Want to Lose Weight? Maybe Ear Acupuncture can Help

“Since these tiny metal beads are attached to six points on the outer ear that stimulate nerves and organs which regulate appetite, satiety, and hunger, this type of acupuncture does not require complex knowledge or skill,” explains Dr. Fujimoto. “In Japan, this method to aid weight loss has been used for over 30 years.”

Acupuncture is based on the notion in traditional Chinese medicine that your health is dependent on the flow of qi (energy) in your body.

This energy flows through your body through invisible lines known as meridians, which include your ears. A clogged or interrupted flow of qi can be harmful to your physical and mental health.

The theory behind auricular (ear) acupuncture therapy is that the outer ear represents all regions of the body. Thin needles or beads are inserted on certain spots, generally along meridian lines, to reestablish the flow of qi and aid with a range of health ailments.

The method has been used to treat drug addiction as well as to assist individuals to quit smoking and lose weight.

How can Acupuncture Help People Lose Weight?

While the mechanism is unclear, studies suggest that ear acupuncture may help regulate the endocrine system, modulate metabolism, promote digestion, and lessen oxidative stress (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
The effects of auricular acupuncture on weight reduction and feeding-related cytokines: a pilot study

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This current study relies on prior research on Japanese women with overweight or obesity that demonstrated that those who received ear acupuncture with beads lost considerably more weight than those who did not and that this weight reduction was sustained for 6 months after treatment ended (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Auricular Acupuncture with Beads Supports Sustained Weight Loss

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The new study examined auricular acupuncture with 1.5 mm metal ear beads on six points of the outer earshen-men, food pipe, upper stomach opening, stomach, lungs, and endocrine systemin 81 Japanese men living with overweight or obesity (aged 21 to 78; average BMI 28.4 kg/m2) with high levels of unhealthy abdominal fat.

The beads were put on both ears and held in place with surgical tape to ensure that each of the six acupuncture sites received consistent pressure. During hospital trips, the beads were replaced twice a week. At the same time, participants were given dietary advice and their body weight was assessed.

During the three months of therapy, participants were advised to cut their overall food intake in half and keep food diaries.

To determine the impact of auricular acupuncture with beads, all subjects were weighed and measured at the beginning and conclusion of treatment, including body weight, body fat percentage, fat mass, lean mass, muscle mass, BMI, and abdominal fat.
After three months, individuals lost 10.4cm of their waist circumference (from an average of 98.4cm at the start of the trial to 88cm) and 4% of their total body fat (from an average of 28.2% to 24.3%).

Measures of unhealthy abdominal body fat decreased by an average of two points (from 15.2 at the start of the study to 13 after three monthsevaluated 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 nearly three points (from 28.4kg/m2 to 25.5 kg/m2).

“Our findings suggest that acupuncture on the ear may aid weight loss when paired with diet and exercise,” says Dr. Fujimoto. “It’s likely that acupuncture has a positive effect by curbing cravings and appetite, improving digestion, and boosting metabolism.”

The authors acknowledge many limitations, including the fact that it is an observational study conducted on a small sample of Japanese males over a short period of time and cannot show causality.

References :

The effects of auricular acupuncture on weight reduction and feeding-related cytokines: a pilot study – (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4599151/)