Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksWhat Research ShowsRisksFinding an AcupuncturistCost
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Works
What Research Shows
Risks
Finding an Acupuncturist
Cost
Acupuncturefor weight loss is a needle-based alternative therapy that may help some people lose weight. Practiced intraditional Chinese medicinefor millennia, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the body’s flow of energy (“chi”), and research suggests that it may improve several factors known to contribute to weight gain and obesity.
This article discusses how acupuncture may be used for weight loss, as well as what the research shows regarding its efficacy and safety.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See PhotoKatherine Hanlon / Unsplash
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.See Photo
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Katherine Hanlon / Unsplash
How Acupuncture for Weight Loss Works
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice of placing thin, flexible needles into the body at specific points. Used for more than 2,500 years, this therapeutic modality has become more popular in North America in recent years and is now recognized as a safe and effective treatment formyriad health concerns, including aiding in weight loss.
Traditionally, acupuncture has been thought to regulate the flow of qi/chi (energy) in the body and help bring the body back into balance. Acupuncture needling can stimulate connective tissue, which affects blood circulation, nerves, and the immune system. This is thought to promotehomeostasis(equilibrium of physiological processes) and self-healing.
Acupuncture for weight loss aims to restore the flow of energy in certain areas of the body to help correct imbalances that may be contributing to weight problems. Acupuncture is thought to have a beneficial effect on insulin resistance, glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as appetite.
That said, acupuncture is thought to influence two hormones that aid in weight loss:
Acupuncture Procedure in Weight Loss
At your first appointment, your acupuncturist will take a general health history and identify your weight loss goals. They will help identify the root of the problem (e.g., slow metabolism, thyroid issues, binge eating) to determine the most effective treatment plan for you.
The needles used for acupuncture are thin and designed to work effectively without causing pain or bleeding. To support weight loss, the needles are inserted into specific points on the body—such as the ears—or at points that correspond to the stomach and/or spleen which are thought to regulate metabolism and appetite.
Generally, the needles are left in for 15 to 30 minutes per session. The practitioner may lift or rotate the needles as part of the technique during your session. Many people report that acupuncture treatments are relaxing and relatively pain-free.
Many acupuncturists tend to focus on theear. Key research suggests that stimulating certain points on the outer ear may help balance hormones that help reduce cravings and appetite.
Research About Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Recent research shows that acupuncture may help with weight loss.
When paired with lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, better sleep, stress management, and eating a balanced diet, a 2018 review of studies concluded that acupuncture is effective for weight loss.
Can Acupuncture Help With Anxiety?
What Are the Risks of Acupuncture?
The most common side effects of acupuncture include:
How to Find an Acupuncturist for Weight Loss
To find a reputable acupuncturist in your area, a little legwork might be in order, as licensure and regulation vary from state to state. Do some research into the background of anyone you are seeking treatment from to check their training and credentials.
You can visit the website forAcupuncture Now Foundationto find a licensed/certified acupuncturist near you.
Before your first acupuncture treatment, tell your healthcare provider you’re considering this complementary therapy. They may recommend a reputable practitioner if acupuncture is right for you. Competent acupuncturists should be willing to work with your other healthcare providers, including your primary care provider.
Costs of Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Out-of-pocket costs for acupuncture can run $100 or more per session.However, some health insurance providers may help cover the cost. If you’re interested in acupuncture for weight loss, check to see if your health insurance plan provides coverage. If not, see if you can get discounts on prepaid sessions or receive treatment at a community acupuncture clinic.
