Can moxibustion on the abdomen help with weight loss

Moxibustion on the abdomen cannot directly achieve weight loss effects, but it may assist in weight management by regulating gastrointestinal function. Moxibustion mainly improves local blood circulation and promotes metabolism by stimulating acupoints, and its weight loss effect needs to be combined with dietary control and exercise to manifest.

Moxibustion acts on abdominal acupoints such as the epigastric region and the celestial axis, and may stimulate the autonomic nervous system to regulate gastrointestinal peristalsis through the warming effect, relieving constipation or indigestion. Some people may experience decreased appetite or improved bowel movements after moxibustion, indirectly affecting the balance between calorie intake and expenditure. Traditional Chinese medicine theory holds that moxibustion can dispel dampness and phlegm, and may have a certain regulatory effect on phlegm dampness type obesity, but there is a lack of modern medical evidence to support the direct decomposition of fat. During operation, attention should be paid to avoiding burns. It is recommended to control the duration of a single moxibustion session within 30 minutes, with no more than 3 sessions per week. Clinical observations have found that relying solely on moxibustion has limited weight loss effects, with weight loss typically not exceeding 5% of baseline weight. For patients with pathological obesity or metabolic syndrome, moxibustion can only be used as an auxiliary method. Some individuals with special constitutions may experience adverse effects such as increased appetite and swelling after moxibustion, and should immediately stop and consult a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Abdominal moxibustion is forbidden for pregnant women, patients with skin infection, patients with diabetes and patients with blood coagulation dysfunction.

It is recommended to include moxibustion in the comprehensive weight loss plan, combined with 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily and a balanced diet rich in protein. Regularly monitor indicators such as waist circumference and body fat percentage. If there is no improvement for two consecutive months, intervention strategies should be adjusted in a timely manner. Weight management requires establishing long-term healthy habits and cannot rely on a single therapy.