Acupuncture and Weight Loss

Weight loss is a concern for many people, and something that can be difficult to achieve.  Acupuncture is one treatment that may be helpful in assisting with weight loss.  Read on to find out more.

How Might Acupuncture Help With Weight Loss?

In order to achieve meaningful weight loss, lifestyle changes have to made, and acupuncture may help with this.  Many of us are often concerned about a lack of energy, increased stress levels and difficulty coping with the pain that can occur when starting a new exercise regimen.  Acupuncture may help with weight loss as it has been shown to increase energy levels, providing motivation to exercise.  It may also help relieve pain that they feel when exercising.  It may also be useful if there is a metabolic condition that results in weight gain, and has been reported to increase the body’s metabolism, reduce food cravings, and improve circulation all around the body.

More specifically, acupuncture has been found to reduce both weight and cholesterol levels by mobilising energy stores.  Studies have shown that people receiving acupuncture lost twice as much weight as those who were on a diet alone.  In addition, those receiving acupuncture decreased their levels of total cholesterols, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol.

Acupuncture may also help to regulate sleep, and this is also beneficial for weight loss.  This is because regular sleeping patterns sustain the body throughout the day, help to maintain a balanced lifestyle, and allow the metabolism to find a balanced and steady rhythm.

It should be noted, however, that many studies are contradictory and there has been no hard scientific evidence that acupuncture can specifically assist with weight loss.

What Acupuncture Points Are Used For Weight Loss?

When acupuncture is being used to treat weight loss, the acupuncture points in the ear are generally used for both weight loss and the general detoxification of the body.  During treatment, the acupuncturist places five needs in each ear.  Out of these needles, four directly corresponds to specific organs in the body – the kidneys, lungs, nervous system, and liver.  The fifth needle is used for relaxation.  Once the acupuncture treatment starts, the body is stimulated to produce endorphins.  Endorphins are the “feel good chemicals” in the body help to combat the cravings for carbohydrates in the body, reduce the person’s appetite, and also helps with
withdrawal symptoms if weight loss is related to drug abuse (smoking, alcohol etc).

However, as well as the points in the ear, other points in the body can also be used.  This is why it is so important to have a detailed consultation with your acupuncturist.  The acupuncturist needs to know your eating habits in order to ascertain digestive problems as well as your appetite.  They will also check your pulses to determine your general energy states and measure the state of the stomach energy.  The tongue is also checked for cracks and yellow or white coatings.  These provide clues to the person’s condition and the reasons for gaining weight.

The needles are inserted into the body at certain points and these include:

• Mouth – this point relates to an impulsive eater that is also a chain smoker
• Stomach – this point relates to a person that is obese (eating even when the stomach is full)
• Lungs – this point relates to people that are addicted to food
• Endocrine – this point relates to those that gain weight due to water retention
• Senmen – this point relates to the psychological reasons for anxiety, frustration and loneliness.
• Spleen – this point relates to hormonal and sugar imbalances.
• Kidney – this point relates to the nervous system and water retention.
• Thyroid – this point relates to a slow metabolism.

Find an acupuncturist in your local area.