Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Acupuncture Weight Loss, a safe alternative
Quote from scientific research, see reference below: “Patients undergoing acupuncture, lost more than three times the weight lost by the non-acupuncture control group.”When weight loss is a problem
For anyone wishing to lose weight, or who, after following conventional weight loss routines, has had difficulty in shedding excess pounds, perhaps it is time to look into an alternative and complimentary medical practice known as Acupuncture for weight loss. A brief explanation of the acupuncture process is given at the end of this article,
The physics of weight loss simplified
On the surface, weight loss should be a simple matter of physics, take in fewer calories than you consume and weight loss should follow accordingly. However, life is not really just “simple physics” and weight loss is not as easy as cutting calories, or even pairing lower caloric intake with exercise.
Diet of the week
Almost every week we see a new fad diet introduced, each promising quick and permanent weight loss. The difficulty with most fad diets however, is that they impose on the dieter, unnatural and restrictive food intake regimens that are impossible to maintain on a long term basis. In many cases, such diets can result in malnutrition, a slowing of the body’s natural metabolic rate, and in extreme instances, there is a possibility that organ damage might occur.
Yo-yo dieting
Fad diets can result in the phenomenon of “yo-yo dieting” wherein drastic weight loss is experienced, only to have the body gain the weight back plus additional poundage. Our bodies are programmed to prepare for lean times, starvation and restrictive diets only serve to encourage our bodies to “batten down the hatches and prepare for siege” by converting a larger percentage of the food consumed into stored fat. Given our society’s mania for dieting, this essential truth is proved by the growing trend in the US towards obesity in spite of all the millions of dollars spent in weight reduction schemes.
Science examines acupuncture
Studies conducted in accordance with standard scientific methodology have shown the effectiveness of acupuncture for weight loss. A 2003 study, published in a leading journal, found that patients undergoing acupuncture lost more than three times the weight lost by the control group that received no acupuncture treatment. An Australian study of 1993 found that 95 percent of patients receiving acupuncture stimulation at the meridian locations defined in the practice of acupuncture, reported significant appetite suppression, resulting in more weight lost than in the control group.
Those studies are supported by research conclusions that acupuncture has a beneficial effect on the function of the nervous, endocrine and digestive systems. This results in both an increase in the body’s metabolic activities in which consumed food is broken down and also a lessened craving for more food. Acupuncture can promote an improved regulation of nutrient absorption, regularity of elimination, suppression of appetite and reduction of anxiety—a significant factor in emotional eating.
Acupuncture for weight loss
Acupuncture treatments for weight loss include lifestyle counseling and recommendations for dietary changes by a trained and licensed practitioner. Treatment may include abdominal massage, breathing exercises (specifically “qigong”) and herbal remedies.
The course of treatment for weight loss purposes usually involves a weekly consultation and treatment, lasting about 8-12 weeks -- or however long it requires for the weight loss goal to be reached.
In Chinese medicine, the acupuncture meridians that seem the most effective for weight loss are those which control the “liver and spleen systems” located mostly in the area of the ear (auricular) but also at other specific body meridians as well.
Almost immediate results in some cases
Many recipients of acupuncture treatment for weight loss report almost immediate results in terms of appetite suppression from the needle insertion alone, but the collateral attention to lifestyle, breathing and use of herbal supplements helps to reinforce the physical procedure. Patients often report higher energy levels, enhanced metabolism and increased willpower.
Safe with no side effects
While acupuncture may seem an odd choice for weight loss and perhaps too good to be true—never mind based on what seems to be hocus-pocus to some, for those who have found traditional diet and exercise problematic in helping them achieve weight loss goals, it is a safe alternative, with no toxic consequences and virtually no side effects.
Acupuncture weight loss, a brief explanation
Traditional Chinese medicine—the philosophy upon which acupuncture is based, holds that gaining and retaining excess weight until it becomes obesity, is a result of imbalances in important body systems. In Chinese medicine, a concept called “qi” (pronounced chee) maintains that the body and its systems are regulated by an energy force and flow, that if blocked can result in imbalances, illnesses and dysfunctions.
To Western sensibilities it does sound a little strange, who would want needles stuck into them? But there is practically no pain sensation, the slight discomfort, if felt, is generally brief and some report feeling a sensation of relaxation.
The practice of acupuncture involves the insertion of hair thin needles at various points in the body called meridians and is the method by which traditional Chinese medicine regulates and repairs the blockages and disruptions of qi, allowing the body to return to a state of harmonious and healthful balance.
Odd -- but fast!
That does seem and sound a little odd to the Western way of thinking, but it works, and often it works fast!