Thread Embedding Acupuncture Combined With Auricular Acupuncture for Overweight and Obesity

Auricular acupuncture is conducted weekly in eight weeks using patches, each with a square shape and a side length of 10 mm, along with sterilized needles measuring 0.25 x 1.3 mm. Five acupoints on one ear are selected, which included Shen-men (TF4), Stomach (CO4), Spleen (CO13), Endocrine (CO18), and Hunger point. The patch with the needle will remain in place for one week.

Thread embedding acupuncture is performed every two weeks in eight weeks using a single Polydioxaone thread. Needles has a gauge size of 29G, a shaft length of 38mm, and a thread length of 50mm, folded in half, and are applied to ten acupoints, including Qihai (CV6), Shuifen (CV9), and Tianshu (ST25), Shuidao (ST28), Daheng (SP15), Siman (KI14) on both sides of the body. Needles with a gauge size of 30G, a shaft length of 25mm, and a thread length of 30mm, folded in half, are used for five acupoints, which included Zhongwan (CV12) and Zusanli (ST36), Pishu (BL20) on both sides of the body. After the thread being inserted into the body, the needle will be withdrawn immediately.

Sham Thread embedding acupuncture is performed every two weeks in eight weeks. Needles without threads has a gauge size of 29G, and a shaft length of 38mm, are applied to ten acupoints, including Qihai (CV6), Shuifen (CV9), and Tianshu (ST25), Shuidao (ST28), Daheng (SP15), Siman (KI14) on both sides of the body. Needles without threads with a gauge size of 30G, and a shaft length of 25mm, are used for five acupoints, which included Zhongwan (CV12) and Zusanli (ST36), Pishu (BL20) on both sides of the body. After the needle being inserted into the body, it will be withdrawn immediately.