(218) TCM Acupuncture for Obesity

[HB KIM]

  Modern Chinese Acupuncture

1. The general treatment strategy in using acupuncture for weight loss: is to strengthen the Spleen, harmonize the Stomach, transform phlegm and drain dampness, warm and unblock the channels and collaterals, as well as raise the clear and descend the turbid

2. Select points: along the Foot Taiyin Spleen channel, Foot Yangming Stomach channel, the Ren channel and Foot Taiyang Bladder channel. Use tonifying or draining methods according to pattern diagnosis

3. Locations
● On the abdomen: choose ST25, RN6, and RN9. Insert the needles perpendicularly to a depth of approximately 1 cun
● On the upper limbs: use LI4 and SJ6. Insert the needles perpendicularly to a depth of approximately 1.5 cun
● On the lower limbs: select ST36, ST37 and ST39, use perpendicular insertion to a depth of approximately 2 cun. For all these points, needling should result in the area feeling achy and distended

4. Technique
● Select 4-6 points at a 1 or 2 cun from RN8. Needle all points obliquely towards the navel. Insert to about 1 cun, or until the area is achy and distended

5. Differentiation
● Spleen deficiency: add UB20, RN12, and RN4, using a tonification technique
● Stomach Heat: add UB21 and UB17. Use a draining technique, and strong stimulation.
● Liver and Gallbaldder damp-heat: add UB18, UB17, and LV3; use a draining technique
● Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency: add UB18, UB23, KD3, and SP6. Apply a tonifying technique
● Qi stagnation and Blood stasis: add UB18, UB17, LV3, and SP10. Use a draining technique on LV3 and tonifying on all other points.

6. Electro Acupuncture
After the arrival of Qi, an electrical acupuncture stimulation device may be applied to the needle handles. Use continuous waveform, with a frequency of 3-4 cycles/second, and an intensity as strong as the patient can tolerate. Treat for 30 minutes. Treatment should be given every other day; a treatment course consists of one month of treatment.

7. Key aspect
The key aspect of acupuncture treatment for weight-loss is to select points on the basis of pattern differentiation; and to use tonifying or draining manipulations suitable to the body's Yin and Yang, Zang Fu, Qi and Blood, and Channels. In this way, it can achieve similar treatment results for different patients.

8. Auricular Acupuncture
● Primary Point: Appetite Control, Mouth, Stomach, Small Intestine, Shen Men
● Supplementary Point: Point Zero, Thalamus Point, Master Sensorial, Master Cerebral, Endocrine Point, Anti-Depressant Point, Occiput