Acupuncture Therapy for Obesity Using Ear Needle Treatment

Analysis of Effectiveness and Mechanism

Abstract

1. Purpose: To determine whether or not there are special appetite control points on the ear and clarify the functional mechanism of the same.
2. Method: A total of 50 male and female outpatients ranging in age from 18 to 45 with simple obesity, the level of which was above 120% were divided randomly into 2 treatment groups, SHINMON Treatment Group (hereafter referred to as P group) and Lung Treatment Group (hereafter referred to as A group), and stationary insertion of needles at the respective points on the right ears of the patients for a period of 2 weeks was administered. A comparative examination was made of pre and post treatment changes in appetite and weight as well as in levels of various components which can be considered to be related with appetite such as blood metabolism substances (Glucose, NEFA) and hormones (Insulin, Gastrin, Secretin). Also in order to examine the influences on the stomach factors related to intake regulation, gastrin secretion activity before and after the loading of 300ml. of water was examined. Concerning the appetite suppressing effect, the lowering of food intake, aggravation of feelings of fullness and lessening of hunger were evaluated with one of 4 or 5 ranks recorded on an examination chart daily throughout the treatment.
The evaluation system was designed such that attributing a numerical value to each of the evaluation ranks the largest possible sum total was 8 points, the lowest 2 points. The average of the values over the two week period was considered the appetite decreasing point total. (hereafter referred to as ADP).
3. Results: In P group results were Excellent (ADP≥6) in 2 cases, effective (4.5<ADP>6) in 2 cases, slightly effective (3.0≤ADP<4.5) in 5 cases, ineffective (-1≤ADP<3) in 14 cases and impairing (ADP<-1) in 1 case.
In A group results were excellent in 8 cases, effective in 6 cases, slightly effective in 1 case, ineffective in 9 cases. dropping out in 1 case, . There were no cases of impairment. Statistically there was a significant difference between the occurence of excellent results (P<0.05), moreover a significant difference (P<0.005) was observed between the occurence of effective results or better.
The weight loss was significant in both groups however was remarkable in A group. No significant difference was recorded in any of the pre-post treatment check categories in P group; in A group only the insulin at the time of an empty stomach dropped significantly (P<0.05). There was no correlation between this drop and weight loss.
Significant activation (P<0.05) of pre-post water loading occurred only following Lung point therapy.
4. Conclusion: Special appetite decreasing points exist in the ear. The points function to reduce insulin at the time of an empty stomach and to aggravate gastrin secretion due to the loading of 300ml. of water.