Acupuncture for Weight Loss: Does It Work?

Some are even very unhealthy and irresponsible. ✔️ In Cities – It’s easier to find acupuncture clinics in larger cities. ✔️ Health Insurance – Acupuncture might be covered under alternative medicine. ✔️ Needle Sterilization – Make sure needles are sterilized and used only once.

Research suggests that acupuncture stimulates specific acupuncture points that influence metabolic processes, appetite control, and overall psychological well-being.
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Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment, in which little and sterilized needles are used to pass through the skin and stimulate the nerves in a specific way.
Acupuncture helps optimize metabolism by improving how the body processes fat.
Some common complaints are bruising, swelling, redness at the points where needles were inserted, and dizziness on occasion.
Side effects are rare but can include minor bruising, soreness, or dizziness.

It involves a complex interplay of factors like hormones, stress, digestion, and sleep. As an acupuncturist with over 10 years of experience, I’ve fielded countless questions about acupuncture’s potential. Take your time and explore the full potential acupuncture has to offer. Make sure to go to a licensed acupuncture practitioner for the safest experience. Tell your practitioner about any health problems you have. Exploring the effectiveness of acupuncture for weight loss involves a thorough analysis of key studies and their findings. An ongoing acupuncture regimen, alongside other healthy lifestyle choices, can create a conducive environment for weight management and overall wellness. By promoting endorphin release and reducing cortisol levels, acupuncture helps mitigate the body’s stress response that often triggers unhealthy cravings and overeating. Melding acupuncture with lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise could potentially improve results. Exploring how acupuncture therapy can enhance body weight reduction might shed light and improve its effectiveness.

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It is necessary to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting acupuncture for weight loss to discuss any personal health concerns or conditions. Some studies suggest that it can help regulate appetite and improve metabolic functions, potentially making it a useful complement to weight loss strategies. To ensure the best experience, seek out a qualified acupuncturist who is certified by a recognized professional body and has specific experience in weight loss treatments. To effectively integrate acupuncture into your weight management program, professionals recommend scheduling regular sessions, ideally weekly or biweekly. Many people falsely believe that acupuncture alone can lead to significant weight loss without any lifestyle changes. ✔️ Manage stress – Acupuncture helps reduce stress and emotional eating. ✔️ Hormonal imbalance – Crash diets can disrupt your hormones, affecting your mood and well-being. ✔️ Maintenance Phase (1 session every 2 weeks) – Once your body begins responding, weekly sessions can be reduced to once every 2 weeks. By focusing on these acupoints, acupuncture practitioners have linked this intervention to decreased food intake and a lowered desire to binge-eat. While the reviews tend to emphasize positive effects in select populations, they indicate little sustained effect over time. Take for instance the fact that acupuncture decreased BMI and waist circumference in the majority of the trials, yet variations in methodologies hinder wider application. Lifestyle modification approaches for the treatment of obesity in adults. Yumuk V, Fruhbeck G, Oppert JM, Woodward E, Toplak H. An EASO position statement on multidisciplinary obesity management in adults. Su X, Peng D. The exchangeable apolipoproteins in lipid metabolism and obesity. Recent evidence in support of traditional Chinese medicine to restore normal leptin function in simple obesity. The funding body had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. This traditional therapy, rooted in ancient practices, has garnered attention for its potential effects on appetite regulation and metabolism. It’s most effective when combined with a complete weight loss intervention. Most suggest first beginning with weekly acupuncture sessions for 4–6 weeks and then modifying from there based on what you’re seeing and your weight loss goals. While it is not an independent cure-all, acupuncture therapy can be part of a comprehensive approach when combined with a nutritious diet and active lifestyle.

Body Acupuncture Points

But “if your metabolism is affected and your energy is low, your body goes into what I call ‘low power mode,’” says Oh. Your body needs to use a lot of energy to burn fat, which isn’t a big deal if your metabolism is chugging along smoothly. Traditional practitioners believe the ancient alternative medicine can help rebalance your body’s energy (called “qi”) by directing its flow. Acupuncture—the Eastern practice of using super-thin needles to stimulate strategic points on your body—has an interesting health reputation.

