‘In Japan, this method to aid weight loss has been used for over 30 years’ and It seems to be working

This Is What The Japanese Are Doing To Improve Digestion, Boost Metabolism, Curb Cravings And Appetite

New research, to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Dublin, Ireland, reveals that ear acupuncture utilizing metal beads can contribute to weight reduction, decreased body mass index (BMI), and body fat when combined with a restricted diet.

Conducted by Dr. Takahiro Fujimoto and colleagues from Clinic F in Tokyo, Japan, the study suggests that controlling food cravings can be effectively achieved through a simplified approach to acupuncture stimulation using beads. This method proves to be an alternative to the conventional practice of intradermal needles, which typically necessitates the expertise of trained acupuncturists.

“Since these tiny metal beads are attached to six points on the outer ear that stimulate nerves and organs which regulate appetite, satiety and hunger, this type of acupuncture does not require complex knowledge or skill,” adds Dr. Fujimoto. “In Japan, this method to aid weight loss has been used for over 30 years.”

In the realm of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture operates on the principle that your overall well-being relies on the harmonious flow of qi, or energy, within your body.

This vital energy travels discreetly along a network of invisible pathways called meridians, which are present throughout your body, including your ears. When the flow of qi becomes obstructed or disrupted, it can adversely affect both your physical and mental health.

Auricular acupuncture therapy focuses on the notion that the external ear represents the entirety of your body. By strategically placing thin needles or beads on specific points, typically along the meridian lines, this practice aims to restore the smooth flow of qi by alleviating any blockages or disturbances. As a result, auricular acupuncture has been employed to address a range of health conditions.

Notably, this approach has been utilized to aid in overcoming drug addiction, as well as assisting individuals in quitting smoking and achieving weight loss goals.

Although the precise mechanism remains uncertain, several studies suggest that ear acupuncture may contribute to the regulation of the endocrine system, modulation of metabolism, promotion of digestion, and reduction of oxidative stress.

This latest study builds upon previous research conducted on Japanese women who were overweight or obese. The previous study discovered that individuals treated with ear acupuncture featuring beads experienced significant weight loss, which was sustained for up to six months after the completion of treatment.

In this new study, 81 Japanese men with overweight or obesity (aged 21 to 78; average BMI 28.4 kg/m²) and high levels of unhealthy abdominal fat were involved. The study focused on auricular acupuncture using 1.5 mm metal ear beads placed on six specific points on the outer ear: shen-men, food pipe, upper stomach opening, stomach, lungs, and endocrine system (see figure 1 in notes to editors).

To ensure uniform pressure on each of the six acupuncture points, beads were applied to both ears and secured with surgical tape. The beads were replaced twice a week during hospital visits. Participants also received dietary guidance, and their body weight was regularly measured.

During the three-month treatment period, participants were instructed to reduce their total food intake by half and keep food diaries to track their progress.

At the beginning and end of the treatment, various measurements were taken, including body weight, body fat percentage, fat mass, lean mass, muscle mass, BMI, and abdominal fat, to assess the impact of auricular acupuncture with beads.

After three months, significant differences were observed, with participants experiencing an average reduction of 10.4 cm in waist circumference (from an average of 98.4 cm at the study’s start to 88 cm) and a 4% decrease in total body fat (from an average of 28.2% to 24.3%).

During the study period, indicators of unhealthy abdominal body fat exhibited a notable decline, averaging a reduction of 2 points (from an initial score of 15.2 to 13 after 3 months). The evaluation was conducted on a scale ranging from 1 to 59, where a healthy visceral fat rating falls between 1 and 12, while excessive levels are classified between 13 and 59. Additionally, the participants experienced a substantial decrease in BMI, with an average decline of almost 3 points (from an average BMI of 28.4 kg/m² to 25.5 kg/m²).

“Our findings suggest that acupuncture on the ear may aid weight loss when paired with diet and exercise,” adds Dr. Fujimoto. “It’s likely that acupuncture has a positive effect by curbing cravings and appetite, improving digestion, and boosting metabolism.”

The authors acknowledge several limitations in their study, including its observational nature, the small sample size consisting of Japanese men, the relatively short duration of the study, and the inability to establish causation.

Image Credit: Getty