 |
Acupuncture and Weight LossAcupuncture involves needles being inserted into certain pressure points on the body. Depending on where the needles are placed, different effects can be created in the body. For example, stress and anxiety can be triggers in the brain for overeating. By using acupuncture to control these stimuli, a patient can gain a certain amount of control over weight loss and weight maintenance. Correctly applied, acupuncture can also stimulate the metabolism. Therefore if you are concerned with weight loss and weight maintenance, acupuncture presents another avenue for exploration. Acupuncturist Assessment Before any treatment begins you must first be assessed by an acupuncturist who will determine what type of problems you are trying to overcome. It might be overeating due to stress, excessive hunger or other reasons, or there might be a physical condition that needs to be corrected. Your acupuncturist will then develop a course of treatment tailored especially for you. Usually it will involve points of pressure on the body and in the ears. Acupuncture points for weight loss include points in the mouth, stomach, lungs, ovaries, spleen, kidney and so on, depending on what your acupuncturist determines will be best for your situation. For example acupuncture may involve inserting a needle in the thyroid to improve metabolism or in the endocrine if water retention is a problem. Relax for Half an Hour Needles remain in place for about 30 minutes, sometimes more. Sometimes electro stimulation is used to improve performance of the needles. It is not painful or uncomfortable. You might be sent home with ear tacs in place. These tiny needles are inserted behind the ears and covered with adhesive to keep them in place. The technique is used to allow patients to continue to stimulate pressure points for several days. Rubbing the ear tacs causes the release of endorphins which helps to extend the benefits of the acupuncture treatment. Abdominal Pressure Points In addition to puncture, your acupuncturist might apply pressure for several minutes to three pressure points that will stimulate and aid digestion and elimination. These are your large intestines, your stomach and your pericardium (the pericardium is the cavity or sac that contains your heart). Make a Commitment Acupuncture and weight loss both require commitment. If you are using acupuncture treatments, you will probably have to attend every day for the first few days. After that treatments will be spaced every three days or so for the next few weeks. If you have a lot of weight to lose (more than 10 pounds) you may require more intense treatments. On average acupuncture patients need to lose about 10 pounds or so. Lifestyle Counseling Along with acupuncture treatment, a good acupuncturist will make sure you receive nutritional counseling and work towards lifestyle changes that will ensure you keep the weight off. You can also continue with periodic treatments every few months to keep up the momentum. Patients should consider stress reduction exercises such as yoga and meditation, or Tai Chi. Stress is a huge factor for most individuals. The theory is, if you control the stress, you control the trigger mechanisms that cause us to overeat. If you are interested in finding out more about acupuncture and weight loss you can visit www.expertvillage.com or www.acufinder.com Philip Kustner
Acupuncture and weight loss could go hand in hand Back
to the top of Acupuncture and Weight Loss  
The
information found in and throughout The 7 Habits of Weight loss
(www.7habitsofweightloss.com) is not intended as a substitute for the
advice or treatment that may have been prescribed by your physician.Information
found here should NOT be construed as definitive or binding medical
advice and is NOT intended to diagnose, prescribe, nor endorse any
brand of products or services. Always seek the advice of your physician
or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new weight loss or exercise regimen or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
|