Acupuncture for Weight Loss

Section 4 Case reports on Simple Obesity Research by Acupuncture treatment

4.1 Modern Research

4.1.1 Body acupuncture

Obesity is caused by dysfunction of transportation and transformation of the body fluid, accumulation of dampness and phlegm turbidity, which are the result of disorders of Zang-Fu organs, stagnation of Qi and Blood, disharmony of the Thoroughfare and Conception vessels. Obesity achieved by needling meridian points to balance Yin and Yang, regulate Zang-Fu organs, promote flow of Qi and Blood of the meridians, and eliminates the pathogenic factors by dredging meridian and collateral. Needles can be twirled, electrically stimulated and left in place. The filiform needles with diameter of 0.25-0.30mm and length of 40-75mm were typically selected based on the case's obesity degree.

Meng et al. (Zhang, 2008) treated 180 cases of female simple obesity by using electro-acupuncture (EA) and 60 cases by manual acupuncture for controlling obesity. Ren 12, ST 25, Ren 4 and ST 36 were chosen as main points in both groups. In the EA treatment group, bilateral ST 25 was stimulated by electric device with disperse and dense wave and the strength bearable to patients. Needle were retained for 40 min. and the treatment was given 5 times a week followed by a 2 days interval in both group, and 20 sessions made up of a therapeutic course. The total effective rate of 97.8% and 88% was achieved in the EA treatment and control group respectively. Yin (Zhang, 2008) chose Ren 12, Ren 4, and SP 6 as main points, and added secondary points according to differentiation of symptoms and signs. After the arrival of Qi by lifting and thrusting for reinforcing and reducing, electric device was applied to the main points with continuous waves and 20/sec. in frequency and intensity tolerable to patients. The treatment was given once every other day, and 10 treatments made up a therapeutic course with an interval of 3 days between two courses of treatments was 87.5%.

As the function of the EA can be precisely characterized and the results are more or less copied, an attempt was made by Han Jisheng's research team to clarify whether EA of strictly identified parameters is effective to suppress the simple obesity induced by high energy diet in a rat model. In the diet induced obese rats, EA was applied at the posterior leg acupoints 3 times per week for 4 weeks with high energy diet and water provided. A significant reduction of the body weight accompanied by reduction in food intake was observed.

4.1.2 EA acupoint and its Frequency selection

2 Hz EA was more effective than 100 Hz EA (Tian et al., 2005). As its results, diet induced obese rats showed an increased level of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride. EA stimulation produced a reduction of plasma level of total cholesterol and triglyceride. In this respect, 100 Hz EA was more effective than 2 Hz EA. If it is confirmed that 2 Hz EA is more effective in body weight loss and 100 Hz EA more effective in decreasing plasma lipid content, it may be worthwhile to try the 2/100 Hz alternative mode of stimulation to cover both sides of the disorder.

Figure motivated from (10)

4.1.2 Auricular therapy

In TCM, the ears are an important pivot point for the meridians to communicate with each other. When the organs are in disharmony, it will be reflected on the ear. It produces dramatic body weight reductions in obese patients. It has physiologic and anorexigenic functions must be explained. Fetal somatotop and Nogier's inverted somatotopy have been analyzed. The similarity between the localization of the motor and somatosensory representations of the ear in the cerebral cortex in the fetus has also been noted in both Western and Chinese journals.

Apostolopoulos (26), Greece observed 800 cases; Auricular acupuncture (placement of press needles) was applied at the stomach point (according to Nogier) and sometimes at the point of psychological balance (Shenmen) for the control of anxiety and for help in weight loss in 800 patients over a two-year period. 683 women and 117 men aged between 15-76 years. There was significant weight loss in 64.8% and 35.5% at 6-12 months.

Press needles were inserted and left in for 10 to 15 days at the auricular acupuncture point and resided again after 4 to 5 days. At the same time, instructions were given for standard treatment of obesity including low calorie diet, aerobic exercise, behavior modification, psychological support etc. The patients were followed up for period of one year. The control of overeating and anxiety using auricular acupuncture at the stomach and Shenmen points has been beneficial. Auricular acupuncture on the stomach area and Shenmen which psychological balance point was employed for the control of overeating and anxiety and as an aid to weight loss in 800 individuals in the 1993-1994. Stomach point provokes a sensation of fullness after eating a small amount of food, and the therapeutic benefit lies in the inhibition of appetite, and not to be obese for a longer period. The stomach area is also called "root of the helix".

