How does acupuncture and moxibustion help people lose weight

Acupuncture and moxibustion weight loss is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy to achieve the goal of weight loss by stimulating specific acupoints to regulate human metabolic function, suppress appetite, and promote energy consumption.

1. Regulation of metabolic function

acupuncture and moxibustion can regulate the function of hypothalamus pituitary target gland axis and improve insulin resistance by stimulating Zusanli, Guanyuan and other acupoints. Research has found that acupuncture can increase leptin sensitivity, promote lipolytic enzyme activity, and accelerate the hydrolysis of triglycerides into free fatty acids. Clinically, ear acupressure is often combined to enhance the effect. For obese individuals with hypothyroidism, moxibustion at the Dazhui acupoint can be added.

2. Inhibiting abnormal appetite

Acupuncture at acupoints such as hunger and thirst points can affect the secretion of neurotransmitters in the feeding center and reduce the level of ghrelin. Acupuncture and moxibustion stimulates the afferent nerve fibers to generate signals, and inhibits the excitability of the feeding center in the lateral hypothalamus through the nucleus of the solitary tract. For individuals with stress eating habits, using the Taichong acupoint to soothe the liver and regulate qi can reduce emotional eating behavior.

3. Increase energy consumption

acupuncture and moxibustion at Shenshu, Mingmen and other acupoints can activate brown adipose tissue and promote non shivering thermogenesis through uncoupling protein 1. Clinical observations have shown that the basal metabolic rate can be increased after acupuncture, especially with the significant effect of combined acupuncture at the Du meridian acupoint and abdominal circumference. Some patients may feel feverish after treatment, indicating an increase in thermogenesis.

4. Improving gut microbiota

Acupuncture at acupoints such as Tian Shu and Zhong Wan can regulate intestinal peristalsis rhythm and alter the composition ratio of gut microbiota. The study found that acupuncture and moxibustion can increase the number of bifidobacteria and other beneficial bacteria, reduce the ratio of Firmicutes and Bacteroides, and reduce the chronic inflammatory reaction caused by endotoxin entering the blood, which is particularly important for obese people with insulin resistance.

5. Synergistic endocrine regulation

acupuncture and moxibustion at Sanyinjiao, uterus and other acupoints has a two-way regulatory effect on endocrine disorder obesity such as polycystic ovary syndrome. By affecting the levels of follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone, improving ovarian microcirculation can help break the vicious cycle of high hormone insulin resistance. In clinical practice, electroacupuncture is often used to enhance the stimulation effect.

acupuncture and moxibustion weight loss needs to be treated according to the standard course of treatment. It is recommended to use it three times a week for 12 consecutive weeks. During the treatment period, a balanced diet should be maintained, and aerobic exercise such as brisk walking and swimming should be appropriately increased. Avoid overeating and excessive dieting, and ensure to drink at least 1500 milliliters of water per day. People with weak spleen and stomach can eat spleen strengthening foods such as yam and Job's tears. It is not advisable to fast or overeat for 1 hour before and after treatment. It is recommended to develop personalized plans under the guidance of professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and select acupoints based on physical constitution differentiation.