Changing lifestyles and increases in the amount of fat and sugar in our diets have resulted in an obesity epidemic. When diet and exercise alone are not enough, you may consider adding acupuncture to your weight loss and maintenance program. By stimulating appropriate body systems and the release of endorphins, acupuncture has been shown to increase the effectiveness of some weight-loss programs.
Acupuncture Basics
Acupuncture is one facet of an ancient Chinese medical program that improves the flow of life energy known as qi---pronounced chee---through various pathways in the body, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Stimulating these energy pathways, or meridians, through insertion of needles into the skin is thought to restore balance to your qi, which reduces the likelihood of disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The reason acupuncture is a successful option for weight loss is that a state of calmness can be achieved through acupuncture, making it easier to cope with increased stress levels and and food cravings.
Endorphins
Endorphins are "feel-good chemicals" your brain releases when you engage in activities such as exercise and relaxation techniques. Acupuncture is known to stimulate the release of endorphins, which may have a positive effect on your digestive and hormonal systems, according to licensed acupuncturist Joey Komada. When you regularly increase your endorphin levels, you also decrease your stress levels, thus reducing or even eliminating overeating triggers and helping you to make better nutrition choices, says Komada.
Acupuncture Points
In Chinese medicine, each point on your body is linked through energy systems to its corresponding body system. Before beginning a weight-loss treatment, your acupuncturist may want to consult with you to determine which of your energy systems are most blocked, Komada says. Once you and your acupuncturist have come to a consensus over which energy systems need tweaking, she will begin treatment inserting needles into particular points on your ears. These ear points positively correspond to your mouth, stomach, hungry, lung, Shenmen, endocrine, adrenal and ovary, spleen, kidney and thyroid systems. All of these systems play an important role in over eating and weight gain, according to Komada.
Supplements and Herbs
While undergoing acupuncture treatment for weight loss, your acupuncturist may place you on a supplementation program, including traditional Chinese herbs. As stated by acupuncturist Diane Joswick, the herbs used in conjuncture with acupuncture for weight loss promote improved digestion, increased energy and the elimination of toxins and waste products from the body. Joswick points out that foods with a bitter or sour taste tend to be a better choice when it comes to weight loss than foods that taste sweet, salty or greasy.
Traditional Methods
Acupuncture is not a miracle treatment for weight loss. You must continue to eat right and exercise while undergoing an acupuncture treatment program. Joswick and Komada both point out that it is important to continue making positive lifestyle changes, such as making better nutritional choices and exercising regularly. When used in combination with healthy eating and exercise, acupuncture may be the addition to a healthy lifestyle you need to kick-start your weight loss.
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