As an important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), acupuncture has a history of thousands of years and is used to treat various ailments and improve overall health. Acupuncture can effectively combat metabolic imbalances, and in addition to treating physical conditions, it also offers weight loss benefits.
Acupuncture for weight loss works by using meridians to unblock energy pathways, promote metabolism, and suppress appetite. So, does acupuncture really help with weight loss? Can it control the endless feeling of hunger? Let’s explore how this ancient method can assist you on your journey to a healthier lifestyle.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a TCM technique with a history spanning thousands of years. It involves inserting needles into 365 specific points on the body to promote the flow of Qi (vital energy) and rebalance the body’s energy. Acupuncture controls bodily pain and is used to treat various diseases. Research has confirmed that acupuncture can help reduce inflammation caused by certain chronic conditions.
In TCM, weight gain and obesity are believed to be related to the stagnation of “phlegm-damp,” which is often caused by excessive consumption of greasy and sweet foods, along with a lack of exercise, leading to the obstruction of the spleen’s function. Acupuncture not only treats these underlying constitutional issues but also improves spleen function, thereby enhancing digestion and metabolism—key aspects of successful weight management.
What is the scientific basis behind acupuncture for weight loss?
Many people know that diet and exercise are the basic principles of weight loss, but they often struggle to implement them. “Acupuncture plays an auxiliary role in this process.” Acupuncture for weight loss works by stimulating specific acupuncture points to adjust the brain’s satiety and hunger centers, effectively suppressing appetite, so you feel full without eating too much.
Acupuncture for weight loss is primarily related to changes in the body’s nervous system and hormonal regulation. Leptin and insulin are two primary hormones that inhibit eating. Animal studies have shown that leptin and insulin levels are lower in the hypothalamus of obese animals, while blood levels of these hormones are higher. Acupuncture can increase leptin and insulin levels in the hypothalamus, reducing insulin and leptin resistance in the blood, thus improving this imbalance.
Additionally, acupuncture can enhance the excitability of the satiety center (located in the hypothalamus) and reduce the neural activity of the hunger center (also in the hypothalamus), thereby controlling the desire to eat, reducing calorie intake, and promoting the consumption of stored body fat. Acupuncture also inhibits neurochemicals that increase appetite (such as NPY) and increases the biological activity of appetite-reducing neurochemicals (such as POMC), leading to reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure. Some obese patients have heightened parasympathetic nerve activity, and acupuncture can inhibit this overactive parasympathetic response, especially reducing excessive gastrointestinal activity to achieve weight loss.
Can acupuncture adjust metabolism and burn fat?
Acupuncture for weight loss can also regulate the body’s metabolism, increasing calorie expenditure and helping to shed fat.
Metabolic rate is inversely proportional to age, meaning that as we get older, metabolism slows down. This is why many people experience weight gain in middle age. At this point, simply controlling food intake is not enough; acupuncture can use acupuncture points to adjust the body’s constitution, aligning with natural changes to improve metabolism.
Modern acupuncture for weight loss often combines ear acupuncture and body acupuncture. The doctor will choose different points based on your constitution and condition for treatment.
Is acupuncture effective?
Acupuncture for weight loss is effective for 60-90% of people. Some experience great results, while others may see slower progress. From current evidence in evidence-based medicine, after completing an acupuncture weight loss treatment course (around three weeks), the average weight loss is about 1.5 kilograms, indicating it is generally effective with very few side effects (such as pain or minor local bleeding). This is far less discomforting than the side effects from medication, such as dry mouth, palpitations, dizziness, bloating, or diarrhea.
Clinical research has found that acupuncture is particularly effective for abdominal fat loss. Many women often have slim limbs but struggle with a bulging belly. For younger women, this is often due to post-pregnancy abdominal fat, while for older women, it is due to post-menopausal weight gain.
In such cases, full-body weight loss treatment is not meaningful; instead, local treatment should focus on the abdomen. “Acupuncture can adjust the whole body, but the key treatment area is the abdomen.” By needling the abdomen, it increases blood and nutrient supply, softening the belly. Once the belly softens, metabolism speeds up, leading to rapid weight loss.
