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How to Lose Weight Safely with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine


woman receiving acupuncture

In our quests to lose weight safely, many of us have tried changing our eating habits, reducing calorie intake, increasing physical activity, and taking supplements to promote weight loss with varying degrees of success. However, if you're looking to lose weight naturally, there's one ancient practice that often flies under the radar in the realm of weight loss: acupuncture.


While it may seem unconventional, acupuncture has been gaining recognition for its potential to aid in weight loss. In this article, we'll delve into how acupuncture works and explore its effectiveness in helping you achieve your weight loss goals.


Understanding Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. These points, known as acupuncture points or acupoints, are believed to correspond to pathways called meridians through which vital energy, or qi, flows. By stimulating these points, acupuncture aims to restore balance and promote the body's natural healing processes.

In traditional Chinese medicine we also use herbal formulas to help regulate your digestive system.

How Acupuncture Can Help You Lose Weight:

So, how does acupuncture relate to weight loss? While it's not a magic solution for losing weight overnight, acupuncture can support weight loss efforts in several ways. Firstly, acupuncture may help regulate metabolism, the process by which your body converts food and drink into energy. By targeting certain acupoints, acupuncture can potentially stimulate metabolism and enhance calorie burning.


Additionally, acupuncture may promote weight loss by aiding in appetite regulation, which is crucial for those striving to lose weight. Through the release of neurotransmitters and hormones, acupuncture can help suppress appetite and reduce cravings, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet and consume fewer calories, key factors for maintaining weight loss.


Your acupuncturist can also treat old injuries that might be holding you back from exercising.

Moreover, acupuncture has been shown to alleviate stress and anxiety, which are often linked to emotional eating and weight gain. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels, acupuncture can prevent overeating triggered by emotional distress, thus supporting weight loss efforts.


TCM Diet for Successful Weight loss:

Avoid cold and raw foods; if you eat a diet of primarily cold and raw food, your body has to work harder to warm up the food and break it down. This can create dampness which impedes weight loss. To support your digestion we recommend avoiding the smoothie/salad approach to healthy eating. Instead of a salad, have a vegetable soup, if you have a salad make sure that it includes some cooked foods as well as raw foods. Add ginger, turmeric, cinnamon or other warming spices when you are cooking.


Additional dietary advice will depend on your presentation. If you have a lot of dampness, it is best to avoid sweets, cold food and to add bitter foods to your diet

If you tend towards constipation we would suggest adding seeds, nuts or rhubarb to your diet.

Acupressure/Acupuncture points for weight loss

The points selected for you will depend upon your specific constitution. Your acupuncturist will ask you questions about your digestion, your energy and your lifestyle. They will then choose specific points to regulate your digestion in order to help you lose weight. Here are some points we use for digestion:


  • Spleen 6 . Located 3 inches (about the width of 4 fingers) above the prominence of ankle bone (Medial Malleolus) just behind the Tibia.

  • Regulates digestion, resolves dampness, calms the spirit

location of acupoint spleen 6











  • Spleen 9 Located on the medial side of the lower leg about 2 inches below the leg crease along the posterior border of the tibea The most powerful point at resolving dampness.

location of acupoint spleen 9
















Stomach 36 

ST36 is one of the most effective acupuncture points for strengthening the immune system and regulating digestion. ST36 is found about a hand length below the kneecap, slightly lateral and in beside the prominent tibia bone.


location of acupoint stomach 36














  • Stomach 25 located about 2 inches on either side of the navel Regulates the intestines .

  • Ren 12 Regulates digestion.

location of acupoint ren 12

















Evidence-Based Research:

While the idea of using acupuncture to lose weight naturally may seem unconventional, there is growing scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of acupuncture in promoting weight loss and improving metabolic function. For example, a study published in the journal Obesity Reviews found that acupuncture significantly reduced body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in participants compared to a control group.

Integrating Acupuncture into Your Weight Loss Journey:

In conclusion, acupuncture holds promise as a natural and holistic approach to weight loss. By targeting key acupoints and promoting balance within the body, acupuncture can help regulate metabolism, curb appetite, and reduce stress—all of which are essential factors in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight. If you're struggling to lose weight or looking for a non-invasive alternative to traditional weight management methods, consider giving acupuncture a try. With its centuries-old wisdom and modern scientific validation, acupuncture may just be the missing piece in your weight loss program.


If you're considering acupuncture as part of your weight loss journey, it's essential to consult with a qualified acupuncturist who can develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. Here at East Village Acupuncture, we will carefully select acupoints and may incorporate other techniques such as electroacupuncture or auricular acupuncture to enhance results. It is part of our goal to make acupuncture affordable by offering package prices so that it is easier to incorporate


In addition to acupuncture, it's crucial to maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits to maximize the benefits of acupuncture for weight loss. Remember that acupuncture is not a standalone solution to achieving a healthy body weight, but rather a complementary approach that can support your overall weight loss efforts.



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