Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine For Weight Loss

One of the most common questions we’re asked as Chinese medicine doctors, whether we’re at a dinner party, out with friends, or in the clinic is, “Can acupuncture help me lose weight?!” Surveys over the years have consistently shown that roughly half of Americans express interest in losing weight at any given time. The amount of information written on obesity and weight loss could fill a small library. Yet somehow, even with the immense amount of resources, weight loss programs and approaches, losing weight is challenging and often, frustrating. 

So, yes- acupuncture therapy can be very effective whether you are trying to lose 2lbs to feel healthier, or 200lbs to avoid serious health consequences associated with obesity. Keep reading to find out current research, how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can assist weight loss, and three simple steps to get you started on your weight loss journey. 

Studies on Acupuncture to Lose Weight

Acupuncture can suppress appetite, improve GI motility, and improve metabolism.

• This PubMed study details the wide-ranging benefits of acupuncture for weight loss. It explains that acupuncture is able to suppress appetite, enhance intestinal motility, and improve metabolism. It also discusses the benefits of acupuncture in treating emotional factors such as stress and depression, which can be key factors in overeating. The study concludes,

“Acupuncture application in obesity treatment is effective in procuring weight loss.”

Auricular (ear) acupuncture is an effective method of appetite suppression.

• A second PubMed study concludes that frequent stimulation of specific auricular (ear) acupuncture points is an effective method of appetite suppression which leads to weight loss. This is important because the knowledge of proper diet and nutrition is not enough to lose weight if too strong an appetite results in chronic overeating. 

Chinese medicine is effective for simple obesity.

• A third PubMed study breaks down the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies for treating simple obesity. The observed therapies included acupuncture points on the body, acupuncture points in the ear (auricular), and cupping therapy on the back. The study found that auricular and body acupuncture points combined with moving cupping along the muscles of the back had the most therapeutic effect in the treatment of simple obesity.

Chinese Medicine Approaches for Obesity

Chinese medicine is unique in the way that it groups symptoms, bodily functions, demeanor, tone of voice, emotional state, etc. into one or more patterns to form a diagnosis. This method of diagnosis is extremely important when it comes to a desire for personalized, precise treatment. 

For example, five individuals enter a TCM office with a desire to lose weight. Each is questioned, examined, and grouped into one or more diagnostic patterns to explain why there is weight gain. More than likely, all five individuals will have a different diagnosis, all five will receive a different acupuncture point prescription, and all five will be given a different herbal formula to assist with weight loss. 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! Without a doubt, acupuncture therapeutics are able to support an individual’s weight loss journey, maintain a goal weight, optimize healthy metabolism, and digestion- and most importantly keep you healthy and happy. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine Gut Health

Overeating and poor eating habits are common causes of ill-health. A tendency to eat too much, too late, or the wrong type of food weakens the digestive process. This leads to an accumulation of ‘dampness’ or ‘phlegm’ which can loosely be translated to water and fat accumulation. Even overeating “good” food can lead to disease according to Chinese medicine. It’s also important to note that eating the best quality food in the wrong circumstances can generate health problems. 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. This is also known as “mindful eating.” Here are some tips to get you started.

Best Time of Day to Eat Meals for Weight Loss

Ask yourself when and where are you eating. Are you in a hurry? Are you discussing work or going straight back to work? Are you eating late at night or while watching TV? Do you eat in your car or while driving? Are you eating in a state of emotional tension?

• Sit and relax to eat!

• Try keeping food between breakfast (30 minutes after waking) and dinner (3 hours before bedtime) and avoid any late-night snacking.

• The body cannot easily manage stress and digest simultaneously. Try a few deep breaths or a short meditation before eating. If you’re in an argument with a family member, try resolving the conversation before returning to your meal. For daily stress, try some of the tips outlined in our stress management blog.

Chewing Food and Digestion

“Chew your liquids and drink your solids”

This means chew your solid food until it turns into a liquid and keep liquids in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing. Chewing (or holding liquid in the mouth) is the first step in the digestive process and produces saliva with important digestive enzymes. Proper chewing also allows for more enjoyment of food and flavors by turning focus to the meal. It can also slow down eating so you can realize you’re full. As a rule of thumb, eat only until you are 70% full, and always avoid eating until you are stuffed.

Is Ice Water Bad for Digestion?

Are you drinking ice water with meals? We hope not. In Chinese medicine theory, cold drinks put out the digestive fire necessary to break down food. Ice water and other iced beverages cool the body temperature, so more energy is needed to heat and digest food and fluids. Stick to room temperature or warm water with meals or digestive aids like warm ginger tea.

For more information on healing digestive issues (and delicious recipes!) with acupuncture and Chinese medicine, visit our blog on improving digestion. 

In conclusion, the answer you are seeking is yes- acupuncture can help you to lose weight alongside other important lifestyle changes. Although there is no magic answer to weight loss, acupuncture can help with appetite suppression, water retention and edema, gastric motility, constipation, stress, and depression, and can regulate hormones for those dealing with hormonal weight gain.

If you’d like to give acupuncture a try, book an appointment with one of our Chinese medicine doctors or call for a consultation!