IN a procedure, based upon auricular therapy, I use acupressure to stimulate the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, attempting to raise serotonin levels, which has been shown to increase tone in the smooth muscle of the stomach, thus suppressing appetite. Additionally, my procedure stimulates the “full reflex” between the stomach and the brain more quickly and more completely than normally experienced by the nervous system.

This means you get full faster and you stop eating sooner. More so, you are actually satisfied at that point as well.

The vagus nerve, also called X cranial nerve or 10th cranial nerve, is the longest and most complex of the cranial nerves. It runs from the brain through the face and thorax to the abdomen. It is a mixed nerve that contains parasympathetic fibres. The vagus nerve has two sensory ganglia or masses of nerve tissue that transmit sensory impulses: the superior and the inferior ganglia. The branches of the superior ganglion innervate the skin in the concha of the ear. The inferior ganglion gives off two branches: the pharyngeal nerve and the superior laryngeal nerve. The recurrent laryngeal nerve branches from the vagus in the lower neck and upper thorax to innervate the muscles of the larynx. The vagus also gives off cardiac, esophageal and pulmonary branches. In the abdomen the vagus innervates the greater part of the digestive tract and other abdominal viscera.

The vagus nerve has the most extensive distribution of the cranial nerves. Its pharyngeal and laryngeal branches transmit motor impulses to the pharynx and larynx; its cardiac branches act to slow the rate of heartbeat; its bronchial branch acts to constrict the bronchi; and its esophageal branches control involuntary muscles in the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, and small intestine, stimulating peristalsis and gastrointestinal secretions.

Vagus nerve stimulation, in which the nerve is stimulated with pulses of electricity, is sometimes used for patients with epilepsy or depression that is otherwise untreatable; the technique has also been explored for conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and migraine.

With my weight loss technique, there have been reports and first-hand experience with food and cravings no longer controlling or influencing the diet.

This procedure basically overrides the willpower or the weakness of cravings and addictions, thereby assisting you in gaining control of your eating habits and your overall diet.

Diet is 90 per cent of your health. You are what you eat; and, you are also how much of what you eat. With this procedure, both what you eat and how much you eat can be dramatically altered.

Most recipients report a steady healthy actual weight loss (fat, not only water) of between two and 10 pounds per week until optimum weight is accomplished. Depending upon body size and weight and metabolism, some report slower losses and others faster losses. Usually it is in direct proportion to the amount of weight that needs to be lost; that is, an obese person would lose more weight initially than a pudgy person. In addition, subjects also report a loss of actual inches and dress sizes.

Diabetics report a loss of cravings for sweets and carbohydrates, which helps them stabilise their blood sugar levels and their diet.

I have also had people tell me they are less stressed and have more energy, and some have even reported increased libido.

This is a small surgical-grade stainless steel band that is inserted into a special reflex point in the recess of the ears. It is painless to most individuals. Some people experience a quick pinching sensation or some pressure, which quickly subsides. No one leaves the office in pain, and as long as instructions are followed with regards to keeping it clean, we have no reports of any major problems or infections related to the procedure.

Although there are multiple testimonials as to the results of this procedure, as well as about three per cent of those who did not find help with it, I would never perform or promote something that I have not experienced myself and personally witnessed results of.

When I was learning this technique I had the procedure done to myself. About an hour afterwards, we all took lunch. I sat down and looked at the menu and nothing really appealed to me, we were in a fast-food, greasy diner-type place. Out of habit, I ordered the same things and amounts that I would normally order. When the food arrived, I did not salivate. I took a few bites and asked the waitress to remove the food and bring me a salad with water. About 11:00 pm that night after working the remainder of the day and lounging around my hotel room, I suddenly realised while watching a food commercial that I had forgotten to eat supper. I quickly ordered delivery and was only able to finish about 25 per cent of the food.

I quickly realised that I simply could not eat the same amounts of food, or the same types of food to which I had grown accustomed. I do not like wasting costly food, so I began to be more selective with my food orders and preparations. I found that throughout the days I did not have urges and cravings and when I did eat, I ate smaller portions. Three weeks later, I weighed myself and I was shocked to discover that I had lost 15 pounds.

I began performing this procedure for others and pretty soon it was the only service that they wanted. I was seeing 300 new people a month in only three months. People were driving from three states away in groups because they had heard testimonials for this procedure.

Just like with anything else, others have tried to copy this technique and, as a result of not being trained or understanding the process, it is possible to find negative reviews when searching online. For the most part, I have had nothing but positive feedback from those who have come to me for weight loss assistance when applying this method.

Fat and obesity are like plagues in most parts of the world. Everywhere I reside I find the common theme that people have weight problems and desire to lose that weight — even if it is only five or 10 pounds.

Being overweight coincides with all types of health problems, digestive problems, joint problems, back problems, etc. It is very hard to exercise and stay active when you are overweight and this adds to obesity. There is also a strong correlation to heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, primarily as a direct result of poor diet choices and overconsumption.

When you consider the amount of money people spend on gym memberships, special diet foods and supplements, weight loss pills, the one-time cost to have the procedure done is very palatable. It is also much less costly and invasive than some surgical procedures for weight loss.

Don’t forget to “Ask Your Chiropractor” every week where your questions may be published and answered in subsequent articles. Address questions to: Dr Chris Davis, the Spinal Mechanic and lead doctor, at movethebone@gmail.com; or, Dr Michael Harvey, director, at dr.michael_harvey@yahoo.com.