Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice that has increasingly grown in popularity over the past few years. It is a medical treatment whereby specific points of the body are stimulated through the insertion of very thin needles. The inserted needles aim to stimulate and release endorphins, which are otherwise known as the body’s natural “feel good” hormones. This will help create a calm effect which reduces the need for excessive eating caused by external factors such as stress and anxiety. Acupuncture is commonly used for managing neck, back, and osteoarthritis pain. There is limited research available, but scientists and researchers are conducting studies to explore how acupuncture can promote weight loss.
Acupuncture and Weight Loss
Supporters for acupuncture and weight loss argue that acupuncture stimulates the body’s energy flow to effet factors that reverse obesity such as:
- Increasing metabolism
- Reducing stress
- Reducing appetite
According to Chinese philosophy, obesity is caused by imbalances in the body. Those imbalances are often a result of malfunctioning:
- Liver
- Spleen
- kidney
Therefore, for weight loss efforts to be successful, there has to be a stimulation of those areas. Accenture treatments usually target the mentioned areas of the body. Another popular point of stimulation is the point of the ears. Acupuncture practitioners will manipulate them in order to control food cravings their clients may have.
How many Sessions Do You Need
Every acupuncture specialist will have a different answer to this question. However, some general guidelines are, if you are planning on losing 10-15 pounds, then you can expect to visit your acupuncture practitioner several times a week over a period of five to eight weeks. As you begin to see progress, your visits will be less frequent.
Safety & Side Effects
After a session, you can expect to feel sore, fatigued and muscle spasms. It is common to feel sore and tired due to hormone levels and body processes changing.
You should always do your research before visiting an acupuncturist. Always make sure that they are trained and licensed in your area. If you don’t do your due diligence, you could face serious side effects such as:
- Infections
- Punctured organs
- Injury to your nervous system
Before Making An Appointment
Before making an appointment with an acupuncture practitioner, you should:
- Discuss the pros and cons with your doctor
- Come up with a food and exercise plan to implement in addition to acupuncture to maximize your results
- Research qualified and experienced practitioners
If you are interested in testing out its many health benefits, come into Inspirit Health Group. Our experienced team of acupuncturists will be able to go over the benefits with you and create a treatment plan focusing on your particular needs.
