Acupuncture for Weight Loss and Treatment of Obesity-Related Diseases

Currently effective remedies are hard to find for the treatment of obesity. The discovery of new therapies for obesity is becoming urgent. As a complementary medicine, acupuncture is becoming more and more popular as an alternative solution that is safe and inexpensive. Clinical and scientific studies have confirmed that acupuncture is effective for weight loss without adverse reactions. In addition, it can help heal obesity-associated diseases including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, fatty liver, diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Different methods of acupuncture have been used for weight control. These methods include manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture, acupressure, and auricular or ear acupuncture. The effects and different methods for weight loss using acupuncture are introduced here. Acupuncture may help with weight management through adjusting the functions of the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system. It can also improve mental health. Current studies on these mechanisms are reviewed.

Table of Contents

Part I. Acupuncture for Weight Loss: Effects and Methods
1. Acupuncture for Weight Loss and the Treatment of Obesity: The Benefit is Beyond Weight Management
2. Acupuncture Has Good Effects on Improving the Body Mass Index and Waist-Hip Ratio in Obese Patients
3. Auricular Acupuncture for Weight Loss and the Treatment of Obesity: Methods and Mechanisms
Part II. Acupuncture and the Healing of Obesity-Associated Diseases
4. Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Healing Obesity-Associated Cardiovascular Diseases and Hypertension
5. The Effects of Electroacupuncture on the Treatment of Obesity Complicated with Fatty Liver
6. Multiple Benefits of Acupuncture on Weight Loss: The Effects on Diabetes and the Reduction of Blood Cholesterol Levels
7. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Obesity
Part III. Acupuncture for Weight Control: How It Works
8. The Mechanisms of Acupuncture on Weight Loss: The Effects on the Nervous System and Emotional Factors
9. Acupuncture Treatment for Weight Loss Can Regulate Functions of the Vegetative Nervous System and Adrenal System
10. Acupuncture on Obese Patients May Adjust the Immune System
Part IV. Seeking the Optimal Programs for Healthy Weight Loss
11. The Potential of Mind-Body Interventions for Weight Loss
12. Is Acupuncture A Better Method for Weight Loss than Diets and Exercises?
13. Combined Alternative Interventions Have Good Effects for Natural Weight Loss