Combination Therapy for Simple Obesity: Acupoint Needling and Auricular Acupressure Effects

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupoint-embedded needling combined with auricular acupressure in treating simple obesity associated with spleen deficiency and dampness accumulation. METHODS: Ninety-six patients with simple obesity were randomized into two groups. The intervention group received acupoint-embedded needling and auricular acupressure, while the control group received conventional acupuncture. After 30 days, body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood lipid profiles, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, and metabolic markers were assessed. These included homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, serum leptin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, body fat percentage, and basal metabolic rate. Adverse events were monitored. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed significantly greater reductions in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all p < 0.05). TCM scores and metabolic indicators also showed significant improvement. The overall adverse event rate was lower in the intervention group (8.33% vs. 29.17%, p = 0.019), although individual event types showed no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Acupoint-embedded needling combined with auricular acupressure is an effective and well-tolerated approach for managing simple obesity associated with spleen deficiency and dampness, with benefits in weight loss, improved metabolism, and symptom relief.