How to Use Acupuncture for Weight Loss?

Dr. Shan Qin (June 3, 2023)

Acupuncture is an extraordinary component of China's traditional medical treasure trove and can play an important role in managing obesity. The mechanism of acupuncture for weight loss primarily involves regulating the body's metabolic and endocrine functions. Through acupuncture treatment, it is easier to adjust various metabolic functions of the body, promote fat decomposition, and achieve the effects of weight loss and fat reduction. Acupuncture can inhibit gastrointestinal motility and suppress gastric acid secretion, thereby reducing hunger and achieving the goal of acupuncture weight loss.

Step 1:

Acupuncture + Electroacupuncture

Acupuncture for weight loss can be applied to various parts of the body, such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, and calves, which are prone to fat accumulation. By treating these areas, fat can be eliminated and loose skin can be tightened, achieving the effects of weight loss and body shaping. Acupuncture for the treatment of obesity primarily works through these three aspects.

Regulating Gastrointestinal Function

The comprehensive effect of gastrointestinal regulation is mainly manifested in decreased appetite and improved bowel movements. We know that excessive calorie intake is a major cause of obesity, so regulating gastrointestinal function has a significant impact on weight loss. Many people who undergo acupuncture for weight loss experience a decrease in their appetite. Acupuncture can extend gastric emptying time, which helps suppress and even decrease excessive appetite. Additionally, it can improve bowel function. For example, during acupuncture treatment, some people with constipation experience enhanced intestinal motility and increased excretion, which are results of acupuncture's ability to enhance gastrointestinal function.

Improving Body Metabolism

Metabolism here includes sugar metabolism, fat metabolism, and others. Acupuncture can increase the speed of metabolism, leading to increased fat burning and thus achieving the goal of weight loss. Many overweight individuals have metabolic disorders, such as impaired fat metabolism or sugar metabolism. During acupuncture treatment, improvements in metabolism can be observed. For example, patients with diabetes or hyperlipidemia often experience adjustments in their conditions during acupuncture treatment.

Improving Endocrine System Function

Many cases of obesity occur during puberty, postpartum, and menopause, especially in women. These stages are characterized by significant hormonal changes. During acupuncture for weight loss, many women with accompanying symptoms such as menstrual irregularities or amenorrhea may not receive specific treatment for these symptoms. However, often through acupuncture, these symptoms can be improved, indicating an enhancement of the endocrine system.

Main Acupoints: Zhongwan, Huaroumen, Guanyuan, Sanyinjiao.

Additional Acupoints: Selected based on differential diagnosis.

For spleen deficiency with dampness: Neiguan, Shuifen, Tianshu, Fenglong, Lieque, Pishu.

For internal damp-heat accumulation: Quchi, Zhigou, Daheng, Siman, Neiting, Fuxie.

For disharmony between the yin and yang of the balance and governor vessels: Zhigou, Zhongzhu, Daimai, Xuehai, Shenshu, Taixi.

Procedure:

Connect the Tianzhu and Daheng acupoints to an electroacupuncture device, then apply continuous electric stimulation for 15-20 minutes. Treat once every other day, with a total of 10 sessions as one treatment course.

Step 2:

Meridian Stimulation + Abdominal Massage Technique

Based on the patient's clinical characteristics, choose the most suitable acupoints. For those with increased appetite and easy hunger, the stomach meridian should be the first choice. For those with a weak physique and tendency to wheeze during movement, the lung and spleen meridians can be selected. For those with bloating and heaviness in the epigastric region and limbs, the triple burner meridian should be chosen. The acupoint technique called "abdominal massage" or "point acupressure for weight loss" uses acupuncture points and meridians in traditional Chinese medicine to reduce excess fat in the stomach and abdomen. It not only reduces fat in those areas but also can treat many chronic diseases. There is a saying that "all chronic diseases can be treated through abdominal massage technique".

Step 3:

Cupping Therapy for Weight Loss

Cupping therapy for weight loss is guided by the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. It explores and summarizes the essence of meridian theory and utilizes specialized techniques of stimulating meridian points. This therapy aims to rapidly break down body fat, detoxify, and clear heat, thereby achieving the slimming effect of reducing fat through meridian stimulation. The principle of cupping therapy for weight loss is that the strong suction force created during cupping opens up the hair follicles, stimulates the sweat glands and sebaceous glands, and promotes the shedding of aging cells on the surface of the skin. This process accelerates the elimination of toxins and waste substances from the body.

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