What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese technique & is an effective form of pain management. The practice is based around the balance of energy in the body and the pressure points that correspond with said energy. Certified acupuncturists place in specific pressure points to treat pain.
Recently, it has been recorded that acupuncture can help with weight loss. However, this comes with a multitude of factors that can improve or disprove the effectiveness. Check out this information on acupuncture and weight loss.
Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Acupuncturists believe that acupuncture balances the energy of the body or chi. This effects body functions such as metabolism, appetite, and stress. It can even affect the part of your brain that controls your hunger.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, bodily imbalances cause weight gain. This imbalance comes from malfunctioning the body’s organs and systems, including the endocrine system, liver, and spleen. So during acupuncture weight loss treatments, these areas of the body are targeted. The ear is a common place for this treatment because it is believed to control cravings.
How long will it take?
Different studies show different results, so it is best to consult your acupuncturist. However, the baseline to go by is the time for 10-15 pounds lost. The treatment is performed several times a week for six to eight weeks for this amount of weight. The length and frequency of visits might change throughout these weeks, but it depends on the acupuncturist.
Positive Attitude
It’s important to note that some studies have shown great results, but not just due to acupuncture. Having a good attitude about the procedure can play a huge role in your results. Feeling motivated to lose weight should lead you to make healthier choices. Your attitude and healthier choice, along with acupuncture, can help promote more weight loss than just the visits themselves.
Studies on Acupuncture for Weight Loss
We’ve mentioned studies multiple times in this article, so it’s time we talk about those. There is not much research on this technique’s success for weight loss purposes, and variables in many of the studies are not consistent. For instance, some patients may have changed their eating habits or exercise plan while receiving treatment. The results of this study will differ from ones where the only change was adding acupuncture treatments. Acupuncturists also have their own opinions on how to perform the technique. So, the acupuncturists’ methods, such as the number of insertion points or the location of the needles, were not uniform across all studies. The Data may also be skewed by personal beliefs, the patient or researcher’s relationship with the practitioner, and personal expectations.
The Results
Science is not conclusive on if acupuncture weight loss works. However, if you’re considering it as an option, discuss it with your doctor first. It’s also a good idea to combine it with healthier food choices and exercise. Be sure to choose a trained and licensed practitioner like those at Tieperman Health and Wellness if it’s something you want to try out.
Acupuncture can be a beneficial treatment. Our practitioners at Tieperman Health and Wellness can help you give it a try if you’re looking for something new. Call or come in for an appointment to discuss it with our experts and set out a plan!