Did You Know That Acupuncture Can Cause Weight Loss?
A recent study found that acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice, causes weight loss by stimulating appetite-suppressing hormones. Acupuncture could help people to lose 16 pounds in just two months.
Acupuncture causes weight loss by stimulating appetite-suppressing hormones, study finds
Acupuncture causes weight loss by stimulating appetite-suppressing hormones, new research suggests.
And the ancient Chinese medicine could help people to shed up to 16 pounds (7.2kg) in just two months, according to a new study.
A study found that 16 sessions of acupuncture is enough to help you lose weight without making changes to your diet or exercise routine.
Researchers claimed that the ancient practice of sticking needles into the body stimulates the production of the hormone serotonin, which plays a role in appetite and mood control.
And acupuncture may also prompt the body to break down fat tissue, according to the researchers.
How was the study conducted?
For the study, researchers asked 72 participants who were classified as overweight to take part in an eight-week trail.
The participants were randomly assigned to two groups for the controlled trial, the “real acupuncture group” and the “sham acupuncture group“.
Each participant underwent a total of 16 sessions of acupuncture treatment over eight weeks.
Therapists focussed on acupoints covering the abdomen, lower limbs and the ears for the new research.
These acupoints can restore and harmonise the flow of energy in the intestines as well as transform body fluid and expel phlegm, according to the researchers.
After treatment, participants from the “real acupuncture group” lost an average of five pounds (2.47kg), with one patient losing 16 pounds (7.2kg).
In comparison, those from the “sham” group lost an average of just over one pounds (0.54kg).
A study found that 16 sessions of acupuncture is enough to help you lose weight without making changes to your diet or exercise routine
Acupuncture “stimulates” hormone production
Dr Zhong Lidan, an assistant professor at Hong Kong Baptist University, said acupuncture has a “stimulating effect” on the body’s appetite-suppressing hormones.
Acupuncture stimulates the production of the hormones serotonin and beta endorphins, which suppresses appetite and increases the breakdown of fat, according to Dr Zhong.
She said: “This trial provides preliminary evidence of the efficacy and safety of acupuncture on weight control in Hong Kong“.
“It also offers a research basis for future large sample clinical trials and a guideline for developing acupuncture to counter obesity.”
Source: Daily Mail
