A Survey of the Treatment of Obesity with Acupuncture and Moxibustion After the Foundation of P.R. China

Objective To review the treatment of obesity with acupuncture and moxibustion from 1949 to 2004 and promote the development of clinical acupuncture and moxibustion. Methods The review was based on “China modern acupuncture-moxibustion information databank”. A method of quantitative analysis was used.Results The literature on the treatment of obesity with acupuncture and moxibustion increased year by year from 1980 and most rapidly in recent 5 years. It has a tendency towards development. The therapeutic method developed from ear acupuncture into acupuncture plus auricular-plaster therapy, as a main treatment. Correspondingly, the selected points changed gradually from ear points into body points, as main ones.Conclusion Acupuncture and moxibustion is effective in treating obesity. The development of the clinical and experimental studies has promoted the clinical application of acupuncture and moxibustion.