A research report published in the 2020 <British Medical Journal> concluded that acupuncture effectively reduces BMI, body weight, and body fat, particularly when combined with lifestyle and dietary changes. This supports acupuncture’s role in overall weight management strategies (SGH). These findings highlight acupuncture’s potential in reducing abdominal fat and improving metabolic health, especially in younger individuals.
Related: Ear Seeds: A Secret Weapon for Weight Loss
What are acupuncture points for weight loss?
The most commonly used acupuncture points for weight loss are:
– Tianshu (ST25)
– Dahong (ST27)
– Zusanli (ST36)
– Sanyinjiao (SP6)
Acupuncture at these points can:
Regulate the neuroendocrine system
Acupuncture is believed to affect the neurotransmitters and hormone levels of the central nervous system, which is crucial for controlling hunger, satiety, and metabolism.
- Increase lipolytic activity
Acupuncture, particularly at specific points like Zusanli (ST36) and Neiting (ST44), has been shown to increase electrical activity in the ventromedial hypothalamus, which activates the satiety center and increases lipolytic (fat-burning) activity.
- Redistribute and dissolve fat
By inserting needles into the subcutaneous fat layer of the abdomen, body acupuncture may directly affect the breakdown and redistribution of fat tissue, leading to a reduction in waist circumference—a key indicator of central obesity.
Who should avoid acupuncture?
For those looking to lose a large amount of weight, acupuncture may not be the most suitable option, as the changes may not be noticeable.
Like other weight loss methods, acupuncture cannot promise immediate results, but it is highly effective for localized fat reduction, especially in the abdominal area. The arms and calves are slower to show results because these areas are primarily muscle, and acupuncture is more effective in reducing fat.
Studies have confirmed the effectiveness of acupuncture in combating excess weight and obesity. However, TCM emphasizes a holistic approach, and acupuncture alone is not enough for weight loss. It should be combined with lifestyle changes, diet, and exercise for better results.
How to combine acupuncture with diet?
Start with a hearty breakfast—what you eat within an hour of waking is fully converted into energy, promoting metabolism and reducing appetite throughout the day. It’s also important to correctly balance carbohydrates, protein, and other dietary components. This balance prevents a sudden drop in blood sugar. When only carbohydrates are consumed during a meal, blood sugar spikes rapidly, prompting the pancreas to release large amounts of insulin.
Insulin is one of the hormones that control blood sugar levels. If released in excess, it can cause blood sugar to fall below normal levels, leading to “reactive hypoglycemia.” When blood sugar is too low, we instinctively seek sugar sources and lose control of our eating habits. A balanced intake of carbohydrates, protein, fruits, and vegetables will slow sugar absorption and help rebalance insulin release.
Acupuncture for weight loss at Shanghai Medicine Clinic
Acupuncture for weight loss is a holistic approach that includes stress relief, emotional eating control, improving digestive function, and regulating metabolism.
By targeting specific acupuncture points, it helps restore balance within the body, making it a useful choice for anyone seeking a safe and effective weight loss support therapy.
Moreover, acupuncture addresses multiple health issues, including stress relief, pain management, and weight loss. It is an effective complementary therapy that can be combined with other TCM methods such as herbal treatments, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, and mind-body practices to offer a comprehensive weight management strategy.
Dubai is a global metropolis where traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical practices converge. TCM is widely practiced here. Shanghai Medicine Clinic is a renowned Chinese herbal medicine clinic in Dubai that offers acupuncture treatments tailored to patients from around the world. Acupuncturists at the clinic are well-trained and certified, ensuring safe and effective treatment. Dr. Wang’s unique natural weight loss therapy, combining locally sourced date palm extract and acupuncture, can help patients lose weight within three months.
If you are considering trying acupuncture for weight loss, consult with our registered TCM doctors by phone +971 4343 4811 or WhatsApp at 971555918602, we can customize a treatment plan based on your specific needs.
Sheikh Zayed Collector Rd, Main Branch:
Make a call + 971 43434811
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/971555918602
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mKAexzwzFZUwFcU19
DHCC Branch:
Make a call + 971 44225238
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/971585699858
