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Research: YASEMIN and COLLEAGUES
Listed in Issue 260
Abstract
YASEMIN and COLLEAGUES, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29772131 conducted a randomized controlled trial to determine efficacy of body acupuncture (GBA) and auricular acupuncture (GAA) in Turkish female patients.
Background
This research was aimed to observe the efficacy of body acupuncture and auricular acupuncture for the management of obesity.
Methodology
Fifty female obese patients were randomized into 2 groups; a Body Acupuncture Group (GBA; n=25) and an Auricular Acupuncture Group (GAA; n=25). All patients were followed up for 12 weeks. Their anthropometric measurements (body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference and hip circumference) were recorded for analysis in every 15 days. Patients were compared in terms of anthropometric measurements. Patients in the GAA received 6 sessions of auricular acupuncture in every 15 days. We used bilateral 2 points namely anti-aggression point and stomach point for auricular acupuncture. Bilateral L14, LIll, ST25, ST36, SP6, SP9, CV12, and CV6 points were selected for two times in a week (totally 24 sessions) in the GBA. Independent samples t test, patients in GAA completed the study. The mean age of patients was 36.2±10.5 years (GBA: 32.7±12.3; GAA: 39.1±7.9).
Results
The mean weight was 95.7±11.8 kg before acupuncture, and it decreased to 92.5±14.4 kg after acupuncture in GBA; and it was 95.1±15.6 kg before acupuncture and it decreased to 91.5±11.0 kg after acupuncture in GAA. Change in weight after acupuncture was 2.6±2.4 kg in GBA, and 4.2±3.4 kg in GAA (p<0.05). In both groups, changes in weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, and hip circumference were statistically significant (p<0.05). Only one patient reported side effect related to acupuncture.
Conclusion
Body acupuncture and auricular acupuncture have the therapeutic role in the management of obesity. In this study, auricular acupuncture is more effective in reducing body weight than body acupuncture. Thus, auricular may be useful and safe, non-pharmacological treatment.
References
Yasemin C, Turan S, Kosan Z. The Effects of Auricular and Body Acupuncture in Turkish Obese Female Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial Indicated Both Methods Lost Body Weight But Auricular Acupuncture Was Better Than Body Acupuncture. Acupunct Electrother Res. 42(1):1-10. Jan 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29772131