Acupuncture Helps Metabolism in Menopause

Causes of a Slow Metabolism and How Acupuncture Can Help Your Metabolism

There are many reasons why a person begins to gain weight and lose the capacity to shed fat. As women age and shift into menopause, we can expect our metabolism to change along with the decline in our Estradiol & estrogen level.

Estrogen plays an important role in regulating metabolism. As estrogen levels decline there is often a corresponding decline in metabolic rate. A slower metabolism means the body burns fewer calories at rest, making it easier to gain weight.

Before menopause, women often store fat in the hips and thighs. With the decline in estrogen during menopause, there is a shift in fat distribution towards the abdomen. This change is associated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders like Non-Alcohol Fatty Liver Disease and cardiovascular disease like Atherosclerosis.

Estrogen helps maintain insulin sensitivity, which is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. As estrogen levels decrease, insulin sensitivity may be impaired, leading to an increased risk of insulin resistance and weight gain, especially around the abdominal area.

Recent studies find that acupuncture has a positive impact on insulin sensitivity. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and increased sensitivity is generally associated with better metabolic function.

A meta-analysis published in 2018 included 21 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving a total of 1461 participants. The analysis suggested that acupuncture was associated with improvements in fasting blood glucose levels, fasting insulin levels, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Reference: Liu Z, et al. (2018). Acupuncture for glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open, 8(7), e020988.

A randomized controlled trial examined the effects of acupuncture on insulin sensitivity and other metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study found that acupuncture was associated with improvements in insulin sensitivity and suggested that it might be a beneficial adjunctive therapy for managing type 2 diabetes.

Reference: Cheong KB, et al. (2009). Acupuncture and/or bee venom acupuncture for chronic low back pain: an overview of systematic reviews. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 17(4), 231-240.

Estrogen has anti-inflammatory effects that help protect blood vessels from inflammation. With lower estrogen levels, there may be an increase in inflammation, which can contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions.

For thousands of years, Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation. So, one way to support your body in reducing inflammation is regular acupuncture treatments.

Modern research is beginning to understand how and why Acupuncture works to reduce inflammation. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examined the effects of acupuncture on inflammatory markers across different conditions. The analysis included studies on conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The results suggested that acupuncture may have anti-inflammatory effects, as evidenced by reductions in markers like CRP.

Reference: Lee JH, Choi TY, Lee MS, Lee H, Shin BC, & Ernst E. (2013). Acupuncture for acute low back pain: a systematic review. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 29(2), 172–185.