Does Acupuncture Work For Weight Loss?

You've tried a variety of diets, mixed up your workout regimens and attended yoga classes in an attempt to lose weight — but nothing seems to be working. 

Could acupuncture be the answer?

Mayo Clinic generally defines acupuncture as an ancient Chinese medicine most frequently used as a way to address pain by inserting thin needles along the body at strategic points. Though, when you poke around a little more deeply, there are fundamental differences between the Eastern and Western models. The traditional Eastern approach comes at acupuncture from a philosophical angle, viewing it as a way to balance energy flow — or qi — within the body by targeting specific points along energy pathways (meridians). By comparison, Western practitioners view acupuncture more clinically, regarding the technique primarily as a method to stimulate nerves and muscles in order to reduce pain and discomfort. 

While there have been few studies on whether acupuncture actually works for weight loss, advocates believe that the technique of stimulating qi through acupuncture can influence the body's metabolism, reduce appetite and lower stress levels, and that this, in turn, could reduce obesity. Ancient Chinese teachings assert that weight gain is caused by imbalances stemming from specific locations in the body such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, thyroid and endocrine system. So if you see an acupuncturist for weight loss, these are the areas they will likely focus on during your treatments (via Healthline).