Thus, it helps you reduce weight effectively while promoting the best possible health standards.
Practitioners use several different acupuncture techniques for weight management, each targeting specific aspects of appetite control and metabolism.
When hormone levels are out of balance, many body systems can be negatively impacted, from digestion and cognition to healing and immune function.
Video calls with a specialized dietitian, covered by insurance
Despite widespread use, the effectiveness of acupuncture as a means of weight loss remains a topic of debate for scientists and doctors alike.
Participants were able to lose an average of 10 to 15 pounds within two months by committing to sessions and changing their diet.
When energy levels are balanced, individuals may feel more motivated to exercise regularly, further supporting their weight loss journey.
This is particularly relevant for those considering acupuncture as part of a weight loss plan, ensuring it complements existing treatments safely.
Acupuncture may boost levels of serotonin and endorphins, hormones that affect mood and appetite.

Five Element theory teaches us to understand our health in terms of the cycles that govern our bodies and the natural world. If you have ever thought about learning Zero Balancing, 2024 is your opportunity to begin your studies in Portland, Oregon. There’s no question that losing weight and keeping it off requires a deep dive into transforming your life. It’s fundamental to address your emotional triggers if you are trying to lose weight. Everyone is different, and there are real, physiological differences that make it more difficult for some people to lose weight than others. Several studies have shown that acupuncture can improve metabolism, reduce appetite, and promote better weight management outcomes. Yes, specific acupuncture points are targeted for weight loss, including those that influence appetite regulation, metabolism, and stress reduction. Additionally, an effective weight loss therapy i.e. acupuncture is limited to stress reduction, metabolism, weight loss, pain relief, and in some cases fertility. Although acupuncture has most commonly been used for pain, it has grown in popularity, touting numerous health benefits, including weight loss. However, it is one of the strongest support systems in tandem with a healthy lifestyle for weight loss. When acupuncture is used for weight loss, it stimulates different areas of the body. Additionally, if you’re not seeing the results you’d hoped for with acupuncture alone, your doctor can help you explore other weight loss options or adjust your overall treatment plan. Acupuncture can provide a helpful boost, but maintaining a healthy diet and staying active are essential for long-term weight management. After beginning acupuncture treatments, Kate noticed a shift in her eating habits. Kate, a 35-year-old marketing professional, struggled with emotional eating and stress-related weight gain. By calming the nervous system, this point helps reduce stress-related weight gain and emotional eating.

Possible side effects and safety tips

John, a 45-year-old accountant, had been struggling with weight gain around his midsection for years. As a result, Kate’s emotional eating subsided, and she was able to make healthier food choices. It is particularly helpful for individuals who experience bloating, constipation, or other digestive issues related to weight gain. Located on the hand, Large Intestine 4 is a powerful point for relieving stress and promoting relaxation. This point is often used to treat emotional eating, anxiety, and insomnia, all of which can contribute to weight gain.

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This treatment is safer and enhances the effectiveness of other interventions, like medications. The therapeutic effects have been found in studies to become evident after approximately eight weeks. Acupuncture has been shown to have an effect on neurotransmitters and hormones involved in appetite and metabolism. With weight loss, practitioners will frequently target points such as the stomach (ST36) and spleen (SP6). Acupuncture can be highly effective for weight loss when combined with other weight loss practices such as healthy food and exercise. By combining acupuncture with a healthy lifestyle and adopting mindful eating habits, individuals can enhance their weight loss journey. Clinical trials have demonstrated reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and BMI in individuals receiving acupuncture treatments. While the research on acupuncture’s specific effects on weight loss is still evolving, several studies have shown promising results. Not only did the treatment help them lose weight, but it also reduced the amount of inflammation in their bodies, which studies have linked to obesity. Doctors have noticed that when acupuncture is used on people who are obese, it helps them feel more full. It helps your hormones, metabolism, digestion, and inflammation. If you desire such information, please consult your healthcare provider. This will help you make the most informed choices about the foods you consume and their impact on your health.

