Acupuncture has been around for about 2,500 years, used by Asians to promote and maintain health. Today, acupuncturists have found that by using acupuncture you can suppress your appetite. According to Acufinder.com, when needles are placed at certain points, it releases endorphins. This, in turn, leaves you feeling calm and relaxed, making it easier to avoid the emotional triggers of overeating. By suppressing your appetite, acupuncture can help you lose weight.
Identification
Acupuncture treatments may aid weight loss through the stimulation of certain points on your body that boost serotonin levels, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. High levels of serotonin may suppress your appetite. The procedure is done with the insertion of several thin needles into your skin at strategic points; this stimulates nerves, muscles and tissues, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Considerations
Before choosing an acupuncturist, make sure to do your research. Know what her background and qualifications are before you allow her to treat you. According to spine-health.com, requirements for acupuncturists vary from state to state. Some states require you have a degree and pass an exam, while other states have much lower standards.
You should consider the cost of using acupuncture treatments for weight loss. Insurances rarely cover acupuncture, so it can become expensive. The average cost per session is $45 to $100, reports spine-health.
Risks
The risks of acupuncture treatments for weight loss are low. This is, of course, if you are treated by a certified, competent acupuncturist. The possible risks include soreness, bleeding and bruising where needles were placed, reports the Mayo Clinic. If your acupuncturist does not use clean, disposable needles, there is a possibility of contracting an infectious disease, such as hepatitis.
Warning
Although acupuncture can be an alternative treatment for weight loss, it is important that you do so safely. Not everyone should use acupuncture. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have a bleeding disorder, you have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising from the acupuncture needles. This is also true if you are taking blood thinners. Those people who have a pacemaker should avoid any treatments that use electrical pulses, as they can interrupt the operation of the device, the Mayo Clinic reports. If you are pregnant, you should assess the benefit-to-risk ratio. The Mayo Clinic reports that acupuncture can stimulate labor, resulting in early delivery.
Effects
According to PubMed.gov, with regular acupuncture treatments to specified areas, acupuncture effectively suppresses appetite, leading to weight loss. Although acupuncture is proven to help, it is not a cure-all for weight loss. You will still need to choose healthy foods and exercise regularly to obtain desired results.
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