Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Acupuncture
“Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, often called NAFLD, is a liver problem that affects people who drink little to no alcohol. In NAFLD, too much fat builds up in the liver. NAFLD ranges in severity from hepatic steatosis, called fatty liver, to a more severe form of disease called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH causes the liver to swell and become damaged due to the fat deposits in the liver. NASH may get worse and may lead to serious liver scarring, called cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. This damage is like the damage caused by heavy alcohol use.” (Mayo Clinic Website)
The Western conventional medicine treatment for NAFLD is create lifestyle changes such as dietary changes and exercise in order to control blood sugar levels, lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Many western medicine trained doctors prescribe a blanket recommendation of weight loss.
In Chinese Medicine NAFLD can present as damp-heat in the digestive organs ranging from the Stomach, Large Intestines, Spleen, Liver and/or Gallbladder in its earlier stages. In later stages it will present as Liver yin deficiency, Kidney yin deficiency, and/or blood stasis. A Chinese Medicine acupuncturist or herbalist can talk to you more in depth about your pattern based on your presentation, signs and symptoms.
Acupuncture treatment compliments lifestyle changes prescribed for NAFLD very well, because it is considered natural, safe and minimally invasive.
In 2021 Chen et. al published a systemic review and meta analysis on the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of NAFLD. This study showed that acupuncture was superior to conventional medicine and that acupuncture plus conventional medicine improved clinical efficacy more than conventional medicine alone. This study measured liver enzyme and function tests such as ALT and AST which improved with acupuncture treatment. Triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were also tracked with improvements. Participants in the various studies included in this review were receiving acupuncture anywhere from two to six times per week.
A 2022 study (Li & Fang) found that acupuncture inhibits inflammatory reactions, improves lipid metabolism, antagonizes oxidative stress damage, improves endoplasmic recticulum stress, improves insulin resistance in NAFLD. This study analyzed data from both human and animal trials.
In 2005 Cabıoǧlu & Ergene conducted a study on 55 women to compare electroacupuncture and diet restriction to measure total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL levels. Those that received electroacupuncture, received the same treatment for 30 minutes everyday for 20 days. The study resulted in decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL for those that received electro acupuncture.
Please note that though these studies yielded promising results, the frequency of treatment for participants was at least two times per week. NAFLD is a precursor to liver damage. When you receive such information from your doctor, it should be used as an opportunity to make big changes in how you’ve been living. Regular acupuncture visits while also making dietary adjustments and increasing movement and exercise should be considered as a whole. NAFLD can be reversed while liver damage cannot be.
Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM on 3/21/25, published on 4/28/25
Use the code ‘PREPARE’ for $20 off an already discounted acupuncture 3 pack
You might also be interested in reading: Lowering Cholesterol with Chinese Medicine, 3 Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Naturally, 5 Benefits of Hawthorn Berry
Sources
Cabıoǧlu, M.T. & Ergene, N. (2005) Electroacupuncture Therapy for Weight Loss Reduces Serum Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, and LDL Cholesterol Levels in Obese Women The American Journal of Chinese Medicine Vol. 33, No. 04, pp. 525-533 (2005)
Chen, Peiwen MDa,b; Zhong, Xin MMb; Dai, Yunkai MDc; Tan, Meiao MDa; Zhang, Gaochuan MDd; Ke, Xuehong MDb; Huang, Keer MDa,b; Zhou, Zunming MDa,b,e, (2021) The efficacy and safety of acupuncture in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Medicine 100(38):p e27050
Li, Bai & Fang, Li (2022) Research Progress on the Mechanism of Acupuncture Treatment for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Gastroenterology Research and Practice June
Mayo Clinic Online https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567