Recently, acupuncture has been known as a therapy for losing weight. Some individuals utilize acupuncture to remove excess pounds from their bodies. It can complement the weight loss program or one’s diet plan. Acupuncture also helps reduce stress, anxiety, and frustrations. Acupuncture is a traditional therapy that makes use of long, sterile, and stainless steel needles. These needles are inserted in almost two thousand pressure points in the body. Although this method is practiced in most Oriental countries, the Chinese method is widely known around the globe. The body is made up of two opposing forces: namely, the yin and the yang. The yin represents the passive and the cold parts of the body. On the other hand, the yang stands in the active and hot areas of the body. If the two forces went out of balance, the life energy, called “qi”, will stop following the paths inside the body. These energy paths are called the meridians. Therefore, acupuncture helps stabilize the balance inside the body by placing the needles on different points along the meridian paths.
Acupuncture works to lose weight in several ways. Acupuncture increases the person’s energy levels. Acupuncture also increases the body’s metabolism, reduces food cravings, improves body circulation, and relieves the pain due to exercise. Also, acupuncture helps reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Acupuncture helps mobilize the stored energy in the body. It also regulates sleep, maintains a balanced lifestyle, and allows the metabolism to find a steady and balanced rhythm.
When using acupuncture specifically for weight loss, needles are inserted on the pressure points found in the ears. These pressure points are for weight loss and general detoxification of the body. Each ear has 5 needles. Four needles represent organs of the body, particularly the lungs, kidneys, liver, and nervous system. The remaining needle is for relaxation. Once the treatment starts, the body produces endorphins. Endorphins are chemical mediators that prevent food cravings and reduce appetite. It also plays a role in removing withdrawal symptoms from substance abuse.
Aside from the pressure points in the ear, there are other pressure points in the body that can be targeted. The acupuncturist must know the usual eating habits to ascertain the digestive problems, as well as the appetite. He will also check certain parts of the body to assess the health condition and the reason for getting excess pounds. Some pressure points in the body include the following: the mouth, which relates to impulsive eaters and chain smokers; stomach, which relates to obesity; lungs, which relates to food addicts; endocrine, which relates to weight gain because of water retention; spleen, which relates to sugar and hormonal imbalances; and thyroid, which relates to a slow metabolism. Common side effects of acupuncture include headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
Some doctors suggest acupuncture alone as an effective weight loss plan. However, most experts still recommend the traditional way of losing weight, which includes proper diet and regular exercise. It is also advised to consult a doctor who has expertise in acupuncture for weight loss.
