There are many methods to control obesity, such as taking weight-loss pills, dieting, and exercise therapy. However, these methods may have some flaws and drawbacks. For example, taking weight-loss pills can lead to rapid weight loss, but the weight loss is mostly due to water loss, not fat loss.
In today's society, obesity has become a prevalent issue due to people's improved living conditions. Therefore, weight loss has become a popular topic. So, how can we effectively lose weight? How can we "put the brakes" on obesity? There are many methods to control obesity, such as taking weight-loss pills, dieting, and exercise therapy. However, these methods may have some flaws and drawbacks. For example, taking weight-loss pills can lead to rapid weight loss, but the weight loss is mostly due to water loss, not fat loss. In addition, with water loss, electrolyte imbalance can occur, which can easily lead to metabolic acidosis. It can be said that this method of weight loss has no benefits and only harms. Dieting and controlling water intake for weight loss can reduce calorie intake but are not sustainable. They can also lead to symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and vomiting, and in severe cases, anorexia nervosa, which can be life-threatening. Controlling water intake not only affects fat metabolism but also increases the burden on the liver and kidneys, preventing timely excretion of waste products during metabolism, ultimately leading to self-intoxication. Exercise can help with weight loss by accelerating fat "burning," but many people pursue rapid weight loss and engage in intense exercise, which only depletes glucose in the body and does not contribute to fat metabolism. Moreover, it is difficult to sustain exercise for weight loss, resulting in minimal results.
Acupuncture for weight loss focuses on regulating the function of the spleen and stomach
Compared to the above methods, acupuncture for weight loss does not have the issues mentioned. It can effectively inhibit fat accumulation, promote fat consumption, and does not cause the pain and side effects associated with other weight loss methods. In recent years, acupuncture for weight loss has received increasing attention and popularity because it is safe, reliable, and promotes green and healthy living.
From the perspective of modern medicine, the principle of acupuncture for weight loss can be summarized as adjusting the peripheral and central nervous system, as well as the levels of hormones and endocrine in the body. This helps suppress the overactivity of the digestive system, reduce hunger, and decrease appetite, ultimately achieving the goal of weight loss. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) also has its unique insights and understanding of weight loss. The classical TCM book "Huangdi Neijing" states: "Fei gui ren, ze gao liang zhi ji ye" (Obesity is caused by overindulgence in fatty and sweet foods). The famous physician Li Dongyuan from the Ming Dynasty also said: "If the spleen and stomach are strong, one can eat and become fat; if the spleen and stomach are weak, one cannot eat and becomes thin or eats less and becomes fat." In simple terms, TCM believes that obesity is caused by the indulgence in fatty and sweet foods, particularly rich and greasy foods, which mainly affect the spleen and stomach. The spleen and stomach belong to the earth element in the five elements of TCM and are responsible for digestion and transformation. Their main physiological functions are receiving food and drink, transforming them into qi and blood, and distributing nutrients throughout the body, assisting the normal circulation of qi, blood, and body fluids.
Therefore, if there is a problem with the spleen and stomach, it can lead to a series of issues. As Li Dongyuan mentioned, excessive appetite and overeating can lead to obesity. On the other hand, a decreased appetite due to disrupted digestive function can result in energy intake not being converted and transported in a timely manner, leading to accumulation in the body and eventually forming adipose tissue. "The filth of earth breeds many things," so when the spleen and stomach function normally, it naturally produces nutrients. However, if it is not functioning properly, it produces "garbage," which TCM refers to as "phlegm dampness." "Phlegm dampness" not only interferes with normal metabolism and hinders the circulation of qi and blood but also tends to accumulate in certain parts of the body, leading to localized swelling and obesity over time.
Acupuncture for weight loss targets the factors that cause obesity mentioned above. Guided by TCM theory, specific acupoints are stimulated to adjust the function of the spleen and stomach, help promote the circulation of qi and blood, eliminate "phlegm dampness," and comprehensively regulate obesity, allowing the body to achieve a natural balance and eliminate fat and excess weight. In clinical practice, doctors usually select acupoints along the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, and other related acupoints. They also choose certain acupoints that are effective in eliminating "phlegm dampness," such as Tian Shu, Zhong Wan, Guan Yuan, Zu San Li, San Yin Jiao, Yin Ling Quan, Shang Ju Xu, Feng Long, and Shui Fen. If the obesity is only concentrated in the abdomen, commonly known as "beer belly," acupoints around the navel area, such as Hua Rou Men, Qi Hai, Shui Dao, and Da Heng, can be selected for acupuncture. Additionally, as "phlegm dampness" is considered to be a type of water stagnation from a pathological perspective, and the kidneys are the organ associated with water, acupuncture may also include certain acupoints along the Kidney Meridian, such as Tai Xi, Zhao Hai, Heng Gu, Fu Liu, and Si Man, depending on the individual's condition.
Various acupuncture techniques achieve remarkable weight loss effects
Currently, acupuncture for weight loss techniques has become increasingly mature, and different situations require corresponding acupuncture techniques. The most commonly used method is body acupuncture, which involves inserting thin needles into acupoints on the chest, abdomen, back, and limbs, using different tonification and reduction techniques depending on the condition. This method can comprehensively adjust the function of the spleen and stomach, reduce overall fat accumulation, and achieve weight loss and body shaping. Another method is flat needle acupuncture, which involves inserting thin needles into the skin, penetrating the adipose tissue. This method can change the external environment around the fat tissue, mobilize fat cells, increase metabolic rate, and promote fat consumption, making it particularly suitable for severe localized obesity such as abdominal obesity. Another commonly seen method is electroacupuncture, in which a small amount of electrical current is applied to the needles after insertion, within the range that the human body can tolerate. This enhances the sensation and therapeutic effect of acupuncture. Studies have shown that electrical stimulation can increase local muscle vibration, especially in the abdomen, which helps accelerate fat "burning" and promote metabolic breakdown. It has better results for localized obesity such as "beer belly."
Reminder: Acupuncture for weight loss, in strict terms, belongs to the field of medical aesthetics with certain invasive procedures. During the acupuncture process, due to individual differences in patients' constitution, situations such as fainting may occur and require prompt medical treatment. For personal safety considerations, it is recommended that obese individuals seek acupuncture treatment in reputable medical institutions. This will ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and protect their health and rights.
