Acupuncture and Weight Loss

Acupuncture - not accupuncture - is a treatment where thin steel needles are gently inserted into various points on the body.

There are over 1,000 acupuncture points on the body, each with a specific healing attribute. So, depending on what ails you, different parts of the body are 'lanced' to treat the problem.

The treatment is not painful and should only be carried out by a qualified practitioner with disposable, sterilised needles.

So...

How Does Acupuncture and Weight Loss Work Then...?

When visiting an acupuncture clinic, the acupuncturist will take a full medical history. Nothing like a visit to the GP, though...

Your pulse will be checked, your tongue as well, different parts of your body will be touched and examined, your smell will be noted.

This is to determine the general state of your energy and to help ascertain the causes of your weight gain.

Depending on the outcome of the initial assessment, you may or may not commence treatment.

If you're a suitable candidate, you'll probably require several treatments over a course of months to receive the full benefit.

Your ear is the key area of your body as far as acupuncture and weight loss is concerned.

There are a number of points on your ear into which small needles are inserted, depending on the outcome of the initial investigation.

One of the points relates to relaxation. There are others relating to your:

Once you're relaxed, the needles are inserted into two or more of the points dependent on your personality and the cause of your weight problems.

For instance:

The treatment is claimed to stimulate the production of endorphins - feel good chemicals secreted by the brain.

Endorphins are claimed to combat carbohydrate cravings, suppress your appetite and reduce withdrawal symptoms, a particular problem for binge eaters trying to break their 'addiction' to eating and to certain foods.

Endorphins also have a role to play in the digestive and endocrine systems. As such, acupuncture is claimed to help rebalance and speed up or slow down systems like your metabolism and increase will power.

Basically, whilst the exact mechanism isn't known, it's claimed that the calming effect produced by acupuncture makes it easier to handle the stress that may trigger over eating.

Acupuncture and Weight Loss - Does it Work...?

The first thing to say, as most acupuncture accreditation bodies are quick to point out is that acupuncture is not a miracle cure, or even a stand alone therapy for weight management.

It's seen as an additional strategy to employ alongside a healthy diet and exercise.

In essence, the acupuncture supports the weight loss process by reducing cravings, helping to control appetite and increasing a feeling of positive well being...we could all do with a bit of that when trying to shift a few pounds!

Medical practitioners are divided as to the benefit of complementary therapies like acupuncture. Some see them as valuable adjuncts to more conventional interventions, others dismiss them as little more than 'quackery'.

Whilst there may not be a strong scientific evidence base to link acupuncture and weight loss just yet, many people swear by its benefits.

Whilst I would hardly say we're staunchly for or against its therapeutic use to support weight loss, as long as a reputable practitioner is used there seems little harm in giving it a try and making your own mind up.

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