The Effect of Auricular Acupuncture for Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

[CNKI]) were searched up to May 20, 2020. Eight eligible randomized controlled trials were included the present study. The quality of included studies was assessed by the Cochrane risk of bias tool and a meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager software. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model and a subgroup analysis was performed to detect the sources of heterogeneity, identify the selection of acupuncture methods and explore its contributions to the weight loss effects. Results: Among 8 trials, 5 trials used auricular acupuncture and 2 trials used auricular acupressure, 1 trial used both types of intervention. Most commonly selected acupoints were Shenmen (TF4) and stomach (CO4). Treatment duration was six to twelve weeks, and total treatment session was six to twelve. Compared to the control groups, auricular acupuncture significantly decreased body weight, body mass index (BMI), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL) and ghrelin. For the selection of acupuncture methods, both methods performed similarly in most outcome except waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage (BFP), and triglycerides (TG). Conclusions: We found that auricular acupuncture can be effective for weight loss and controlling appetite. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity. So further vigorous and well-designed studies should be conducted to strengthen the evidence of the use of auricular acupuncture for obesity.

Comprehensive traditional East Asian medicine treatment strategy for obesity considering the therapeutic effects and adverse events

“…[54] With an increase in the number of papers on TEAM therapies for obese patients in recent years, several systematic reviews have been conducted; however, these were conducted on a single intervention or treatment, making it impossible to compare the effects of therapies. [18,20,21,23,26] In particular, it is important to consider safety, tolerance, and side effects when selecting obesity therapies. High-quality systematic reviews can help provide the best evidence in clinical practice, and an NMA can provide a ranking based on comparative efficacy and safety.…”

“…[17][18][19] Traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM) treatment for obesity management not only includes pharmacological (traditional herbal medicine) therapy, but also acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, moxibustion, Qi-gong, cupping therapy, and other methods. [9,[20][21][22][23][24] Herbal medicine using Ephedra sinica is a pivotal intervention that affects obesityrelated clinical indicators such as weight, body fat mass, and abdominal circumference. [25][26][27] However, it is unknown which of the TEAM treatments is effective for weight loss while having the least adverse events.…”

“…In East Asia, various traditional medicine interventions are used for obesity treatment [17–19] . Traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM) treatment for obesity management not only includes pharmacological (traditional herbal medicine) therapy, but also acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, moxibustion, Qi-gong, cupping therapy, and other methods [9,20–24] . Herbal medicine using Ephedra sinica is a pivotal intervention that affects obesity-related clinical indicators such as weight, body fat mass, and abdominal circumference [25–27] …”

A comparative investigator-initiated pilot study on the efficacy and safety of biodegradable microneedle acupuncture and conventional intradermal acupuncture for dry eye patient: A superiority, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial

“…Using these features, many Korean medicine doctors have used IDA to treat diseases that require prolonged needle retention to the body surface, including obesity, ceasing smoking, nervous headache, stomachache, migraine, eye strain, dry eye, hypertension, asthma, or menstrual irregularity. [26][27][28][29] However, the IDA needle can result in foreign body sensation to the patient if attached for too long, or provoke metal allergic symptoms, including skin inflammation and pruritus, owing to its material.…”

Safety and efficacy of combined acupuncture (body and intradermal acupuncture) for dry eye disease: study protocol for a pilot, single-centre, assessor-blinded, randomised, artificial tear drop-controlled trial at Naju Dongshin University Korean Medicine Hospital

“…Its strengths are minimal pain and free physical activity. Hence, IA has been widely used to treat various chronic diseases that require continuous acupuncture stimulation 15–18. However, there are few prior studies on IA.…”