Weight loss with acupuncture – the Schlüsener method

That depends on your starting weight, your metabolism and your consistency. Those who stick exactly to the diet plan during the three weeks of the reduction phase see a clear change on the scales – those who only half do it see nothing. There is no such thing as “half” an addiction treatment. We deliberately do not give specific figures; every body is different, and the law rightly forbids doctors to make such promises.

No – the needles take away your craving for food. The change of diet does the weight loss. The acupuncture ensures that you can keep it up without constantly fighting hunger.

No. Your body receives all the necessary vitamins, minerals and trace elements, as well as sufficient protein. What is reduced is the amount of calories, not the supply of nutrients.

The method has been in use for decades and the diet is designed so that no deficiency arises. As a medical specialist, Dr Kerle clarifies your state of health, pre-existing conditions and medication in advance. With high blood pressure, diabetes and unfavourable blood values, the readings frequently improve as the weight comes down, in our experience – medication is monitored and adjusted medically during this time. Acupuncture is considered low-risk when performed professionally; extremely rarely (around 1 in 50,000) a minimal pinhead-sized bruise can occur at the puncture site. Hypoallergenic needles and plasters are available – and if you really dislike needles: for needle-phobic patients we keep adhesive metal pellets ready that work via acupressure; we explain how they are used.

With any reduction in food intake, blood pressure drops slightly. In most cases no countermeasure is needed. If you take blood pressure medication, we check your readings during treatment and adjust the dose if necessary – never on your own.

No, on the contrary. The ear acupuncture is placed at calming points – you remain calm and balanced. Most people feel fit and full of energy during the reduction phase and experience the time as a cleansing.

It starts with the in-depth introductory seminar. After that you come in, ideally weekly, to be weighed and for a short talk. If you live far away, we also support you by phone – many of our patients come from far afield.

Yes, until you have reached your target weight. Between two reduction phases there is a maintenance phase of at least three weeks. Returning patients pay €60 instead of €120, because the introductory seminar is not needed again.

After the three weeks of reduction come three weeks of maintenance: with the maintenance plan you stabilise your weight and learn to adjust your diet to your actual needs. That is the key against the yo-yo effect. The kidney tea from the reduction phase is no longer taken in the maintenance phase.

When the body breaks down its fat reserves, acetone is produced. The kidney tea stimulates the kidneys so that it is excreted more quickly. It is part of the reduction phase and is dropped in the maintenance phase.

The scales stand still, blood sugar rises, hunger returns – you do yourself no favour. A slip is no reason to give up: return to the plan immediately and carry on.

No. You lose volume everywhere – figure, mobility and face change visibly.

In our experience, how well the skin tightens follows a genetic blueprint: with good connective tissue, even large weight losses are compensated surprisingly well. Support your skin from the start – daily moisturising, massaging the problem zones with a slightly rough glove after showering, plenty of exercise.

Yes, both. Before any physical exercise, take two spoonfuls of honey or sugar to keep your circulation stable – this is also in your plan.

No, once the body has got used to taking them – which is usually the case after about six months. Tell us in the introductory consultation about all the preparations you take; as a specialist in hormone medicine, Dr Kerle keeps an eye on this.

No. A calorie-reduced diet is not suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We are happy to advise you during this time in our gynaecological consultation and to plan the weight reduction for afterwards.

No. The Schlüsener method is a treatment for people with genuine excess weight – not for people of normal weight who want to lose a few kilos for the summer. We determine in the introductory consultation whether there is excess weight requiring treatment. Those who do not have it get an honest answer from us instead of a treatment.

That is not advisable. The weight gain caused by nicotine withdrawal can extend over months; both changes at the same time overtax the body. We plan the right time together with you.

Yes, from about eleven years of age – if there is excess weight requiring treatment and the child understands and accepts the necessity. We make the decision after medical assessment together with the parents.

Not upwards. Health improvements are especially valuable for older people: less strain on joints, heart and circulation.

Unfavourable for hotel travellers – the diet plan requires preparing your own meals and discipline. Time the start of treatment so that no trip falls within the three-week reduction phase.

It was developed by Heinz Schlüsener in his practice in Bottrop. His acupuncture deviates from every textbook: the combination of needles is individual for every patient and takes away the addiction. The method has been in use unchanged for decades and is recommended by people who have experienced its success themselves. Dr Kerle learned it from him and has practised it in Berlin for many years.

The complete package for new patients costs €120: introductory seminar, acupuncture, diet and maintenance plan and weekly support over three weeks of reduction and three weeks of maintenance. Returning patients pay €60 because the seminar is not needed again. Six weeks of medical support that pays for itself: what you save on snacks, sweets, eating out and weekly shopping during this time offsets the cost in our experience. The treatment is a self-pay service; some private insurers reimburse acupuncture in part.