An Acupoint Catgut-embedding Therapy for Treating Obesity

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic and complex disease caused by excessive fat deposition, which can lead to multiple complications. It affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds, contributing to a growing public health crisis worldwide. In modern medicine, the available treatments for obesity include drugs, behavioral modifications, and surgical procedures. However, their efficacy is often unsatisfactory and may be accompanied by various side effects. In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a wide range of treatment options, including herbal tonics, acupuncture, tuina, acupoint catgut-embedding therapy, and more. Among these, acupoint catgut-embedding therapy has emerged as a popular choice for weight management due to its effectiveness, convenience, affordability, and minimal adverse effects. It involves the insertion of absorbable sutures into acupoints, stimulating the body's natural healing processes and enhancing metabolic function. The gradual absorption of the sutures over time provides a sustained therapeutic effect, allowing for prolonged benefits without the need for continuous treatment sessions. Whether used alone or in conjunction with other therapies, acupoint catgut-embedding therapy exemplifies the benefits of integrative medicine and its potential to empower individuals on their journey toward a healthier lifestyle. Aiming to visualize this ethnic medicine theory and promote its effective inheritance, we detail the acupoint catgut-embedding therapy method for weight loss, covering acupuncture points selection, materials, procedures, and precautions.