Acupuncture can be effective for treating some types of chronic pain.
Acupuncture helps regulate appetite and improve digestion, making it easier to stick to healthy eating habits.
Other hormonal effects include increased nesfatin-1 levels in the plasma, an anorexigenic hormone that inhibits body weight growth and appetite.
The cost of acupuncture sessions can vary greatly based on geographic location, practitioner experience, and treatment frequency.
While diet and exercise remain essential components of any weight loss strategy, there are times when these efforts alone are not enough to achieve long-term results.
By preventing slow digestion and improving gut health, you can relieve constipation, bloating and other gastrointestinal issues that may keep you sedentary or lead to fat deposition.
Acupuncture can be highly effective for weight loss when combined with other weight loss practices such as healthy food and exercise.
Here are some great reasons why you may wish to include acupuncture treatment as part of your weight loss program.
Wang M, Liu W, Ge J, Liu S. The immunomodulatory mechanisms for acupuncture practice.

✔️ Helping the body absorb nutrients better, so food is processed more efficiently. ✔️ Many people report feeling more relaxed and in control of cravings after acupuncture. ✔️ It lowers cortisol, reducing the urge to eat when stressed. Stress can lead to binge eating and belly fat due to high cortisol levels. A systematic review of multiple trials found that patients receiving acupuncture experienced notable reductions in body weight compared to control groups. The scientific evidence surrounding acupuncture for weight loss includes various clinical studies that assess its efficacy and safety. Consequently, addressing stress through acupuncture can play a critical role in achieving sustainable weight loss outcomes. Incorporating acupuncture into a weight loss regimen may not only support physical health but also nurture a more balanced emotional state.

Better Sleep: The Hidden Ally for Weight Loss

Such acupuncture techniques have the potential to smooth energy demand, and their efficacy should be proven with sound scientific evidence first.
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.
One of the ways acupuncture aids weight loss is by improving digestion through its impact on the gut-brain axis and the central nervous system (CNS).
If acupuncture can in fact reduce inflammation and improve immune function, then that could explain why it might have an impact on CFS and general fatigue.
Acupuncture treatment could be effective by stimulating specific acupoints that regulate hormones tied to metabolism.
Also if you ever skip exercise because of a pain issue, acupuncture could help keep you moving.
Acupuncture can effectively combat metabolic imbalances, and in addition to treating physical conditions, it also offers weight loss benefits.

Customized protocols that integrate acupuncture and other therapies show more promise toward a more holistic approach. More advanced techniques like biomarker analysis might allow us to see both how acupuncture works and how it fits into larger metabolic processes. This is especially ironic when nearly 40% of individuals experience chronic weight cycling. Larger, more diverse trials can help elucidate how acupuncture affects different patients across a range of characteristics. As such, long-term research is critical to determine sustainability, guaranteeing that these benefits endure and do not lead to subsequent weight regain.

This is a major risk factor for many serious diseases and health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, cancers, pain and physical dysfunction.
✔️ Nutrient deficiencies – Extreme diets can deprive your body of vitamins and minerals, affecting energy and health.
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One of the most significant benefits of acupuncture for weight loss is its ability to suppress appetite.
Disruptions or imbalances in the flow of Qi are believed to contribute to various health issues, including weight management difficulties.
Auricular acupuncture therapy has been practised in China since ancient times; however, it has become internationally recognised due to the work of the French physician Paul Nogier.11 Acupuncture is widely used to treat many symptoms/conditions, and auricular acupuncture is the method most often used to treat obesity.12
Acupuncture might affect weight control via neurochemical alterations as well.

