Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Curious about Acupuncture and Weight Loss?
Acupuncture for weight loss? Acupuncture is a great alternative treatment for losing weight. It works as an appetite suppressant, helps boost metabolism and enables relaxation. Learn how acupuncture works and why you should give it a try for losing those extra pounds.
You may be wondering what sticking needles into your skin could possibly have to do with losing weight? But keep an open mind. Acupuncture really isn't painful (really!) and most patients report that it is very relaxing. Let's examine how acupuncture helps to increase metabolism and keep your appetite under control.
Using acupuncture is one of the best weight loss tips that is often overlooked and passed up for the latest diet pill or gimmick. Acupuncture has remarkable health benefits that include increased metabolism and improved digestion. Acupuncture will leave you feeling calm and relaxed and often less hungry.
If you're out of shape and are interested in losing weight without exercise in the beginning, acupuncture and weight loss work well together. It reduces your urge to overeat by helping you relax and focus on things other than food.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice over 5,000 years old. The reasons acupuncture works for weight control is based in the premise that excess weight can be caused by disturbed energy flow to and from the hypothalamus located in your brain. The hypothalamus maintains balance and keeps your body finely tuned (healthy). It regulates your hormones and other chemicals that work to regulate thirst and hunger.
What Acupuncture Does
Acupuncture affects both physical wellness and mental aspects of weight loss.Acupuncture for weight loss works by decreasing cravings, promoting digestion, soothing emotions, and controlling appetite.
Acupuncture stimulates the body to release endorphins, the body's own "feel-good" chemicals. An increased level of endorphins is helpful in curbing your cravings. This can be particularly helpful for those who deal with emotional eating.
Acupuncture can also help tone the stomach muscle. This helps you feel full faster. Overeating can leave your stomach "stretched out". Regular acupuncture treatments have been shown to help tone and shrink the stomach muscle.
What To Expect
Acupuncture treatment is designed to fit the needs of the individual. Points on the body will be chosen for overall well being with the objective of increasing circulation of the blood and Qi (vital energy) and soothing the nervous system.
The acupuncturist will begin by performing an examination and discussing and asking questions that will give insight into any health problems and reasons for your excess weight. It may be determined to be behavioral or physical, or sometimes both.
Once these causes are identified, the acupuncturist will have you lie down and relax, then insert tiny, hair-thin needles into different areas of the body that relate to decreasing appetite and increasing metabolism. This does not hurt! Once the needles are placed, you will relax quietly, usually for 30 minutes or so. This is a good time to meditate and envision yourself thinner!
Acupuncture for weight loss is most effective with a minimum of 10 treatments over a few weeks time. It is an excellent companion to a comprehensive weight loss plan, especially if you prefer to lose weight naturally. With some time and patience, you will find that acupuncture and weight loss compliment each other well.
Target Points
Acupuncture for weight loss often includes certain target points on the ears. The ear has several points that relate to all major organs in the body. Different areas of the ear are stimulated with small tacks and tiny beads or magnets and are taped in place. This will help continue the treatment after you leave the session. They usually stay in place for a few days up to a week and can be gently massaged throughout the day and when you feel a craving begin.
Common Ear Points
Commonly used auricular (ear) points:
* Shenmen: For grounding and calming the spirit. Most acupuncturists
start here to put the patient at ease.
start here to put the patient at ease.
* Mouth: Calming point for control of overeating.
* Small Intestine: Strengthens spleen, helps promote healthy digestion.
* Hunger Points: Used to relieve hunger and
help control compulsive eating.
help control compulsive eating.
* Endocrine points: Moves liver Qi and aids in
boosting metabolism function.
boosting metabolism function.
The Treatment Plan
For optimal treatment, acupuncture for weight loss should be scheduled once or twice a week for 8 to 12 weeks or until you reach your desired weight. The treatments may include a combination of auricular (ear) and body acupuncture, ear tacks or beads to leave on in-between treatments, herbs and supplements, abdominal massage, breathing exercises, and food and lifestyle recommendations.
Important Benefits
An important benefit of acupuncture is that there are no harmful side effects and no possibility for addiction. Like all natural methods, it is a completely safe and helpful way to enhance your effort to lose weight. Along with a healthy eating plan, acupuncture is a perfectly natural means of boosting your weight loss plan.
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