Medical Board Bars Ear Stapling For Weight Loss

April 20, 2006 1:51 p.m. EST

Shaveta Bansal - All Headline News Contributor

Jackson, MS (AHN) - A state medical board has ordered 14 weight-loss businesses that perform ear stapling to stop the practice, alleging they are operating illegally.

Mal Morgan, executive director of the Mississippi Board of Medical Licensure, said board investigation into complaints from people suffering from serious ear infections prompted the board to take action.

Ear stapling, a new, popular weight-loss procedure that draws from ancient acupuncture, is cropping up throughout Mississippi.

In Mississippi, only doctors licensed in acupuncture are allowed to perform acupuncture procedures. Other states allow people with certification besides medical doctors to practice acupuncture.

Dr. Aena Payne, a board-certified acupuncturist at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, said acupuncture on the ear can help with weight loss, but does not support ear stapling because of the threat of infection.