OBJECTIVETo observe the impacts of acupoint catgut embedding therapy on postpartum weight retention.

METHODSSeventy-one women of postpartum weight retention were divided into an observation group (35 cases) and a control group (36 cases) according to their own wishes when re-examination in 42 days after delivery. In the control group, the nutrition consultation was provided and the calories intake was controlled continuously for 20 weeks. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, the acupoint embedding therapy was applied to Zhongwan (CV 12), Zhongji (CV 3), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Tianshu (ST 25), Guilai (ST 29), Shuifen (CV 9), Shousanli (LI 10), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40) and Yinlingquan (SP 9). The sutures, No. 4-0 were cut as 2 to 4 mm in length and put into the embedding needle. Afterarrival, the sutures were pushed into the acupoints with the needle core and the needle was removed quickly. The treatment was given once every two weeks, continuously for 20 weeks. Totally, 10 times of acupoint catgut embedding therapy were required. Before and after treatment, the body mass, weight retention, body mass index (BMI), percentage of body fat (PBF), waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR) and health promoting lifestyle profile (HPLP-Ⅱ) were observed in the participants of the two groups.

RESULTSAfter treatment, body mass, weight retention, BMI, PBF, WC and WHR were all reduced as compared with those before treatment in the participants of the two groups, indicating the significant differences (all<0.05). After treatment, the body mass, weight retention, BMI, PBF, WC and WHR in the participants of the observation group were lower than those in the control group, indicating the significant differences (all<0.05). The score of every dimension of HPLP-Ⅱ after treatment was higher than that before treatment in the participants of the observation group, indicating the significant differences (all<0.05); and the scores of health responsibility, sports and spiritual growth in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, indicating the significant differences (all<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe acupoint catgut embedding therapy improves in the postpartum weight retention and achieves the satisfactory clinical therapeutic effects.