Acupuncture And Maximizing Weight Loss

Acupuncture, as part of traditional Chinese medicine, involves stimulating points a map of 12 energy lines or meridians on the body, which are believed to influence physical, emotional and spiritual health. To assist with weight loss, acupuncturists such as Diane Joswick, a doctor of Chinese medicine in Oceanside, California, use needles or small, adhesive acupuncture beads to stimulate points on the ear and along the conception vessel meridian. The stimulation is intended to help dieters manage several factors that can stall weight loss. Check with your state acupuncture board to find a licensed acupuncturist in your area.

Metabolism

The master metabolism point, found on the earlobe, improves digestion and reinforces your liver channel, the source of your body's metabolism, according to Joswick. You may leave an acupuncture session with an acu-bead taped to this point to help you increase your weight loss for an extended period after your session. People with slow metabolisms often report feeling an increase in their energy level when working with this point.

Hunger

Australian researchers found encouraging results when studying a group of 30 obese dieters who used acu-beads taped to their hunger points in conjunction with additional acupuncture treatments, according to a 2006 study published in the journal "Medical Acupuncture." Your hunger point sits at the base of your ear tragus, the flap of connective tissue at the opening to your ear canal. Whenever cravings or hunger arose, patients massaged the bead for 10 seconds to release calming endorphins, Joswick explained. The control group in the Australian study lost about 2.5 percent of their body weight, while the acu-bead users lost about 5 percent, leading the scientists to recommend further research.

Stress

Anxiety and stress increase your cortisol levels, which can slow weight loss, says Joswick, who often accesses the heavenly gate point to help calm dieters. Found on the ear, this master point can boost many acupuncture treatments, such as those for food addiction, inflammation and pain management. Your acupuncturist might place an acu-bead on this point, which you can massage in stress-producing situations.

Water Retention

Excess water retention can cause you to carry up to an extra 10 lbs. of needless weight, notes Joswick. Stimulating the sea of energy point on the conception vessel meridian can allow you to drop this weight in a day or two. Find CV6 by sliding your fingers an inch or two below your belly button. Apply gentle pressure for up to two minutes. This point is also helpful in relieving gas and constipation.