Acupuncture is an ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe that the human body has over 2,000 acupuncture points connected by meridians. These pathways create an energy flow called Qi, through the body that is responsible for our overall health. Disruption of the Qi can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of energy flow, thereby improving overall health.

Acupuncture is practiced by penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through specific movements of the practitioner’s hands or with electrical stimulation.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe that the human body has over 2,000 acupuncture points connected by meridians. These pathways create an energy flow called Qi, through the body that is responsible for our overall health. Disruption of the Qi can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of energy flow, thereby improving overall health.

Acupuncture is practiced by penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through specific movements of the practitioner’s hands or with electrical stimulation.

Can acupuncture help with weight loss?

There are many causes of weight gain. Hormonal imbalances, overeating, improper nutrition, lack of exercise, slowed metabolism, etc.

Using acupuncture to tackle weight loss is a multi-pronged approach.

The guiding principle is that acupuncture can power up any other weight control strategy by curbing appetite, helping cravings, boosting metabolism, improving digestion, regulating obesity-related hormones and enhancing the way nutrients are used. It also strengthens functions of the liver, the organ that produces many chemicals critical for digestion, processing nutrients and breaking down of fats. Acupuncture may also increase tone in the smooth muscle of the stomach to help people know that they are full.

To pinpoint the Qi for effective weight control, acupuncturists take aim at 4 acupuncture points on the ear – the hunger point, Shen Men point, stomach point, and endocrine point. A few tiny sterilized needles are inserted along these invisible channels to decrease the “heat” generated along these meridians and to stimulate centers that trigger the release of neurochemicals and hormones. Our practitioners may also use “ear seeds” that patient wear home that can be massaged periodically to help with difficult-to-control urges and cravings.

Acupuncture, like any complementary therapy or supplement used to aid weight loss, will only work when combined with a healthy diet and increased physical activity.

How does acupuncture help with weight loss?

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe that the human body has over 2,000 acupuncture points connected by meridians. These pathways create an energy flow called Qi, through the body that is responsible for our overall health. Disruption of the Qi can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of energy flow, thereby improving overall health.

Acupuncture is practiced by penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through specific movements of the practitioner’s hands or with electrical stimulation.

Can acupuncture help with weight loss?

There are many causes of weight gain. Hormonal imbalances, overeating, improper nutrition, lack of exercise, slowed metabolism, etc.

Using acupuncture to tackle weight loss is a multi-pronged approach.

The guiding principle is that acupuncture can power up any other weight control strategy by curbing appetite, helping cravings, boosting metabolism, improving digestion, regulating obesity-related hormones and enhancing the way nutrients are used. It also strengthens functions of the liver, the organ that produces many chemicals critical for digestion, processing nutrients and breaking down of fats. Acupuncture may also increase tone in the smooth muscle of the stomach to help people know that they are full.

To pinpoint the Qi for effective weight control, acupuncturists take aim at 4 acupuncture points on the ear – the hunger point, Shen Men point, stomach point, and endocrine point. A few tiny sterilized needles are inserted along these invisible channels to decrease the “heat” generated along these meridians and to stimulate centers that trigger the release of neurochemicals and hormones. Our practitioners may also use “ear seeds” that patient wear home that can be massaged periodically to help with difficult-to-control urges and cravings.

Acupuncture, like any complementary therapy or supplement used to aid weight loss, will only work when combined with a healthy diet and increased physical activity.

How does acupuncture help with weight loss?

Regulates Metabolism: Acupuncture helps regulate your metabolism. A history of irregular eating, overeating and even thyroid dysfunction all contribute to a slow metabolism. Acupuncture can help to increase metabolism by stimulating the thyroid and endocrine glands as your body adjusts to the changes in your diet and exercise. Affecting the endocrine system also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Stops Food Cravings: Regular acupuncture treatments helps curb food cravings, just as it has been proven to help cravings for other addictive substances like tobacco and alcohol. Support from acupuncture helps to eliminate cravings and increases the will power to overcome them.

Benefit Digestion: Over time, things like crash diets, irregular eating habits and excessive greasy or fattening foods all take their toll on the digestion. Chronic symptoms such as bloating, gas, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea are all signs that the digestive system is out of balance. Acupuncture can help to harmonize the digestive organs so that you are symptom-free. Proper digestion ensures that you are getting the nutrients you need from your food so you feel less hungry.

Calming and Relaxing: When acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on the body and in the ear, it stimulates the release of endorphins. Endorphins have a calming and relaxing effect on the body. Naturally releasing endorphins makes it easier to deal with stress, frustration, and anxiety which can be triggers for emotional eating, overeating and bingeing on fattening foods.

Cleansing the Body: Acupuncture treatments for weight loss help to cleanse your system. Toxins that have been built up over time from excess weight and adipose tissue can cause symptoms such as fatigue, acne, and depression. These can be relieved or eliminated with acupuncture, whether or not you are trying to lose weight.

How Many acupuncture Sessions Do I need?

The number of acupuncture treatments necessary depends on the patient’s goals for losing weight, the speed at which they want to lose, and their commitment to keeping the weight off. If the overeating is severe, a treatment every day for the first five days is appropriate and can then taper off the second week to every other day and the third week to every three days. For the average patient who wants to lose between five to ten pounds, one treatment every three days or twice a week until they reach their goal is appropriate, and then a booster treatment once every two weeks is optimal. After a few booster treatments, the patient and practitioner will mutually decide when to terminate frequent treatments and then can aim to meet approximately four times a year at the change of seasons when energy levels are unstable and tonification and harmonizing of one’s system is appropriate for everyone.

Nutritional Counseling and Lifestyle Changes

A good weight loss program includes nutritional counseling and exercise as well as a commitment to make permanent lifestyle changes. Our Health Coach can help with nutritional referral and can discuss a diet regimen that the patient can live with and maintain for the long term.

Other important tools that can aid in weight loss are stress reduction techniques and a moderate exercise regimen. The acupuncturist can suggest various stress reduction methods that may include breathing exercises, Tai Chi, yoga, meditation or biofeedback. And since the goal of a weight program is not only weight loss but the maintenance of that loss, an exercise program that the patient likes is the best one to choose.  Our personal trainer can prescribe an exercise and weight training program to assist the client in their lifestyle changes.

A sample program for the patient consists of brisk walking three times a week for forty minutes. After a few weeks when stamina is increased, they could try walking five times a week. After that, more aerobic exercise can be added such as the treadmill, stair climber or aerobics classes, cycling or whatever from of rigorous exercise the person enjoys and can maintain for the long term. It is a good idea to use free weights beginning with three-pound weights and practicing just two to three sets of arm curls three times a week. Moderate weight training builds lean body mass and helps to reduce body fat as well as strengthen and build bone mass and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This program varies by individual and will be customized to each person’s goals and stats by a certified personal trainer.