PubMed

Can Acupuncture help with weight loss?

 I often get asked”Acupuncture for weight loss – does this work?“

This PubMed Study compares, in a randomized controlled trial, effects of auricular (ear acupuncture ) and body Acupuncture in obese women. The results show both methods lost body weight but auricular acupuncture was better than body acupuncture.

Book yourself for a consultation and see how I can assist you on your journey.

The study focused on women who weighed an average of over 95kg and had experienced weight gain over a period of several years. It compared a group receiving acupuncture treatment on their ears with a group receiving body acupuncture treatment.

The study concluded that both acupuncture groups experienced weight loss. The body acupuncture group lost an average of 2.6kg, while the ear acupuncture group lost an average of 4.2kg. At The Acupuncture Woman, we offer ear acupuncture as part of our traditional Chinese medicine services and have had positive experiences with this painless acupuncture method.

Weight loss requires a holistic approach, and acupuncture can be one part of it. As a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, I can provide support with other methods and answer your questions. My training in Chinese herbal medicine and dietary supplements enables me to assist with your weight loss in many ways.

PubMed

“AbstractIt was aimed to observe the efficacy of body acupuncture and auricular acupuncture for the management of obesity. Fifty female obese patients were randomized into 2 groups; a Body Acupuncture Group (GBA; n=25) and an Auricular Acupuncture Group (GAA; n=25). All patients were followed up for 12 weeks. Their anthropometric measurements (body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference and hip circumference) were recorded for analysis in every 15 days. Patients were compared in terms of anthropometric measurements. Patients in the GAA received 6 sessions of auricular acupuncture in every 15 days. We used bilateral 2 points namely anti-aggression point and stomach point for auricular acupuncture. Bilateral L14, LIll, ST25, ST36, SP6, SP9, CV12, and CV6 points were selected for two times in a week (totally 24 sessions) in the GBA. Independent samples t test, patients in GAA completed the study. The mean age of patients was 36.2±10.5 years (GBA: 32.7±12.3; GAA: 39.1±7.9). The mean weight was 95.7±11.8 kg before acupuncture, and it decreased to 92.5±14.4 kg after acupuncture in GBA; and it was 95.1±15.6 kg before acupuncture and it decreased to 91.5±11.0 kg after acupuncture in GAA. Change in weight after acupuncture was 2.6±2.4 kg in GBA, and 4.2±3.4 kg in GAA (p<0.05). In both groups, changes in weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and hip circumference were statistically significant (p<0.05). Only one patient reported side effect related to acupuncture. Body acupuncture and auricular acupuncture have the therapeutic role in the management of obesity. In this study, auricular acupuncture is more effective in reducing body weight than body acupuncture. Thus, auricular may be useful and safe, non-pharmacological treatment.

PMID

 29772131 [Indexed for MEDLINE]”Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/29772131/

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