Zeng Q, Li N, Pan XF, Chen L, Pan A. Clinical management and treatment of obesity in China. AHA/ACC/TOS guideline for the management of overweight and obesity in adults. Bagheri S, Zolghadri S, Stanek A. Beneficial effects of anti-inflammatory diet in modulating gut microbiota and controlling obesity. Moreover, the changes in body weight, BMI, WC, BF %, and HOMA-IR have clinical significance. Shen Men, also known as the “Spirit Gate,” is an ear acupuncture point that helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and control cravings. This point helps improve digestion, reduce water retention, and promote healthy blood sugar levels. Located on the lower leg, Stomach 36 is one of the most frequently used acupuncture points for digestion and metabolism. 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. 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. Acupuncture for weight loss is primarily related to changes in the body’s nervous system and hormonal regulation. Acupuncture not only treats these underlying constitutional issues but also improves spleen function, thereby enhancing digestion and metabolism—key aspects of successful weight management. 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. Practitioners need to evaluate a patient’s health history, especially their currently prescribed medications and existing medical conditions, to mitigate potential risks. Contraindications should be screened for as a key first step to treatment. People with bleeding disorders, or those who have pacemakers, need to use electroacupuncture with caution. She recommends thinking of acupuncture treatments like personal training sessions—you’ll get much better results if you make healthy choices that support weight loss in other areas of your life. “When done correctly, acupuncture is a great supplement to a weight loss program, as patients have noticed decrease in appetite, improved mood, and decrease in stress,” Rahnama says. By lowering cortisol levels, acupuncture can help curb these stress-related effects, making it easier to manage weight. Inserting needles at specific points along these meridians is thought to rebalance energy flow, leading to improved health outcomes, including weight loss. Unlike other weight loss plans, acupuncture does not have negative effects on the human body; rather it leaves the body in a better form. This comprehensive perspective allows for a more tailored treatment plan that addresses the root causes of ailments rather than merely alleviating symptoms. Practitioners often undergo extensive training to understand the intricate network of meridians and how they relate to various health conditions. This ancient practice dates back thousands of years and has evolved into a widely accepted form of alternative medicine in many parts of the world. These points are believed to connect with energy pathways called meridians. Furthermore, in addition to physiological improvements, it is also necessary to investigate acupuncture treatment in improving the psychological and social wellness of obese patients. Third, due to the deficiency of available data in included studies, unfortunately we were unable to conduct a secondary analysis based on different TCM syndrome types of obesity. By cultivating good lifestyle habits, the occurrence of obesity and its complications can be prevented or reduced. Our findings also found the common deficiencies of the RCTs of acupuncture on obesity in methodology. Most of the research generally suggests that acupuncture can help in a few ways. When performed by a trained practitioner, acupuncture is generally safe. Acupuncture may support fat loss by improving metabolism and digestive function, but spot reduction (like belly-only fat loss) is unlikely. Juniper offers a holistic program that's not just about losing weight. Your acupuncturist will monitor your progress over the next 4-6 weeks and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan accordingly. Acupuncture for weight loss is a holistic approach that includes stress relief, emotional eating control, improving digestive function, and regulating metabolism. Studies have confirmed the effectiveness of acupuncture in combating excess weight and obesity. Like other weight loss methods, acupuncture cannot promise immediate results, but it is highly effective for localized fat reduction, especially in the abdominal area. 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. Poor digestion can contribute to weight gain by causing bloating, constipation, and nutrient deficiencies. Specific points, such as those on the ear (known as auricular acupuncture), are believed to regulate hunger signals by influencing the part of the brain that controls cravings. Acupuncture helps regulate hormones by targeting specific points related to the endocrine system, which plays a key role in weight regulation. Hormonal imbalances can make it challenging to lose weight, especially for women dealing with issues like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), menopause, or thyroid problems.

Results indicated that addition of acupuncture caused significant improvements in body weight, BMI, WC, BF %, FPG, FINS, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, and LDL-C.
The acupuncture group comprised four women and one man, and the placebo group comprised five women.
Thin, sterile needles are inserted in different parts of the body.
Therefore, auricular acupuncture may also suppress LHA neuronal activity via an afferent pathway of the vagus nerve and activate HVM neuronal activity in humans, which may lead to decreased food intake and subsequent weight loss.
While acupuncture is generally considered safe, it is important to be aware of potential side effects that may arise during treatment for weight loss.
It is a mind-body practice that engages the body in various stretching poses, encouraging a mindful, meditative state.
This treatment is safer and enhances the effectiveness of other interventions, like medications.
Maria found that acupuncture treatments not only supported her weight loss but also helped alleviate other symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as irritability and poor sleep.

Acupuncture Helps Intestinal Motility, Raises Seratonin Levels

Simple obesity is defined as excessive accumulation of body fat due to intake of calorie exceeding the body’s calorie expenditure, without significant endocrine, metabolic disorders, or other etiologies. The global prevalence of obesity has risen dramatically, becoming a major public health concern. "Acupuncture doesn’t cause weight loss directly," she says. Relieving this underlying stress, in theory, would help calm your appetite. With acupuncture, the needles—which are very small and flexible and not at all like the ones you see in your doctor's office—work to release the tension in your muscles by releasing feel-good endorphins, which helps put you in a calmer state.

