Learn about acupuncture for weight loss, which is one of the techniques that a lot of people hoping to get trimmed down are also looking into.
By Marius Bakken, MD and two time Olympic runner.
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has long been practiced all over the world. In acupuncture, the main objective is to stimulate the flow of energy within the body by mapping out significant energy pathways. It is believed that this flow of energy helps keep the body healthy.
But there are many other benefits that can be received from acupuncture. For example, acupuncture is also said to be effective in pain management and is also known to treat allergies. It also has beneficial effects in addiction withdrawal. And the latest research results is that acupuncture for weight loss is also possible.
One reason why people are seriously considering the effects of acupuncture for weight loss is that, if effective, it is one of the safest weight loss techniques possible. Subjects in acupuncture weight loss studies reported no serious side effects, and many proponents of acupuncture stand by the claim that acupuncture is perfectly safe and even bring several other benefits aside from weight reduction. The only concern is with regards to the needles that are used, so it is important to find an acupuncturist that you can trust to prevent risk of bacterial infection and blood-transmitted diseases. Other than this, it is quite healthy and does not threaten the physical body but in fact focuses on a person’s overall health.
Acupuncture in Weight Loss: Is There A Real Connection?
- Acupuncture treatment process
- How acupuncture works in weight loss
- What studies say
1. The acupuncture treatment process
The acupuncture treatment process is becoming more and more popular among people in the West. The process, when used for weight loss, usually begins with a consultation to deduce the specific level of overeating or weight problem involved. Any other health problems are also taken into consideration since this may affect the treatment.
A checkup of significant areas such as your tongue will be done. Acupuncturists can discern certain health problems based on signs found in the tongue. For example, any cracks or puffiness or perhaps a thick white coating on it may indicate problems with the stomach, and this may be related to the weight problem. After the checkup, the treatment will be planned and will then begin. When you hit the 10th treatment, you will be asked to take a break which will last for about two weeks, during which you are encouraged to focus on dieting and exercising.
One of the advantages in using acupuncture as a weight loss treatment technique is that the method can easily be customized for every individual. Another important benefit is that acupuncture’s first priority will always be the well-being of the person, not just in physical terms but also in terms of his or her mental and emotional state.
2. How acupuncture works in weight loss
So how exactly does the treatment go? Acupuncture treatment is no mystery. This is a treatment in which acupuncture needles are inserted into certain points in various areas of the body as well as in the ear. The treatments are done about once or twice every week and usually runs for 8 weeks unless an extension is necessary. In this case, the treatment may continue until the desired effects are reached.
The effect of the acupuncture needles is to bring about a release of endorphins, which would then help calm and relax your body. This way, you will be less prone to stress, anxiety, frustration, and depression – factors that are closely associated with binge eating.
These endorphins also provide another benefit that also directly affects weight loss. They also make the organs’ systems work in a more balanced manner. This means that the digestive system also works better so it can absorb more food and more nutrients.
Other common acupuncture benefits is appetite control, water retention, balancing suger levels, controlling hormonal disturbances, and improved metabolism. There are different acupuncture points for each of these benefits and the problems that they resolve. The acupuncture points are chosen based on what problems there are. These are the points where treatment will be focused, although most treatments begin with a general Four Gate treatment wherein the energy in the body is first circulated before the acupuncture for weight loss treatment will begin.
3. What studies say
Several research studies show a strong connection between acupuncture and weight loss. In 2003, The Journal of Medical Acupuncture conducted a study that revealed that the participants who received acupuncture treatment lost three times more weight than the other group. Back in 1998, a study revealed its effects on appetite suppression.
Past cases of acupuncture used in weight loss showed that the acupuncture points on the ears are especially effective. Other significant points for weight loss include the shenmen, the small intestine, the mouth, the endocrine point, and the hunger point.
Studies also disclosed that the usual weight lost is around two to four pounds following six to ten treatments spread out once or twice in a week. Due to these, acupuncture has also been used in some obesity cases. The effect of the treatment can last between six months and a year. Another treatment may be considered if the desire to overeat returns. These effects do not occur immediately, so it takes patience before you’ll notice that there are some changes.
Effective Weight Loss Combination: Acupuncture and Other Natural Weight Loss Techniques
Those who are planning to use acupuncture as the main technique for weight loss should keep their expectations in order. Acupuncture is not pitted as an effective weight loss method that can trim you down singlehandedly. There were studies conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture as a single weight loss agent, but the results are not conclusive. Doctors are still uncertain of its long term effects on the maintenance of weight.
So the best thing to do for now, if you’re interested in using acupuncture for weight loss, is to combine it with other techniques, preferably natural weight loss methods such as proper diet and exercise.