Shiraishi (40), Japan observed; 55 people which are male 26 and female 29, whom are healthy volunteers averaging 34.5 (17-57) years of age, with a BMI of 24.3 kg/ m2 and 5 mildly obese patients; average age 31.6 years, BMI 26.5kg/m2. Small auricular needles (0.15 x2.0 mm) were inserted and replaced with new ones once every week. Body weight was measured four times a day which was immediately after waking in the morning, immediately after breakfast, and after dinner, and before going to bed. Experimental period were weeks 3 to 8 weeks.

There were 501 in group A (female 262, male 239) and 520 in group (female 261, male 259). Study was age, sex, and BMI respect to the experimental subjects. In group A measured their body weight for 18 weeks which were without any acupuncture related stimulation or interference with their ears. In group B measured their body weight four times a day, like group A. Group B received auricular needles intracutaneously into the bilateral cavum conchae once a week, in weeks 3 to 8 and 10 to 15. Group was measured body adipose, body weight, and waisthip ratio. As a result, obese patient was most successful of losing weight. Daily body weight changes in the same patient, whose weight was significantly, reduced about 5 kg by 18 weeks with bilateral auricular acupuncture stimulation.

Selected acupoints for obesity are; Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Lung, Triple Burner, Endocrine, Subcortex, Hunger center, thirst center, constipation center, sympathetic, Stomach, Esophagus, Mouth, Adrenal gland and Spleen.

Hsieh CH (127) observed that 56 young adults who ranged in age from 18 to 20 years old for auricular acupressure on weight reduction and abdominal obesity for eight weeks with Japanese Magnetic Pearl for one group and another group got Semen Vaccariae on the ear acupoint. Both groups showed significant reductions to body weight and waist circumference after eight weeks of treatment. The group treated with Semen Vaccariae group showed a more effective weight loss for a short term. Auricular acupressure is a safe and cost-effective treatment for weight loss, and it is reasonable option for the treatment obesity for young people.

Selected acupoints for obesity are; Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Lung, Triple Burner, Endocrine, Subcortex, Hunger center, Thirst center, Constipation center, Sympathetic, Stomach, Esophagus, Mouth, Adrenal gland and Spleen.

Richards D (129) observed that 60 overweight people randomly divided into an active and a control group, used the AcuSlim device twice for four weeks. The active group was attached the device to the ear points Shenmen and stomach. The control group was attached the device to their thumb where was no acupuncture points. As the results, 95% of the active group reacted suppression of appetite, but control group was no reaction showed. Specific auricular acupuncture points are an effective method of appetite suppression for weight loss. Auricular acupuncture stimulates to the ear which vagal nerve and raises serotonin levels and they have been shown to increase tone in the smooth muscle of the stomach which is suppressing appetite.

Figure motivated from (44)

Figure motivated from (10)

4.1.3 Moxibution

Yang et al (Zhang, 2008) (44) used moxibution with warming needle to treat 32 cases of simple obesity of deficiency type by selecting Ren 6 ( Qihai), Ren 4 ( Guanyuan), ST 36 ( Zusanli), ST 25 ( ), SP 9 ( Yinlingquan), and SP 6 ( Sanyinjiao) as the main points and secondary points according to differentiation of symptoms and signs. After the arrival of Qi, 1-2 lighted moxa sticks about 2cm in length were sequentially put on the handles of the needles of the 2-3 main points, and the other needles were retained as usual. The treatment was given 6 times weekly, and 30 sessions constituted a therapeutic course. A total effective rate of 90.6% was achieved after one course of treatment.

Shen Tao et al (161) observed 48 cases of obesity by cap-shaped warm acupuncture to treat obesity with hyperlipidemia using points of Du 20 ( Baihui), P 6 ( Naiguan), ST 36 ( Zusanli), Liv 3 ( Taichong), KI 7 ( Fuliu), Ren 4 ( Guanyuan), ST 25 ( Tianshu) and Ren 12 ( Zhongwan). After 4 courses treatment, 15 cases got marked effectiveness, 23 cases got effectiveness and 10 cases failed, and total effective rate was 79.2%.