Summary
Acupuncture for weight loss seeks to restore balance in the flow of energy (qi) in the body; this is thought to promote proper functioning in areas of the body that may be contributing to weight problems. Though the research shows promising evidence that acupuncture may help aid in weight loss, don’t expect it to be a magic bullet.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zhang K, Zhou S, Wang C, Xu H, Zhang L.Acupuncture on Obesity: Clinical Evidence and Possible Neuroendocrine Mechanisms.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018;2018:6409389.doi:10.1155/2018/6409389Li N cen, Li M yue, Chen B, Guo Y.A new perspective of acupuncture: the interaction among three networks leads to neutralization.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;2019:1-10. doi:10.1155/2019/2326867Kim S ‐Y., Shin I ‐S., Park Y ‐J.Effect of acupuncture and intervention types on weight loss: A systematic review and meta‐analysis.Obesity Reviews. 2018;19(11):1585-1596. doi:10.1111/obr.12747Wang LH, Huang W, Wei D, et al.Mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for simple obesity: An evidence-based beview of clinical and animal studies on simple obesity.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:5796381. doi:10.1155/2019/5796381Chen Y kun, Liu T ting, Teia FKF, Xie M zhou.Exploring the underlying mechanisms of obesity and diabetes and the potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine: An overview of the literature.Front Endocrinol. 2023;14:1218880. doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1218880Yasemin C, Turan S, Kosan Z.The effects of auricular and body acupuncture in Turkish obese female patients: A randomized controlled trial Indicated both methods lost body weight but auricular acupuncture was better than body acupuncture.Acupunct Electrother Res. 2017;42(1):1-10doi:10.3727/036012917x14908026364990Lillingston F, Fields P, Waechter R.Auricular acupuncture associated with reduced waist circumference in overweight women—a randomized controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:6471560. doi:10.1155/2019/6471560Ismail LA, Ibrahim AA, Abdel-Latif GA, et al.Effect of acupuncture on body weight reduction and inflammatory mediators in Egyptian obese patients.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2015;3(1):85-90. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2015.010Kim SY, Shin IS, Park YJ.Effect of acupuncture and intervention types on weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Obes Rev. 2018;19(11):1585-1596. doi:10.1111/obr.12747NHS.Acupuncture.Christensen KA, Gosse BJ, Hildebrand C, Gershan LA.Acupuncture-associated vasovagal response: revised terminology and hospital experience.Medical Acupuncture. 2017;29(6):366-376. doi:10.1089/acu.2017.1245GoodRxHealth.How much does acupuncture cost?
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Zhang K, Zhou S, Wang C, Xu H, Zhang L.Acupuncture on Obesity: Clinical Evidence and Possible Neuroendocrine Mechanisms.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018;2018:6409389.doi:10.1155/2018/6409389Li N cen, Li M yue, Chen B, Guo Y.A new perspective of acupuncture: the interaction among three networks leads to neutralization.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;2019:1-10. doi:10.1155/2019/2326867Kim S ‐Y., Shin I ‐S., Park Y ‐J.Effect of acupuncture and intervention types on weight loss: A systematic review and meta‐analysis.Obesity Reviews. 2018;19(11):1585-1596. doi:10.1111/obr.12747Wang LH, Huang W, Wei D, et al.Mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for simple obesity: An evidence-based beview of clinical and animal studies on simple obesity.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:5796381. doi:10.1155/2019/5796381Chen Y kun, Liu T ting, Teia FKF, Xie M zhou.Exploring the underlying mechanisms of obesity and diabetes and the potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine: An overview of the literature.Front Endocrinol. 2023;14:1218880. doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1218880Yasemin C, Turan S, Kosan Z.The effects of auricular and body acupuncture in Turkish obese female patients: A randomized controlled trial Indicated both methods lost body weight but auricular acupuncture was better than body acupuncture.Acupunct Electrother Res. 2017;42(1):1-10doi:10.3727/036012917x14908026364990Lillingston F, Fields P, Waechter R.Auricular acupuncture associated with reduced waist circumference in overweight women—a randomized controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:6471560. doi:10.1155/2019/6471560Ismail LA, Ibrahim AA, Abdel-Latif GA, et al.Effect of acupuncture on body weight reduction and inflammatory mediators in Egyptian obese patients.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2015;3(1):85-90. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2015.010Kim SY, Shin IS, Park YJ.Effect of acupuncture and intervention types on weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Obes Rev. 2018;19(11):1585-1596. doi:10.1111/obr.12747NHS.Acupuncture.Christensen KA, Gosse BJ, Hildebrand C, Gershan LA.Acupuncture-associated vasovagal response: revised terminology and hospital experience.Medical Acupuncture. 