Thais Lend an Ear to Novel Method for Losing Weight
- Share via
BANGKOK, Thailand — Hundreds of fat Thais have taken to sticking lettuce seeds in their ears in the firm conviction that it will help them lose weight.
The Yan Hee Polyclinic, run by Supote Samritvanitcha, instructs obese patients that if they press the seeds in their ears 10 times before meals, it will kill their hunger. The hard seeds are taped near a nerve pressure point in the ear in a system similar to acupuncture but without its risk of infection.
Patients say it works, although some think the accompanying appetite-suppressing medicine the doctor prescribes may be even more efficacious.
The treatment is cheap, but Supote warns patients that the seeds must be replaced every two weeks or they will soften and could germinate.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
