It is believed that Chinese acupuncture can alleviate stress, addictions, allergies, physical pain, and even PMS, but can it really help you lose weight? Well, the answer is a resounding yes, especially if it is combined with traditional methods of losing weight.
What is acupuncture?
Essentially, acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles at particular points on the body (or energy pathways). The needles act to stimulate the release of body’s natural “feel good” hormones or endorphins. This results into a relaxing and calming effect, which counteract the craving for excessive eating often brought about by anxiety, frustration, or increased stress.
Acupuncture and Weight Loss
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that excessive weight gains result from imbalance in the body due to malfunctions of liver organs and the spleen. Skilled acupuncture practitioners often zero in on specific body areas to effect weight loss. Some of these areas are the kidney and the endocrine systems, which they focus on with a goal of treating water retention and stimulation of nerve and hormonal rebalance. Other targeted areas include the thyroid gland and the spleen to effect sugar and hormonal rebalance. Finally, the ovary and adrenal glands are also targeted to treat weight gain caused by menopause or premenstrual syndrome.
Another notable acupuncture practice for combating weight gain is ear stapling. It involves manipulation of your ears to control food craving. When properly administered by experts specializing in this form of acupuncture in Windsor, this technique can help you lose weight. In a past study published in Medical Acupuncture, it was established that when combined with 15-mnutes walk and a 2000 calories a day, ear acupuncture helped reduce weight. Half of the subjects who took part in the study lost an average of 10 pounds a week. Participants who didn’t get acupuncture treatments only average 3 pounds loss. What’s more, participants who received acupuncture treatment reported decreased appetite.
Lastly, the effects of acupuncture on one’s emotions also play a vital role in aiding weight loss. Acupuncture affects the body’s neuroendocrine system by preventing the entry of harmful chemicals, resulting into restoration of natural balance of hormones as well as the neurotransmitter levels. This then results into release of endorphins, which help reduce stress, and in turn eliminates the urge to overheat.
Bottom-line
The above highlighted are some of the top ways that acupuncture can help you lose weight. Most importantly, it is also worth mentioning that because acupuncture improves quality of life, it can help you make better choices when it comes to diet and exercise, which ultimately can help you lose weight.
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