Janet Jackson and other Hollywood celebrities credit acupuncture with significant weight loss. Replacing diet and exercise with a few needle pokes may be tempting and there is some scientific evidence that acupuncture treatment helps shed unwanted pounds. But even proponents of the "needle diet" agree that effective weight management demands some lifestyle changes. Acupuncture may speed your metabolism, regulate your hormones and strengthen your digestive system, but don't expect it to entirely compensate for binging on cake and pizza.
Acupuncture Can Improve Digestion and Metabolism
Dr. Ghim Lang of Nature's Grace Wellness Center says most of his patients lose weight even if they seek treatment for unrelated issues such as allergies, pain or cosmetic skin care. Acupuncture needles, which release blocked energy that causes problems such as sinus infections and neck cramps, also help to increase blood and energy flow to the spleen and other parts of the body that control appetite and weight. Many of Dr. Lang's patients, who visit him at his offices in Los Angeles, Glendale and Temecula, California, consider dropping five to 10 pounds a happy byproduct of their treatment.
Dietary Changes Advised
Patients who visit Dr. Lam specifically for weight loss, however, will also be advised to eliminate bread, pasta and sweets from their diets. Removing any food from your diet can help you lose weight, which is why claims about acupuncture's effectiveness are difficult to prove. A 2009 clinical trial did, however, point to auricular acupuncture as an aid in treating obese women. C.H. Hsu and colleagues at Chang-Gung University found that inserting needles in specific points on women's ears reduced their levels of two hormone peptides associated with obesity. The scientists' findings, published in the "Journal of Womens Health," said their study provides evidence that acupuncture may treat some causes of obesity.
Acupunture Points in Ear Lobes
Janet Jackson visited a Los Angeles acupuncture clinic for weight loss in 2006. According to "The Mirror" of London, needles inserted in her ear lobes at acupuncture points designed to control digestion and metabolism helped her lose weight. She also wore herb patches on her ears, which she could press whenever she experienced food cravings. At the same time, however, she also changed her eating patterns and launched a vigorous exercise program.
Acupuncture Weight Loss Programs
Some people in Singapore pay $1,800 for a weight loss program that includes 30 acupuncture treatments and restrictions on carbohydrates. Khoo Eng Lim, director of the School of Humanities and Alternative Medicine, said that the dramatic weight losses of 50 pounds and more reported by program participants were likely due more to restrictions in food intake and the loss of water weight than acupuncture. Lim said acupuncture can assist with weight loss, but only by revving metabolism, curbing hunger and improving metabolism.
Precautions
If you want to try acupuncture for weight loss, treatment typically includes twice-weekly sessions of about 45 minutes for five weeks and less frequent visits afterward. If you are on a medically supervised weight loss program or being treated for other conditions by a traditional doctor, you should not suspend care in favor of acupuncture without consulting with your physician.
References
- "Drug Week"; Obesity; Study findings from Chang-Gung University broaden understanding of obesity; July 17, 2009,p. 1004
- "The Mirror"; The Mirror; YourLife: How I'll Beat the Bloat; Janet Jackson on her Amazing Weight Loss; Victoria Kennedy; April 10, 2006; p. 34
- "The Straits Times"; Can you poke your flab away?;
- CallDrLam.com: Weight Management
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