Acupuncture Promotes Healthy Weight Reduction

Acupuncture demonstrates positive effects in supporting healthy weight reduction along with the alleviation of hunger sensations, fatigue, and abdominal distension. A widespread health concern, over 4 million people die annually due to complications caused by excess weight. A body mass index in excess of 25 is defined as overweight and greater than 30 is defined as obese. Research demonstrates that adding acupuncture to dietary and lifestyle management programs significantly improves patient outcomes.

According to traditional Chinese medicine principles, obesity is caused by an imbalance of energy, both consumed and expended. This causes what is termed damp stagnation. Obesity is associated with metabolism and bodily function, which defined spleen and stomach deficiency, stomach heat, blood stasis, and liver depression. This diagnostic parameter is related to digestion, the function of the pancreas, and the balance of the insulin-glucagon pathway. Clinical research reveals that appropriate acupuncture treatments, selected based on a patient’s body type, has the ability to restore bodily balance, improve physical well-being, and promote healthy weight loss.

Investigations show significant decreases in BMI through the use of adjunctive acupuncture therapy. The addition of acupuncture to lifestyle and dietary management produces superior patient outcomes when compared with lifestyle and dietary management absent the benefits of acupuncture. 

The research demonstrates that acupuncture is a useful form of adjunctive care for the promotion of healthy weight loss when combined with dietary and lifestyle changes. In addition, the research indicates that optimal outcomes depend upon selecting specific acupuncture points according to individual patient needs.

References:
Yangyadong, “Observation of the results of acupuncture for weight loss”. Chinese Journal of Trauma and Disability Medicine.
Hou Yuduo, “The application of abdominal acupuncture points in weight loss”. Chinese Remedies Clinics.