Acupuncture, a heavily relied upon healing procedure used in Ancient Chinese medicine, balances the hormones and creates a soothing, relaxing effect on the body, which calms the need for overeating brought about as a result of frustration, stress, or anxiety.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the art of inserting tiny, sterile needles into specific energy points throughout the body. Inserting the needles into these pressure points, releases natural, "feel good" endorphins that amounts to the same "high" you get from overeating.
How Does Acupuncture Help You Lose Weight?
Acupuncture increases the body's circulation, which boosts metabolism, improves digestion, curbs the appetite, reduces cravings, improves the way nutrients are absorbed in the body, and regulates the hormones. Skilled acupuncturists focus on primary areas of the body that are responsible for weight gain. These areas include: spleen and thyroid, leptin and insulin levels, the kidneys and endocrine system, adrenal and ovary glands, and the ears.
Spleen and Thyroid
The spleen and thyroid systems are targeted to re-balance hormone and sugar levels.
Lowers Leptin and Insulin Levels
Acupuncture helps lower leptin and insulin levels. Insulin regulates carbohydrates, fat metabolism, and the absorption of glucose in the blood. Leptin regulates fat storage, metabolism, and stimulates the feeling of being full. Similar to insulin-resistance, when leptin levels become excessively high, cells can become immune to the effects of leptin. Many overweight people have an abundance of leptin in their system. When your leptin level gets too high, you can no longer tell when to stop eating. Restoring balance to leptin levels may help to reduce leptin-resistance, making it easier to stop eating, so you don't overeat.
Kidneys and Endocrine System
Activating pressure points in the kidney and endocrine system helps to stimulate nerves, release water retention, and treat hormonal imbalances, which contribute to weight gain.
Adrenal and Ovary Glands
The adrenal and ovary glands are the contributing factors of weight gain due to premenstrual syndrome and menopause. Stimulating these areas will help restore hormonal balance in these areas.
The Ears
Ear stapling, or auricular acupuncture, is the art of manipulating pressure points on the ear to control food cravings. In a study conducted on 20 overweight women, ages 22-42, participants who received weekly 15 minute ear stapling treatments, along with a 2,000 calorie diet and 15 minute walk, lost an average of 10 pounds, while those without ear stapling, experienced only a 3 pound loss.
Is Acupuncture for Weight Loss Easier Than Dieting?
While dieting involves a regimen of strict of eating, it fails to address the root of the problem. Most weight gain issues result from a hormonal imbalance or emotional eating. Acupuncture seeks to balance the whole being, restoring physical, emotional, and mental health which balances hormone levels and treats depression, stress, and anxiety; the root causes of overeating.
Acupuncture Treatments
Acupuncture helps you feel more positive, so you're less apt to resort to negative sources of comfort. For best results, treatments should be performed by a qualified acupuncturist, along with a reduced calorie diet, and adequate exercise. The number of treatments a patient requires usually depends on the client's goal for weight loss, the rate at which they wish to lose, and their overall commitment to the program. For severe overeating, a treatment each day, for the first five days, with subsequent treatments thereafter, may be required. For all other patients, your acupuncturist will work with you to determine the frequency of treatments needed.
In addition to your nutrition requirements, your practitioner may also suggest incorporating herbs, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals into your diet. These supplements support your diet by balancing the blood sugar, strengthening the body, and increasing energy and defenses needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Supplements may be in the form of teas, capsules, or whole plant form.
A good weight loss program incorporates a holistic approach, such as acupuncture, along with a permanent lifestyle change towards a diet that is high in fiber, low in fat, high in complex carbohydrates, and high in lean protein. Stress reduction is another important factor in weight loss. A moderate exercise regimen will not only increase your energy levels, but also help lower stress levels. Your acupuncturist's may suggest various methods of stress reduction such as yoga, breathing, or meditation etc., based on your personal preferences.
This is a new journey, and like any new journey in life, it can be intimidating and scary, at first, but remain focused on the rewards. If possible, enlist the aid of a positive support system that will encourage you along the way. Don't be so hard on yourself. Allow yourself room to backslide, occasionally, until you get the hang of it. And lastly, have fun!
Robert Vena
NJ Acupuncturist
Acupuncture-in-NJ.com