Previous studies suggest that the weight reduction effect of auricular acupuncture occurs via stimulation of the hunger and stomach points.6 Anatomically, the hunger point is located in the tragus, and the stomach point is located in the cuvum conchae, with both points falling within the distribution of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve.
Stimulating specific ear points can help control appetite, cravings, and metabolism.
Long-term persistence of hormonal adaptations to weight loss.
More human vs animal studies would also be helpful, but from the research that is out there now, it does look promising.
Acupuncture helps regulate key processes such as digestion, hormone balance, and metabolism, but it’s not a stand-alone solution for shedding pounds.
Stimulating the nerves of the kidney and endocrine system discourages water retention in the body.
This helps the body start adjusting to the acupuncture and boosts metabolism.
By balancing the body’s energy, or Qi, acupuncture helps support a healthy metabolism, reduce cravings, improve digestion, and reduce stress levels.

Obesity complicated with insulin resistance treated with the electroacupuncture at the combination of back-shu and front-mu points. The effect of Jin’s three-needle therapy on visceral fat in patients with simple obesity. The research and choosing acupoints methods based on midnight-noon ebb-flow therapy for obesity with spleen qi deficiency and exuberant dampness type Master, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine; 2021. Effect of acupuncture on serum PYY and nesfatin-1 in obese patients with insulin resistance. Acupuncture for weight loss can help by increasing calorie burn and energy use. ✔️ Reducing inflammation, which is often linked to obesity and metabolic disorders, can be supported by treatments like acupuncture for obesity. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice that involves inserting ultra-thin needles into specific points on the body. Let’s explore whether acupuncture can truly be a game-changer in your weight loss journey! It involves inserting super thin needles into various points on the body to stimulate sensory nerves and rebalance the body’s natural energy flow. This article will help you understand how acupuncture helps with weight loss and what to expect if you try it out. Acupuncture has so many health benefits you may wonder if acupuncture could help you lose weight. This helps the weight loss process and enables you to eat healthily. So, if you’re excited to experience acupuncture for weight loss, what are you waiting for? Wang M, Liu W, Ge J, Liu S. The immunomodulatory mechanisms for acupuncture practice. Acupuncture improved lipid metabolism by regulating intestinal absorption in mice. Metabolic inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity.

So, rather than focus on WHAT you are eating and what to avoid in your diet, try focusing on HOW you are eating and start from there.
If you have questions about acupuncture or how acupuncture can help you, you can also contact us via email.
Acupuncture helps in calming down the mind as one suffers from anxiety and stress.
People with bleeding disorders, or those who have pacemakers, need to use electroacupuncture with caution.
In addition to ear acupuncture, specific body points are targeted to boost metabolism, improve digestion, and balance hormones.
” Surveys over the years have consistently shown that roughly half of Americans express interest in losing weight at any given time.
Research indicates that frequent sessions can be instrumental in achieving this equilibrium, thereby streamlining the process of maintaining a healthy weight long-term.
All control groups received lifestyle interventions, such as dieting, exercise, or a combination of both.

The Truth Behind Acupuncture for Weight Loss

The most common side effects an acupuncture treatment may cause are soreness, a bit of bleeding from where the needles were inserted, and fatigue. How many acupuncture treatments you will need to see significant weight loss depends on your diagnosis and case. People use acupuncture for weight loss as it can boost your metabolism, reduce how much you want to eat, and make it easier to digest food. But it’s not just about energy and warding off fatigue—healthy sleep may actually play a major role in fat and weight loss. Some studies suggest that thyroid and endocrine ear acupuncture treatment may lead to a decrease in feelings of hunger, as well as to a drop in stress-related food cravings. In term of secondary analysis, researchers need to investigate the appropriate acupuncture therapy, including MA, EA and acupoint catgut embedding, for the management of obesity treatment via network meta-analysis. This limits the analysis of clinical significance of acupuncture as an adjunct to lifestyle interventions for obesity on these indicators. Results indicated that addition of acupuncture caused significant improvements in body weight, BMI, WC, BF %, FPG, FINS, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, and LDL-C. More than 10 studies in each aspect of body weight, BMI, WC, TC, and TG were included. Regarding body weight and BMI, after any study was excluded, the range of change in MD are similar to the combined MD. ✔️ Strength training – Lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises boosts metabolism and improves muscle tone. Acupuncture can be a great tool for weight loss, but it works best when combined with healthy eating and regular exercise. ✔️ A 2020 study found that acupuncture lowered stress levels, helping people reduce emotional eating. ✔️ A 2018 study found that acupuncture improved metabolism in overweight individuals. At Melbourne Acupuncture & Wellness Centre, we encourage our clients to integrate acupuncture into a comprehensive wellness plan to achieve sustainable results. Sarah, a 30-year-old new mother, struggled to lose the weight she gained during pregnancy. Maria, a 40-year-old teacher, was facing weight gain due to hormonal imbalances related to perimenopause.

