Auricular Acupuncture for Weight Loss - Acupuncture CEUs Online

Auricular Acupuncture for Weight Loss - Acupuncture ceus Online

Most of the research on acupuncture for weight loss revolves around auricular acupuncture, which involves needling certain points on the ear.  Several nerves innervate the ear such as the auricular branch of the vagus, the gloss pharyngeal nerve, vestibule nerve, the second and third branches of the cervical spinal nerve, among others.  Interestingly, the vagus nerve  (also known as the “wondering nerve”) is thought to interact with the cranial nerves and those of the digestive tract, as these nerves share a common path to the brain.  According to The American Journal of Acupuncture, they hypothesized that stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve causes disruption of appetite signals from the gastrointestinal tract, therefore decreasing those hunger pangs.  In addition, rat studies have suggested that stimulation of the ear regions associated with the endometrial hypothalamus, affects satiety centers and leads to improved weight loss (in both obese and non obese rats* according to the study). 

Research in previous years appears to show some proof of the efficacy of acupuncture yet we run into complications with the placebo effect in human research studies.  The reason being, even sham acupuncture has a chance of producing some physiological or mental effect on the individual which may make them believe, “Yes, I am getting treated with acupuncture, yes, this is helping me lose the weight!”  Even though the treatment is essentially “fake acupuncture”.  The same situation can apply to an individual receiving the real acupuncture.  So how do we know what is really working, real acupuncture or sham?  Acupuncture ceus Online is tough to research in general, and is something worth exploring for the hot topic of weight loss.

Although some doctors and researchers out there think the research is skeptical for acupuncture (Is it really scientifically proven to work for weight loss?), many people have touted the results of their treatments and have actually lost the weight.  

While acupuncture is an excellent addition to any weight loss program, diet and exercise included, it should not be a complete & total replacement.  As we know, exercise with a balanced, nutrient rich diet are also very important to allow us to look and feel our best!

Stay tuned for new Acupuncture ceus online classes for Acupuncture and Weight Loss in the near future.