Ear stapling, the modern version of ear acupuncture, manipulates points on the ear said to improve general health and control addictions and cravings. While ear acupuncture has already been used with success in helping people kick off nicotine and heroin addiction, the updated traditional medical practice may also be useful in helping people lose weight.

A 2003 study in Medical Acupuncture, involving 20 obese women between 22-42, showed ear acupuncture was effective. Half of the women received weekly 15-minute sessions of acupuncture at relevant points in the ear. At the end of the eight-week study, the women who received ear acupuncture treatments lost an average of 10.3 pounds. The the group of women who didn't get the treatment only lost an average of three pounds. All of the women who received the acupuncture treatments said they experienced a decrease in appetite. In the untreated group, only one woman reported a curbed appetite.

But it's not a magical cure. You don't get ear acupuncture treatment and continue supersizing everything. For this treatment to work, the study said it must be combined with a 2,000 calorie a day diet and 15 minutes a day of walking.

Ear stapling is a 10-minute procedure that uses long-term stimulation of ear acupuncture points by placing a staple in them. It has been dismissed by some as a fad but if you decide to try ear stapling make sure you go to highly qualified professionals only. Scrimping could lead to ear infection and constant pain.