Recent Research Indicates That Acupuncture Without Needles Can Assist Weight Loss

A fresh piece of research suggests that weight loss could be facilitated by ear acupuncture with metallic beads in conjunction with a restricted diet. The study shows that these beads, when used to stimulate nerves and organs involved in appetite regulation, can significantly decrease waist size, body fat, and BMI within a three-month period.

The latest study has found that by stimulating six points on the outer ear with plain metal beads, men dealing with obesity experienced reductions in their waist size, body fat, and BMI.

This recent research, presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Dublin, Ireland (17-20 May), affirms that ear acupuncture, using metal beads and coupled with a diet restriction, can help decrease weight, body mass index (BMI), and body fat. The study was led by Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto and his team from Clinic F in Tokyo, Japan.

The results suggest that using beads for acupuncture stimulation offers a simpler way to control food cravings compared to the traditional use of intradermal needles, which often require professional acupuncturist skills.

Dr. Fujimoto explains, “Since these small metal beads are affixed to six points on the outer ear, stimulating nerves and organs that control appetite, fullness, and hunger, this method of acupuncture does not necessitate intricate knowledge or ability. This weight-loss technique has been in use for over three decades in Japan.”

Acupuncture, a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, is grounded in the belief that one’s health is tied to the flow of qi (energy) in the body.

This energy courses through invisible channels, or meridians, which are found throughout the body, including the ears. A blockage or disruption in the qi flow can negatively impact both physical and mental health.

Auricular (ear) acupuncture therapy operates on the principle that the outer ear mirrors all body parts. Either thin needles or beads are placed at certain points, typically along meridian lines, to restore qi flow by removing blockages or disruptions, which can help with various health conditions.

The method has been applied to help people quit smoking, overcome drug addiction, and lose weight.

While the exact mechanism remains elusive, studies suggest that ear acupuncture might help regulate the endocrine system, adjust metabolism, stimulate digestion, and reduce oxidative stress.

This new research adds to previous studies on Japanese women who are overweight or obese. The findings showed that those who received bead-based ear acupuncture lost significantly more weight than their untreated counterparts, and this weight loss was maintained for six months post-treatment.

The latest study included 81 overweight or obese Japanese men (aged 21 to 78; average BMI 28.4 kg/m²) with high levels of unhealthy abdominal fat. The study evaluated auricular acupuncture with 1.5 mm metal ear beads on six points of the outer ear.

The beads were affixed to both ears using surgical tape to ensure continuous, uniform pressure on all six acupuncture points. The beads were replaced twice weekly during hospital visits. Simultaneously, participants received dietary advice, and body weight was monitored.

Participants were instructed to halve their total food consumption during their three-month treatment period and maintain food diaries.

Participants’ weights and measurements were taken at the beginning and end of the treatment, including body weight, body fat percentage, fat mass, lean mass, muscle mass, BMI, and abdominal fat, to evaluate the impact of auricular acupuncture with beads.

The study observed significant changes after three months, with participants on average losing 10.4cm off their waist circumference (from an average 98.4cm at the start of the study to 88cm) and 4% of total body fat (from an average 28.2% to 24.3%).

Indicators of unhealthy abdominal body fat also fell on average by 2 points (from 15.2 at the start of the study to 13 after three months, evaluated on a scale of 1 to 59, with a healthy visceral fat rating between 1 and 12, and excessive levels between 13 and 59), and BMI decreased by almost 3 points (average BMI 28.4kg/m² to 25.5 kg/m²)

Dr Fujimoto stated, “Our findings suggest that ear acupuncture can complement diet and exercise in weight loss. It appears that acupuncture positively influences weight loss by reducing cravings and appetite, improving digestion, and boosting metabolism.”

However, the authors pointed out several limitations, including that the study is observational, was conducted on a small group of Japanese men, and over a short duration, thus it can’t establish causality.

Conference: European Congress on Obesity (ECO2023)

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More about Ear Acupuncture for Weight Loss

• European Congress on Obesity (ECO2023)
• Auricular Acupuncture
• Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Acupuncture for Weight Loss