Press Release Despite Overwhelming Success Rate, Austin Longevity Shelves Use of Ear Stapling for Weight Loss Holistic Center Introduces Wellpoint Technique as Alternative Solution for Weight Loss, Addiction and Cravings While Working to Establish Consumer Guidelines, Best Practices for Ear Stapling AUSTIN, Texas - October 30, 2006 - Austin Longevity Center, the trusted source for alternative and holistic services, today announced it will suspend the use of ear stapling as a solution for weight loss and cravings and offer a customized auriculotherapy alternative, called WellPoint Craving Reduction Technique, to its customers who want to lose weight, quit smoking or reduce stress. The WellPoint technique was developed by Austin Longevity Cofounders Drs. Laura and Todd Whipple using the general principles of auriculotherapy and cold laser treatment. 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. "What we have observed is that for many patients more than 2 points needed to be stimulated to maintain success. We also find that these points tend to be over-stimulated by stapling and will lose their effectiveness within 1-2 weeks" said Dr. Laura Whipple. In addition to difficulties with maintaining consistent results, Austin Longevity believes that stapling the ear cartilage with a device designed for post surgical incisions, carries too much risk. Of the 20% who encountered problems with the staple all had to have immediate removal. Any time the ear cartilage is pierced there is high risk of infection, pain and permanent damage. The device that is being used for stapling is not approved for use in the ear. The technique is so new, that the Texas Department of Health is just now getting complaints from patients who are getting infections from the procedure. Unfortunately, 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 infection cases to the Board of Health. "The bottom line is that we decided, despite some success with the ear stapling, the safety of our patients was more important" said Dr. Todd Whipple. As an alternative to ear stapling, Austin Longevity has introduced WellPoint, a technique based on auriculotherapy and the pioneering addiction research of Dr. Jay Holder at the University of Miami. The WellPoint Protocol works by using cold laser, Stim-Plus Pro and tiny ear pins to stimulate ear reflex points which result in feel-good chemicals called endorphins to be released by the brain. The cold-laser is used to target the specific ear reflex points identified by Dr Holder as the key players in addiction. FDA-approved low-level lasers often used to restore abnormal cellular function and improve metabolism, circulation and tissue healing. After the laser treatment, an electrical device called a 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. "WellPoint is a safe, effective method to control cravings and provide healthy weight loss, when used correctly," said Dr. Laura Whipple, Austin Longevity co-founder, certified auriculotherapist and Doctor of Chiropractic. "We have developed a way to customize the treatment for each patient, ensuring accurate stimulation points and personal follow-up attention." 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. WellPoint treatment is simple, quick and non-invasive. There are no calories to count, portions to measure, no nicotine patches or gum to chew. WellPoint also causes patients to have a strong aversion to the taste and smell of cigarettes once the pins are in place. In weight-loss treatment, patients typically report losing 2-4 pounds per week. Said Dr. Todd Whipple, Austin Longevity co-founder and medical director, "We are committed to offering our patients the latest techniques in the holistic medicine field. This is not a fad diet or a quick gimmick. The WellPoint is a proven tool for craving control and, with our ongoing study and work in this field, we will ensure that our patients use the WellPoint properly as part of a complete program." About Austin Longevity 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, RolfingŪ and many other services, treating the mind and body as a whole. For more information, visit www.austinlongevity.com or call 512-448-0900.