Evaluation of the effects of body and auricular acupuncture combination therapy in obesity control: a retrospective study

Purpose: The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the effects of body (abdominal) and auricular acupuncture combination therapy on anthropometric measurements and blood parameters in obesity control.Materials and Methods: This study is a descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study. This study was carried out by retrospectively scanning the patient files of the patients who applied to the obesity center between 01.05.2019 and 15.02.2020 and wanted to have acupuncture.Results: There are 10 points selected: Shenmen (HT7, spirit gate), point zero, small intestine, large intestine, stomach, esophagus, mouth, appetite control (hunger), antidepressant and spleen point. The abdominal acupuncture points applied to the patients for the treatment of obesity are shown in this study. There are 6 points selected: ST 25, ST 26, REN 12 (CV12), REN 10 (CV10), REN 6 (CV6), REN 4 (CV4). The results show that combined ear and abdominal acupuncture resulted in significant weight loss in all participants in the acupuncture group. The mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) mean scores of the patients who underwent acupuncture were significantly higher whereas the mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) scores was significantly lower than the patients who did not receive acupuncture.Conclusion: Ear and abdominal acupuncture applications applied for three months for weight loss in obese individuals provided significant weight loss, along with a significant decrease in waist/hip ratio and improvement in all other blood parameters.