Does acupuncture for weight loss really work?

These days, it feels like every time you decide to kickstart a new weight loss journey, there are a hundred new methods that have popped up — from the latest trending diet to waist trainers, ear seeds, fat freezing, weight loss gummies, laxatives, sauna visits, hypnotherapy and skinny teas.

They all claim to be revolutionary, tried and tested weight loss hacks, they go viral one month, and then the next month, it's onto the next, as soon as people realise that they're just another fad that offers limited or unsustainable results.

But what about acupuncture for weight loss? Is it just another fad, or does traditional Chinese medicine have scientifically-backed evidence to support weight loss?

Well, we'll tell you right now: the effectiveness of acupuncture for weight loss is a topic of debate and ongoing research. While some studies suggest that acupuncture might aid in weight loss by influencing appetite, metabolism, and stress levels, the evidence is not conclusive [2].

With that being said, there are studies featuring acupuncture for weight loss that indicate a positive correlation between acupuncture treatments and body weight reduction. 

Furthermore, body acupuncture is often one part of an overall holistic approach when it comes to a broader weight loss strategy and healthy lifestyle [1][5].

Before you book your acupuncture appointment, here's everything you need to know about the science behind acupuncture for weight loss, including safety and side effects, and the specific points your acupuncturist should target.

How does acupuncture work?

A traditional Chinese medical practice, acupuncture treatments involve inserting very thin needles into specific points of the body for different benefits [4].

When it comes to how it works, the understanding in traditional Chinese medicine is based on the concept of qi (pronounced "chi") flow, which is the way energy flows through your body's meridian pathways [4].

The idea behind this is that when the flow of qi is blocked, it can cause a body imbalance that results in pain or illness. There are 12 specific points along these meridians in acupuncture treatments that correspond to different organs and functions, and inserting needles in these locations can restore the body's qi and promote healing and overall well-being.

However, the scientific understanding of how acupuncture treatment works differs from the traditional Chinese medicine understanding. Rather than focusing on the flow of the body, the modern scientific understanding of acupuncture is that it stimulates the nervous system [4][6].

This triggers the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers, and serotonin, which improves mood.

Furthermore, the needles can increase blood flow and stimulate nerves in the skin and muscles of the area. This can alter pain perception, promote relaxation, and give your immune system a boost, which can reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Can acupuncture help you lose weight?

Whether this traditional Chinese medical practice can help people lose weight is a topic of great interest, and currently, the evidence surrounding the efficacy of using acupuncture for weight loss isn't conclusive [2].

With that being said, the studies featuring acupuncture for weight loss do suggest some ways that acupuncture treatments can positively impact your weight loss journey [1].

Studies suggest that acupuncture therapy can potentially influence your hunger and satiety hormones, namely ghrelin and leptin [7].

This could reduce appetite and food cravings, which can help people lose weight. It's also suggested that acupuncture can potentially boost metabolic function, which can promote fat burning.

From a more holistic approach, acupuncture treatment can be a complementary medicine to other strategies to lose weight, like diet and lifestyle changes [3][5]. For instance, acupuncture is known to reduce stress hormones [7], which could reduce stress-related overeating as you work to lose weight via diet and exercise.

Likewise, acupuncture can promote digestive function and overall health and well-being, which can help give you the boost you need in order to support further weight loss.

How much weight can you lose with acupuncture?

The amount of weight you can lose with acupuncture varies significantly depending on several factors, including your starting weight, diet, exercise habits, and overall health [1].

Other factors, like your age, metabolism, and underlying health conditions, can also impact the amount of weight loss. For some, acupuncture for weight loss can yield good results, while others will see little to no effect, particularly if acupuncture is their primary method of weight loss [2].

Relying on acupuncture alone without addressing other lifestyle factors is unlikely to result in significant weight loss.

Acupuncture for weight loss is most effective when combined with other weight loss strategies, like diet and exercise, but the frequency of acupuncture sessions can also impact how much weight loss you see. It seems that more frequent sessions over a longer period may yield better results.

