Research Progress on Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy for Obesity

Abstract

Obesity has become a global public health challenge, closely associated with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Acupoint catgut embedding, an innovative extension of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) external therapy, has gained increasing attention as a clinical intervention for obesity. By implanting absorbable sutures into specific acupoints, it provides continuous stimulation to regulate meridian qi and blood flow, offering advantages such as simplified operation and sustained therapeutic effects. Despite its growing application, challenges remain in clinical standardization, protocol consistency, and efficacy evaluation. This review systematically examines the mechanisms, influencing factors, and clinical applications of acupoint catgut embedding in obesity management, aiming to support its evidence-based development and standardized practice.