Acupuncture has been used for millennia in China and other Asian countries in order to treat disease, infection and chronic ailments. Recently, it has become popular in the West as more practitioners are trained in the ancient art, and scientific studies are being conducted on its benefits. One purported use for acupuncture is to help stimulate weight loss. This is primarily done through ear acupuncture, but it has mixed reviews when it comes to effectiveness.
Identification
Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine that uses needles in order to treat ailments in the body. According to Ansgar T. Roemer in the book, "Medical Acupuncture in Pregnancy: A Textbook," acupuncture is performed on specific points that can be sensitive to pressure, and is considered a holistic therapy as it has an effect on both the location of where the needle is inserted, along with the entire organism. Acupuncture is now used for a variety of reasons, ranging from chronic back pain to weight loss.
Features
Ear acupuncture is the primary approach to weight loss used by Chinese Medical practitioners. This form can be used to reduce the appetite, according to Axel Rubach in the book, "Principles of Ear Acupuncture: Microsystem of the Auricle." Points that are targeted include the Craving Point (29 c), Vegetative Points I and II (51 and 34), Antiagression Point (PT 1) and a Liver Zone point (97), which is often found to be sensitive. A series of 10 to 15 sessions is deemed sufficient to initiate weight loss, and each session provides effects for five to seven days.
Research
According to the British Medical Association in the book, "Acupuncture: Efficacy, Safety, and Practice," two rigorous studies on acupuncture for weight loss were negative, and two less rigorous studies were positive. On the other hand, in the book, "Chinese Auricular Acupuncture" by Skya Abbate, positive results for ear acupuncture were found in treating pathological obesity and reduction in insulin at the time of an empty stomach.
Considerations
Acupuncture may not be a viable choice for everyone. If you suffer from a fear of needles, acupuncture may not be suitable for you. Often, acupuncture is used in conjunction with other forms of medicine to treat ailments, and this may be necessary to see real weight loss. Although some studies have indicated that acupuncture may help with losing weight, other studies have shown it works no better than a placebo.
References
- "Medical Acupuncture in Pregnancy: A Textbook"; Ansgar T. Roemer; 2005
- "Principles of Ear Acupuncture: Microsystem of the Auricle"; Axel Rubach; 2001
- "Acupuncture: Efficacy, Safety, and Practice"; British Medical Association; 2000
- "Acupuncture: Efficacy, Safety, and Practice"; Skya Abbate; 2003
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