Acupuncture for Fatty Liver Disease (Fact Check)

Fatty liver disease has become increasingly common in recent years, affecting millions of people worldwide¹. As we search for effective treatments, many are turning to traditional remedies like acupuncture. But can this ancient practice really help with a modern health concern? Let’s dive into the world of acupuncture and its potential benefits for fatty liver disease.

Safety Warning: Severe fatty liver can lead to serious problems. Always consult a doctor before trying any natural remedies. This article is for reference only.

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

Before we explore the treatment, let’s understand the condition. Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells². There are two main types³:

1. Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD): Caused by excessive alcohol consumption
2. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Not related to alcohol use

NAFLD is more common and often linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome⁴. While early stages may not show symptoms, untreated fatty liver can lead to serious complications like cirrhosis or liver cancer⁵.

Enter Acupuncture: An Ancient Practice for Modern Problems

Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for thousands of years. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of “qi” (life energy) and promote healing⁶.

But how does this ancient practice relate to fatty liver? Let’s break it down:

The TCM Perspective on Fatty Liver

In TCM, fatty liver is seen as an accumulation of “dampness” and “phlegm” in the body. These concepts roughly translate to the buildup of fats and toxins in modern medical terms⁷.

How Acupuncture Might Help

Acupuncture is thought to address fatty liver in several ways:

1. Improving liver function: By stimulating specific points, acupuncture may help regulate liver qi and enhance its overall function⁸.
2. Boosting metabolism: Certain acupuncture points are believed to increase energy and improve the body’s ability to process fats.
3. Reducing inflammation: Acupuncture may help decrease inflammatory markers in the body, which can be beneficial for liver health⁹.
4. Balancing hormones: By potentially improving insulin sensitivity, acupuncture could address one of the root causes of NAFLD¹⁰.

The Science Behind the Needles

While the traditional explanations are fascinating, you might be wondering: Is there any scientific evidence to support these claims?

Recent studies have shown promising results:

• A 2021 study published in “Medicine (Baltimore)” found that acupuncture could safely and effectively treat fatty liver while improving liver function and fat metabolism¹¹.
• Research in animal models has demonstrated that acupuncture can significantly improve lipid metabolism and systemic inflammatory responses in rats with NAFLD, possibly by regulating gut microbiota composition¹².

However, it’s important to note that more large-scale, randomized controlled trials are needed to fully validate these findings.

Acupuncture Points for Fatty Liver

Curious about which acupuncture points might be used? Here are a few commonly targeted areas¹³:

• Gallbladder 41 (GB41) and Gallbladder 34 (GB34): These points are believed to regulate bile and liver function.
• San Jiao 5 (SJ5): Located on the outer forearm, this point is thought to balance the body’s metabolism.
• Ren 12 and Ren 6: These points on the abdomen are said to increase internal energy and remove dampness.
• Stomach 25 (ST25), Stomach 28 (ST28), and Stomach 40 (ST40): These points may help burn localized fat and remove pathological accumulations.

Remember, acupuncture should always be performed by a licensed practitioner who can tailor the treatment to your specific needs.

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

While acupuncture shows promise, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some points to consider:

• Safety: Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a trained professional. However, there are some risks, such as bruising or, in rare cases, infection¹⁴.
• Complementary approach: Acupuncture works best as part of a holistic treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
• Individual response: As with any treatment, results can vary from person to person.

Beyond the Needle: Other TCM Approaches to Fatty Liver

Acupuncture isn’t the only TCM tool for addressing fatty liver. Chinese herbal medicine is often used in conjunction with acupuncture. Some commonly used formulas include:

• Six Gentlemen Decoction (Liu Jun Zi Tang): This formula is used to strengthen the spleen and transform phlegm.
• Major Bupleurum Decoction (Da Chai Hu Tang): This formula is believed to soothe the liver and strengthen the spleen, potentially helping to reduce blood lipids and fatty liver¹⁵.

The Bottom Line

Acupuncture offers an intriguing approach to managing fatty liver disease. While more research is needed, early studies and traditional wisdom suggest it could be a valuable tool in our health arsenal.

If you’re considering acupuncture for fatty liver, remember:

1. Consult with your doctor first, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
2. Choose a licensed and experienced acupuncturist.
3. View acupuncture as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, not a standalone cure.
4. Be patient – like many natural treatments, acupuncture may take time to show results.

Have you tried acupuncture for fatty liver or other health concerns? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Trusted Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10029957/ ↩︎
2. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/liver-fatty-liver-disease ↩︎
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4093692/ ↩︎
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8919523/ ↩︎
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567 ↩︎
6. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763 ↩︎
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8330116/ ↩︎
8. 徐列明, 胡义扬. 脂肪肝的中药治疗[J]. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2018, 1(2): 138-141. http://www.jcimjournal.com/EN/Y2003/V1/I2/138 ↩︎
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10. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365858975_Progress_of_Non-Drug_Intervention_and_Traditional_Chinese_Medicine_Treatment_of_Metabolic-Associated_with_Fatty_Liver_Disease ↩︎
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34559098/ ↩︎
12. Wang H, Wang Q, Liang C, Pan L, Hu H, Fang H. Acupuncture improved hepatic steatosis in HFD-induced NAFLD rats by regulating intestinal microbiota. Front Microbiol. 2023 Mar 16;14:1131092. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1131092. PMID: 37007509; PMCID: PMC10061080. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10061080/ ↩︎
13. https://health.udn.com/health/story/6035/2465091 ↩︎
14. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-effectiveness-and-safety ↩︎
15. 闫奇, 谢慧娟. 大柴胡汤治疗脂肪肝 53 例[J]. 四川中医, 2002, 20(4): 46-46. ↩︎