Can Acupuncture Help Me Lose Weight?

Ear needles or ear acupuncture, also known as auriculotherapy, is a type of acupuncture that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the ear in order to promote healing and alleviate certain health conditions. While ear acupuncture has traditionally been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including addiction, pain, and anxiety, it is also becoming increasingly popular as a method of weight loss. In a study from 2015,(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4599151/) researchers found that “the difference in weight before treatment and after…was significant for all participants.” In this blog post, we will explore ways that ear acupuncture can help with weight loss and how it works.

Ear acupuncture is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which views the ear as a microcosm of the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the ear contains over 200 acupuncture points that correspond to different parts of the body. By stimulating these points with needles, practitioners of ear acupuncture aim to restore balance and harmony to the body's energy flow.

One of the key ways that ear acupuncture is believed to help with weight loss is by regulating appetite and metabolism. Many people struggle with weight gain due to unhealthy eating habits, such as overeating or cravings for unhealthy foods. Ear acupuncture is thought to help reduce cravings and increase feelings of satiety, making it easier for individuals to stick to a healthy diet and lose weight. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876382021001207  https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2019/06280/auricular_acupressure_for_overweight_and_obese.51.aspx ) 

In addition to regulating appetite and metabolism, ear acupuncture is also thought to help with weight loss by reducing stress and anxiety. Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as emotional eating, which can contribute to weight gain and higher levels of cortisol. By reducing stress and anxiety, ear acupuncture helps individuals to adopt healthier coping mechanisms and maintain a healthy weight.

Ear acupuncture is also believed to help with weight loss by increasing energy levels and improving overall health. By increasing circulation and promoting the release of endorphins, ear acupuncture can help individuals to feel more energized and motivated to engage in physical activity, which is an important component of a healthy weight loss program.

So how does ear acupuncture work exactly?

During an ear acupuncture session, a practitioner will insert thin needles into specific points on the ear. These points are one of the few protocols I use, with no intake necessary.  The needles are usually left in place for about 20-30 minutes, during which time the individual may experience a sensation of warmth or tingling in the ear.

Ear acupuncture can be combined with mindful eating and/or exercise for weight loss.

I like to encourage my patients to download a food/exercise journal.  I will happily chat with you about choices in that journal, however, I have found the simple act of keeping the journal is an effective way to alter eating patterns.

In conclusion, ear acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment option for those looking to lose weight. By regulating appetite and metabolism, reducing stress and anxiety, and increasing energy levels, ear acupuncture can help individuals to adopt healthier habits and achieve their weight loss goals.