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Author:
Michael A. Smith, MD

Acupuncture for weight loss is a modern application of this ancient medical practice. This article reports on the conclusion of it's safety and effectiveness following an extensive examination of the published evidence. For the complete report, please visit the URL displayed in the author bio.

Acupuncture Weight Loss -- Safety

Acupuncture for losing weight is a safe practice when a dieter undergoes 1-3 sessions within 3 to 4 weeks of starting a traditional method of weight loss.

Common side effects, rarely reported by dieters, include headache, nausea, and vertigo (losing balance). Severe adverse events, like neurological damage or death, have never occurred within 3 to 4 weeks of treatment.

Unfortunetly, no conclusions can be made beyond 4 weeks because of a lack of safety data. The studies found to examine acupuncture's safety do not follow subjects past 4 weeks. The ones that did attempt to follow subjects past 4 weeks, show many inconsistancies.

Until more data becomes available on acupuncture's safety beyond 4 weeks, no final conclusion can be made.

Acupuncture Weight Loss -- Does it Work?

After examining several published studies, acupuncture for weight loss, when combined with traditional methods of dieting like caloric restriction and exercise, does increase the amount of weight loss experienced by dieters.

In some studies, the difference between those using acupuncture and those not, was statistically significant. However, like the safety data, the conclusion that acupuncture does increase the amount of weight loss can only be made up to 4 weeks.

After 4 weeks, the data becomes inconsistant and incomplete. To make a conclusion beyond 4 weeks will require more data.

Acupuncture as a sole method to help dieters lose weight has not been studied enough to make a conclusion. The studies that are available are not designed properly and do not include enough subjects.

Acupuncture Weight Loss -- The Final Verdict

By undergoing 1-3 sessions within 3-4 weeks and when combined with tradtional methods of weight loss, acupuncture does work to increase the amount of weight lost by dieters.

No conclusion can be made on the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture beyond 4 weeks because of a lack of data.

To Healthy Living!

Michael A. Smith, MD
Chief Medical Consultant
Diet Basics Website

About the Author
Dr. Smith is the Chief Medical Consultant for Diet Basics, a content rich weight loss web site dedicated to all dieters. Visit his site at www.weight-loss-professional.com/articles

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Acupuncture... Acupuncture And Chinese Medicine Chinese medicine, often known as Oriental medicine or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), encompasses a vast array of folk medical practices based on mysticism. It holds the belief that the body’s vital energy (Qi) circulates in the body through channels known as meridians, with branches connected to bodily organs and functions. A disruption or imbalance of the Qi leads to illness. Ancient remedies such as Qigong, use of herbs and acupuncture are believed to restore the balance of the Qi. Traditional acupuncture as practiced in China for more than 2,500 years is one of the vital components of the Chinese medicine system. It involves the insertion of stainless steel needles into various body areas, along with a low-frequency current to the needles to produce greater stimulation. Other Chinese practices used separately or in combination with acupuncture are: moxibustion (burning of floss or herbs applied to the skin); injection of sterile water, procaine, morphine, vitamins, or homeopathic solutions through the inserted needles; applications of laser beams (laserpuncture); placement of needles in the external ear (auriculotherapy); and acupressure (use of manual pressure). The acupuncture treatment is applied to "acupuncture points," located throughout the body. These acupuncture points as believed by today’s acupuncturists number more than 2,000. For 40 years, the acupuncture system has gained popularity and has been widely accepted as an alternative medicine in both developed and developing counties. The American Cancer Society (ACS) formed for the treatment of cancer and treatment-related symptoms has recommended the use of acupuncture in cancer patients. It has been known to treat pain, nausea, breathlessness, vasomotor symptoms and limb edema. Acupuncture ...