7 Healthcast: Acubeads

The solution actually involves beads and an ancient therapy that has been practiced for generations in the Far East. They're called acubeads... tiny bits of titanium on tape...

George Kramer, Pain Management Specialist
"Place this on the ear... press it down... then squeeze so we stimulate the accupressure points 30 seconds."

The pony tail aside, Dr. George Kramer says he is a pretty conservative doc, who specializes in pain management. He tried the beads, and they worked.

Dr. Frederick Strobl, Acubeads Developer
"At the American Academy of Neurology meeting this spring, one of the lecturers said at least half the things we do in medicine is not proven, and yet it seems to work."

Accountant Jan McCoy has chronic neck pain.

Janet Wu
"What would you rate your pain now? Zero is no pain, ten is worst pain."

Jan McCoy, Patient
"Probably I am down to a two or three now. Two or three down from a four or five."

Janet Wu
"What would your tension level be at this time?"

Jan McCoy
"About four."

There is no scientific proof, backing the beads, but accupressure has worked for many people.

Jeff Strickler, Patient
"It happened almost immediately."

Accupressure is similar to acupuncture, in that it has been around for years and can treat a variety of ailments. What's next? Doctors are trying to design accupressure beads, to help curb hunger. We'll keep you posted on any new developments and testing.