Lifestyle modification approaches for the treatment of obesity in adults.
In addition, stress can also lead to emotional eating, where a person eats to soothe their feelings rather than because they are physically hungry.
• Acupuncture works through multiple pathways – it boosts metabolism, regulates hunger hormones like ghrelin, and reduces stress-related emotional eating patterns.
If you’d like to give acupuncture a try, book an appointment with one of our Chinese medicine doctors or call for a consultation!
The acupuncture sites were the same as those used in this study and the results confirmed the biochemical effects of auricular acupuncture in humans.
Not all methods of losing weight are good for the body.
When you don’t get enough sleep, the body’s ability to produce insulin—a hormone that helps convert starch, sugar, and other foods into energy.
By lowering cortisol levels, acupuncture can help curb these stress-related effects, making it easier to manage weight.
Acupuncture for weight loss can see cumulative effects over time, so this next phase can continue for months .

Along with diet and exercise, acupuncture is the best remedy to include in your weight loss plan. Combining lifestyle change with medical treatment can make weight loss programs more effective. Participants who employed acupuncture along with a low-carb diet were also found to achieve greater weight loss than dieting alone, according to another study. Acupuncture can be a helpful tool for weight loss by supporting appetite control, boosting metabolism, and reducing stress. When seeking acupuncture for weight loss, it’s important to choose a qualified and licensed practitioner to ensure a safe and effective treatment. Including regular physical activity, such as strength training, cardio, or yoga, alongside acupuncture sessions will further promote weight loss. Individual results will also vary based on metabolism, lifestyle habits, and underlying health conditions. While acupuncture may support weight loss, it has several limitations. Acupuncture may also be more cost-effective and have fewer side effects than expensive weight-loss medications. Similarly, another systematic review shows small but significant decreases in body weight, BMI, and waist-size. I’m Vanessa – a Registered Dietitian, weight loss expert, and mom of 3. Some may combine your treatment with vibration therapy (tuning forks) or moxibustion (burning mugwort leaves near acupuncture points). Studies show that acupuncture can help improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, improve glucose tolerance, and regulate hunger hormones. Combining healthy eating with exercise can help you reap even more health benefits and movement on the scale.

The participants all firmly believed that they were receiving auricular acupuncture stimulation.
This is the incredible capacity of Chinese medicine- to customize approaches according to each person, whether it’s weight loss, low back pain, or even infertility!
This ancient practice offers a natural way to boost metabolism, reduce cravings, and balance energy levels—all factors that can contribute to shedding extra pounds.
Therefore, acupuncture can be an effective tool for those looking to increase their energy levels and engage in regular physical activity in order to achieve their weight loss goals.
Science shows acupuncture to have a profound impact on the neuroendocrine system.
Body weight, BMI, WC, BF %, FPG, FINS, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, and AEs were the outcomes considered in the meta-analysis.Table 1 Study Characteristics
Despite these findings, some research shows that sham acupuncture, in which needles are inserted at non-traditional pressure points, also produces the same weight-loss results.
✔️ Long-term Results – For continued weight maintenance, some people find that monthly sessions help keep the body’s balance in check and support ongoing metabolism.
With the right approach, acupuncture can help you achieve lasting weight loss and overall wellness.

