Acupoint embedding for weight loss: The principles and acupoint selection of modified acupuncture.

Acupoint embedding for weight loss involves implanting absorbable catgut sutures into specific acupoints using special needles. This continuous stimulation of the acupoints treats underlying conditions. Applying acupoint embedding to weight loss is a new method developed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) following acupuncture. It uses sutures instead of needles to regulate the endocrine, nervous, and metabolic systems to achieve weight loss. Acupoint embedding for weight loss is an extension and development of acupuncture, a modified form of acupuncture. This method involves embedding sutures once every 15 days, eliminating the inconvenience and pain of daily treatment for obese individuals, making it a preferred weight loss method for modern people. [Weight Loss Principle] Acupoint embedding for weight loss is based on individual patient differences, symptoms, and obesity mechanisms. Acupoints are selected rationally and effectively, and magnetized protein sutures (using sutures instead of needles) are embedded in the corresponding acupoints to achieve the effects of strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi, clearing the meridians, and harmonizing yin and yang qi and blood.

This adjusts the patient's autonomic nervous system and endocrine function. Acupoint embedding inhibits the patient's excessive appetite and gastrointestinal digestion and absorption, thereby reducing energy intake. On the other hand, it can stimulate the sluggish autonomic nervous system (sympathetic nervous system) of obese people, making it active, increasing energy consumption, and promoting the decomposition of body fat. Therefore, acupoint embedding reduces body fat rather than water, and can ensure the health and energy of the body during the weight loss process, and the rebound rate is extremely low. This is the biggest advantage of acupoint embedding for weight loss. Acupoint embedding can also improve the patient's carbohydrate metabolism and enhance the function of the body's endocrine system. [Acupoint selection based on syndrome differentiation] (1) Gastrointestinal heat accumulation: Zhongwan, Tianshu, Quchi, Hegu, Pishu, Weishu, Zusanli. (2) Spleen deficiency and inability to transport: Pishu, Weishu, Daheng, Jianli, Zusanli, Qihai, Guanyuan.

(3) Phlegm and dampness accumulation: Zhongwan, Xiawan, Shuifen, Sanyinjiao, Tianshu, Pishu, Zusanli, Fenglong. (4) Qi stagnation and blood stasis: Zhongwan, Sanyinjiao, Shuifen, Tianshu, Daheng, Zusanli, Yanglingquan, Xuehai. (5) Spleen and kidney yang deficiency: Zhongwan, Daheng, Qihai, Guanyuan, Mingmen, Pishu, Shenshu, Taixi. [Acupuncture Points Based on Symptoms] For constipation, add Zhigou and Tianshu; for stomach upset and easy hunger, add Zhongwan and Liangqiu; for hyperlipidemia, add Yanglingquan, Fenglong, and Taichong; for oliguria and edema, add Yinlingquan; for poor appetite and abdominal distension, add Zhongwan; for somnolence and forgetfulness, add Baihui and Fenglong; for impotence and premature ejaculation, add Guanyuan and Zhongji; for palpitations and shortness of breath, add Neiguan; for upper abdominal obesity, add Tianshu and Liangmen penetrating Jianli; for mid-abdomen obesity, add Huaroumen penetrating Shenque; for lower abdominal obesity, add Shuidao; for neck obesity, add Fengchi and cervical Jiaji 2-4; for thigh obesity, add Fengshi, Yinmen, and Biguan.

[Procedure] For abdominal acupoints, the threading method is used. After disinfecting and numbing the acupoints, the practitioner inserts a No. 2 catgut suture onto a large triangular needle, enters from above the acupoint, passes through the muscle layer below the acupoint, and exits from below. The acupoint is stimulated by traction, using a strong purging technique, and the suture end is removed. For limb acupoints, the injection method is used. A needle filled with catgut is inserted 1-2 cm into the acupoint. In areas with thin muscle, No. 1 catgut is inserted 1 cm, and in areas with thick muscle, No. 2 catgut is inserted 2-3 cm. All acupoints are covered with dressings. The sutures are injected once every 15 days, with 5 treatments constituting one course.