2017;29(6):366-376. doi:10.1089/acu.2017.1245GoodRxHealth.How much does acupuncture cost?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Zhang K, Zhou S, Wang C, Xu H, Zhang L.Acupuncture on Obesity: Clinical Evidence and Possible Neuroendocrine Mechanisms.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018;2018:6409389.doi:10.1155/2018/6409389Li N cen, Li M yue, Chen B, Guo Y.A new perspective of acupuncture: the interaction among three networks leads to neutralization.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;2019:1-10. doi:10.1155/2019/2326867Kim S ‐Y., Shin I ‐S., Park Y ‐J.Effect of acupuncture and intervention types on weight loss: A systematic review and meta‐analysis.Obesity Reviews. 2018;19(11):1585-1596. doi:10.1111/obr.12747Wang LH, Huang W, Wei D, et al.Mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for simple obesity: An evidence-based beview of clinical and animal studies on simple obesity.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:5796381. doi:10.1155/2019/5796381Chen Y kun, Liu T ting, Teia FKF, Xie M zhou.Exploring the underlying mechanisms of obesity and diabetes and the potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine: An overview of the literature.Front Endocrinol. 2023;14:1218880. doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1218880Yasemin C, Turan S, Kosan Z.The effects of auricular and body acupuncture in Turkish obese female patients: A randomized controlled trial Indicated both methods lost body weight but auricular acupuncture was better than body acupuncture.Acupunct Electrother Res. 2017;42(1):1-10doi:10.3727/036012917x14908026364990Lillingston F, Fields P, Waechter R.Auricular acupuncture associated with reduced waist circumference in overweight women—a randomized controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:6471560. doi:10.1155/2019/6471560Ismail LA, Ibrahim AA, Abdel-Latif GA, et al.Effect of acupuncture on body weight reduction and inflammatory mediators in Egyptian obese patients.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2015;3(1):85-90. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2015.010Kim SY, Shin IS, Park YJ.Effect of acupuncture and intervention types on weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Obes Rev. 2018;19(11):1585-1596. doi:10.1111/obr.12747NHS.Acupuncture.Christensen KA, Gosse BJ, Hildebrand C, Gershan LA.Acupuncture-associated vasovagal response: revised terminology and hospital experience.Medical Acupuncture. 2017;29(6):366-376. doi:10.1089/acu.2017.1245GoodRxHealth.How much does acupuncture cost?
Zhang K, Zhou S, Wang C, Xu H, Zhang L.Acupuncture on Obesity: Clinical Evidence and Possible Neuroendocrine Mechanisms.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018;2018:6409389.doi:10.1155/2018/6409389
Li N cen, Li M yue, Chen B, Guo Y.A new perspective of acupuncture: the interaction among three networks leads to neutralization.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;2019:1-10. doi:10.1155/2019/2326867
Kim S ‐Y., Shin I ‐S., Park Y ‐J.Effect of acupuncture and intervention types on weight loss: A systematic review and meta‐analysis.Obesity Reviews. 2018;19(11):1585-1596. doi:10.1111/obr.12747
Wang LH, Huang W, Wei D, et al.Mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for simple obesity: An evidence-based beview of clinical and animal studies on simple obesity.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:5796381. doi:10.1155/2019/5796381
Chen Y kun, Liu T ting, Teia FKF, Xie M zhou.Exploring the underlying mechanisms of obesity and diabetes and the potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine: An overview of the literature.Front Endocrinol. 2023;14:1218880. doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1218880
Yasemin C, Turan S, Kosan Z.The effects of auricular and body acupuncture in Turkish obese female patients: A randomized controlled trial Indicated both methods lost body weight but auricular acupuncture was better than body acupuncture.Acupunct Electrother Res. 2017;42(1):1-10doi:10.3727/036012917x14908026364990
Lillingston F, Fields P, Waechter R.Auricular acupuncture associated with reduced waist circumference in overweight women—a randomized controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2019;2019:6471560. doi:10.1155/2019/6471560
Ismail LA, Ibrahim AA, Abdel-Latif GA, et al.Effect of acupuncture on body weight reduction and inflammatory mediators in Egyptian obese patients.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2015;3(1):85-90. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2015.010
Kim SY, Shin IS, Park YJ.Effect of acupuncture and intervention types on weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Obes Rev. 2018;19(11):1585-1596. doi:10.1111/obr.12747
NHS.Acupuncture.
Christensen KA, Gosse BJ, Hildebrand C, Gershan LA.Acupuncture-associated vasovagal response: revised terminology and hospital experience.Medical Acupuncture. 2017;29(6):366-376. doi:10.1089/acu.2017.1245
GoodRxHealth.How much does acupuncture cost?
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