Weight loss and acupuncture are not often topics that go together. But there is evidence showing that it might be worth considering. Weight loss is a subject that is almost incessantly in vogue these days. As a result, we see an array of marketing gimmicks, pills, diets, and promises of losing weight fast, usually causing more harm than good.
Looking at ways we can heal and take care of our bodies naturally will help the results to be sustainable. This instead of having a yo-yo effect and leaving us worse off than when we started.
So let’s dive in.
Acupuncture is a practice based on ancient Chinese medicine. It uses very fine needles inserted into the skin to balance the flow of energy. These needles are placed in strategic places of the body and are believed to stimulate the body to release natural chemicals for healing. The risks are low and there is no need for preparation prior to your treatment. If you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, or have a bleeding disorder then you should consult with your doctor. One of the benefits of acupuncture is reduction in pain, including menstrual pain, back pain, dental pain, headaches, and migraines. It is also useful as a treatment to reduce stress, infertility, and for cosmetic reasons such as healthy aging.
When looking at how acupuncture can aid in weight loss we must first look at some of the causes of weight gain. Several factors play a role including dietary, lifestyle, genetic, and environmental.
In the modern world that we live in, we are always on the go and running from deadline to deadline. This can create the perfect scenario for weight gain. Grabbing convenience foods that disrupt proper digestion, elevated cortisol levels due to stress and improper sleep, and even binge eating at the end of a long day are all reasons for weight gain. Add to that the anxiety that plagues so many of us and you have a recipe for significant weight gain.
So what can acupuncture do to help? In this study, 196 obese subjects were divided into 2 groups. One group received authentic acupuncture treatments and the other group received sham acupuncture. They followed a low-calorie diet over a 6 week period in addition to the acupuncture. The following 6 weeks they were given only a low-calorie diet. They were assessed at the first 6-week mark and again at the 12-week mark. There was a significantly greater reduction in fat loss in the group that received authentic acupuncture treatments.
Let’s take a look at what acupuncture does. The tiny needles inserted at strategic places on the body stimulate energy pathways and releases endorphins which can cause an increase in blood flow and improved brain activity. In turn, you can experience better digestion, improved moods, reduced cravings, and lowered cortisol levels.
High cortisol is a known culprit for high blood pressure, increased fat storage and increased sugar levels. Hence, lowering those levels will dramatically increase your chance for weight loss and better health overall. Improving your moods will provide you with better coping skills, which will aid in weight loss, and better digestion means your body is able to properly absorb the nutrients from your food, causing less bloating and better management of calories.
Using acupuncture as a tool in your weight loss journey is not only going to gain you the benefits of decreased body fat. You will also profit from increased health overall. It’s not a magic pill that’s going to give you instant results, but it’s a tool that you should consider when considering weight loss and overall health.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.