, I've been hardcore craving chocolate for the last 3 days but I started my period today, so honestly I think that's why, I always crave chocolate right before and I guess even an appetite piercing can't quell that. Other than that, no major changes, no major cravings, and I haven't found myself hungry or snacking thoughtlessly either.
Oct 2nd Quote from piercer
One last question. Can I get you to rate on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being all cravings gone and 1 being no change. And would you recommend the piercings. Thanks!
Quote from client
This has been a great experience for me, thank you for letting me be a part of the study. I would have to give the piercing an 8, my cravings aren't entirely gone but have significantly reduced. The pain level is rather high, as is healing time, but for someone who is used to piercings, it isn't major. I do recommend the piercing to someone who is ready and able to go through the process. I definitely feel I've benefitted from the piercing.
Our research is completed on this client
Test person #7....................
I took on another person because I needed to remove someone from the testing due to a change in meds. This clients go to foods are fatty ones...anything greasy. Eating times are when her children are in bed and she has time on her hands so mostly at night. Is going through depression and high anxiety. Starting weight is 190
Sept 17th Quote
Ear feels fine. Barely any swelling. Haven't eaten much and ate a proper meal with my kids at supper. Had 1 Reese Cup.. About the only Chocolate I enjoy.. Only ate 1 though and not all 3.
Sept 20th Quote
I haven't eaten anything that was nasty during the night. I wound up eating an apple or some carrot sticks.
It is healing very well and it did wind up swelling quite a bit but is fine now.
Sept 22 Quote
Doing pretty good actually!! I've been eating a lot of vegetables and fruit! If I get hungry at night I found myself going more towards an apple or carrots! I lost weight!!!! 6Lbs!!!!!
Sept 26th Quote
Healing up very well!! Only tender when a small child accidently hits my ear. Haven't really been craving anything nasty.. Veggies and Lots of Protiens mostly..
Sept 30th Quote
Great!! Haven't had caffeine or any junk!! Been eating tons of healthy meals! Fridge is stocked with veggies Gallore!!
Oct 2nd Quote from piercer
One last question. Can I get you to rate on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being all cravings gone and 1 being no change. And would you recommend the piercings. Thanks!
Quote from client
If say I would rate it to about a 9 out of 10.. there are still small bits.. but it totally helps aloy and I highly reccomend it!
Our research on this client is completed
Final findings by Piercer
This was a very interesting test for acupuncture piercings in the sense that it encompassed a huge range of the dynamics of being female. Food cravings seemed to be hormonal (more intense during menstrual periods) I don't think any acupuncture piercing can fight against those hormones although it seems to have affected my clients to a lesser degree. A few naysayers have claimed that it's all the placebo affect. Frankly, who cares as long as it works. Excessive weight leads to a lot of health issues so if it works that's all that matters. People that struggle with weight issues need all the help and support they can get.
A couple of my clients were going through major changes in their lives during the test so fast food eating (eating on the run) became an issue as far as loosing any weight but they did not get the cravings they would normally have. Many of my clients have transformed their eating, because of the lack of cravings, over to more healthy choices. The degree to how much these piercings helped varied but each one reported a good amount of changes in their cravings. I had to disqualify one of my clients because she switched her depression meds over to a med that would help with weight issues. It would have been impossible to figure out if the piercings were working for her or if it was the change in meds.
The amount of pain involved with these piercings varied just as it does with all piercings. Some ppl would say it hurt bad while others didn't find it all that painful so it's impossible to gauge the pain level of these piercings. Most of my client were not use to body piercings so I did a fair amount of trouble shooting with them but all issues got resolved. The pain is temporary though so worth it in the long run.
All clients recommended the piercings and felt it was worth it.
Several people have come into our studios for these piercings so perhaps they will share their experiences on our Facebook pages.