Acupuncture treatments can be expensive. Try not to compare your own experience and results to someone else’s — or to the results seen in research studies. It’s important to find an approach that feels right for your body. Many practitioners recommend combining acupuncture with dietary changes and physical activity to maximize results. Furthermore, the ritual of attending acupuncture sessions can also foster a sense of commitment to one's health goals, reinforcing positive behaviors over time. The effects of acupuncture extend beyond just pain relief; many patients report improvements in sleep quality, digestion, and even emotional well-being. Acupuncture has been found to boost metabolism, which can help with weight loss. This can improve energy levels and help individuals feel more motivated to engage in physical activity and make healthier food choices. By reducing stress, acupuncture can help reduce the likelihood of emotional eating and promote healthier eating habits. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture can stimulate the body's natural healing processes, improve digestion, reduce stress, and promote overall wellness. This is the incredible capacity of Chinese medicine- to customize approaches according to each person, whether it’s weight loss, low back pain, or even infertility! Controlling for dietary intake is rarely if ever done in most of the studies that link acupuncture and hormone levels, which can make it hard to draw conclusions. Is there any reason to think that acupuncture might be an effective tool for shedding excess pounds and maintaining a healthy weight? In the hands of a skilled practitioner, acupuncture and herbs are typically administered in a more holistic way – trying to figure out how what’s out of balance in the person’s body, re-establishing that balance, and the weight loss as an unintended side effect. Relying on acupuncture alone without addressing other lifestyle factors is unlikely to result in significant weight loss. Other factors, like your age, metabolism, and underlying health conditions, can also impact the amount of weight loss. In some cases, acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which may aid in curbing cravings and controlling appetite. Even slight imbalances in hormone levels can lead to weight gain, especially in cases of conditions such as hypothyroidism or insulin resistance. Hormones are crucial to many of the body’s processes, including metabolism, reproduction, and mood regulation. By reducing stress levels, it promotes the body to lose a handful of pounds. If you’re interested in learning more about how acupuncture aids in weight loss, check out this detailed article. But does acupuncture work for weight loss, or is it just another wellness trend? Acupuncture isn’t a magic fix, but it can gently enhance weight loss efforts. Is it a replacement for diet and exercise? It seems best used alongside diet and exercise. The extra benefit—around 2–5 kg more weight loss—is consistent. Further increasing evidence from labs show EA promotes autophagy changes and metabolic activation in fat tissue, while animal models involving UCP1, PGC-1α, and TRPV1 pathways also support weight regulation effects source source. These results suggest that acupuncture for weight loss was adequate, but the changes weren't massive. The interest in acupuncture for weight management has grown over the last two decades. Different types of acupuncture used for weight loss include electroacupuncture and acupoint catgut embedding. Both of these two aspects play a role in a person's level of weight gain as well as their ability to lose weight. There have been two studies and many trials that have aimed at discovering the answer to the question. So you have friends, co-workers, or family members who have tried acupuncture for anxiety, PTSD, depression, pain, and told you about their experiences? Are you looking to lose weight? Below are some of the most common questions people ask when exploring acupuncture for weight loss. Curious whether acupuncture can really support your weight loss journey? Rather, it's the combination of tools for lasting change that will work to deliver long-term, sustainable lifestyle changes, as well as weight loss. For significant and sustained weight loss, a comprehensive approach involving dietary changes and increased physical activity is your best bet . While acupuncture can have some benefits for weight loss, it is not a standalone solution. Telehealth platforms like Doctronic.ai make it easy to get medical advice from home. You can ask your doctor for recommendations or search professional acupuncture associations online. Think of acupuncture as a tool that might support your efforts, not replace them. Always tell your practitioner about any health conditions or medications you take. These stories underscore the importance of a multifaceted approach and realistic expectations when considering acupuncture as part of a weight loss strategy. Additionally, the commitment to regular sessions combined with required lifestyle changes might pose barriers, resulting in frustration for some individuals during their weight loss journey. Among numerous success stories, many individuals report significant weight loss after incorporating acupuncture into their routine. These testimonials reveal a variety of reasons people choose acupuncture, including holistic wellness, stress reduction, and overall lifestyle changes rather than solely focusing on the scale. Patient experiences with acupuncture for weight loss can be remarkably diverse, reflecting a range of outcomes from success to challenges. However, there was no clear difference between the acupuncture and placebo groups in terms of body weight before and after treatment. Therefore, future studies should examine the influence of acupuncture in groups of individuals of different body weight (ie, normal, overweight and obese individuals). Body weight and the levels of several appetite-regulatory peptides were measured to examine treatment effects. Percentage change in body weight at 1 week after the start of acupuncture treatment.