What to expect during an acupuncture session

Going into your first acupuncture treatment doesn't have to be a daunting experience. First and foremost, it's important to do your research and find a trained and licensed practitioner to perform your acupuncture treatment.

While acupuncture is an alternative medicine, not all acupuncture practitioners are created equal, so it's best to choose someone who is qualified and experienced in traditional Chinese medicine.

Before your acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturist will ask you about your medical history, any current or ongoing health issues you're dealing with, and the results you're hoping to get from your session.

Next, they'll ask you to lie down on the treatment table. It's likely you'll have to remove some clothing in order for them to access specific points for treatment, so it's a good idea to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes.

Your practitioner will get you to lie on either your back, stomach, or side, depending on which areas they're targeting. Your acupuncturist will use single-use, sterile needles for the treatment, and you may feel a slight prick or tingling sensation upon insertion.

Once the needle is in, you may feel a dull ache or heavy sensation around some points, but this isn't usually cause for concern. If you're in pain, worried, or have questions, flag any concerns with your acupuncturist.

As your session progresses, your acupuncturist may try stimulating specific points by gently twisting or manipulating the needles. This is to maximise the effect that the needles are having.

Sometimes, they may also apply a small electrical current to the needles, to provide ongoing stimulation.

During acupuncture treatment, the needles will usually remain in place for 15-30 minutes, during which time you will be encouraged to relax. After this time, the acupuncturist will remove the needles, which should be a quick and painless process.

Best acupuncture points for weight loss

When doing acupuncture for weight loss specifically, there are several specific points your acupuncturist can target.

These points can help regulate appetite, improve digestion, boost metabolism and reduce stress hormones, which can all be beneficial to your broader weight loss strategy. When combined with diet and regular exercise, you can maximise your likelihood of weight reduction.

While it's best to listen to your acupuncturist, some common acupuncture points to support weight loss are [8]:

1. ST36 (Stomach 36 - Zusanli): Boosts digestion, energy, and metabolism.

2. CV12 (Conception Vessel 12 - Zhongwan): Regulates the digestive system, reduces bloating, and improves stomach and spleen function.

3. SP6 (Spleen 6 - Sanyinjiao): Aids digestion, helps with fluid retention and benefits the spleen and stomach.

4. LI4 (Large Intestine 4 - Hegu): Reduces stress and promotes relaxation, which can reduce emotional eating.

5. Auricular Acupuncture [3]: These 3 ear acupuncture points are thought to be beneficial for weight loss and regulation:

• Shen Men: Located in the upper part of the ear. It helps with stress relief and emotional balance.
• Stomach Point: Found in the middle part of the ear. It aids in regulating the digestive system.
• Hunger Point: Helps control appetite and reduce cravings.

How many sessions will you need?

When doing acupuncture for weight loss, the number of sessions you'll need will vary significantly between individuals.

After all, everyone is different, and there are many variables to consider, like how much weight you're hoping to lose, your response to acupuncture, and how healthy your lifestyle is outside of your acupuncture treatments.

Underlying health conditions or imbalances might require additional sessions to address, which can potentially extend the duration of treatment.

Typically, you might schedule acupuncture sessions once or twice a week to begin with, as this will help begin the process of regulating your body's systems.

Your acupuncturist will monitor your progress over the next 4-6 weeks and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan accordingly. It's important to note that some people will see changes more quickly than others, so patience is key here.

Following the initial phase, you may reduce your sessions to once a week or once a fortnight. Acupuncture for weight loss can see cumulative effects over time, so this next phase can continue for months [2].

Finally, once you've made significant progress, you may want to reduce the frequency of sessions to once a month, or even less, depending on your progress and goals.

While acupuncture can have some benefits for weight loss, it is not a standalone solution. For significant and sustained weight loss, a comprehensive approach involving dietary changes and increased physical activity is your best bet [3][5].

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