Acupuncture is a system that was developed and used by proponents of the traditional system of Chinese medicine. This system is said to originate in China over about 5000 years ago. The system is based on the belief that all human beings (living beings, in fact) have an energy called ‘qi’, which is said to circulate within our body through twelve lines of energy that are invisible. These invisible lines of energy are called ‘meridians’ on the body.
There are said to be about 1000 acupuncture points on a single human body. Each of these points along the meridian lines, when punctured using the acupuncture needles, are said to correspond to restoring the balance of the qi flow.
Some proponents of this system claim that acupuncture for weight loss is a possible tool to lose weight effectively and keep it
off.
Acupuncture For Weight Loss:
Please note that acupuncture is an ADJUNCT therapy. It is not some wonder cure that is part of a treatment of weight control. However, acupuncture is said to help in making the task of weight loss a little easier if the person involved is ready to make certain healthy lifestyle changes.
The exact mechanism used when it comes to acupuncture for weight loss is still not fully understood. There is a lot of research that is being done on the same. However, this much is known – acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points on your body and these will help in releasing endorphins which would end up having a relaxing and calming effect on the body. This would make it easier to deal with triggers like frustration, anxiety and stress that cause people to overeat or go on binge eating sprees.
Moreover, endorphins are known to affect the hormonal and digestive system in a way which would help in rebalancing the organ systems which are known to run very fast (or very slow).
The Treatment:
The acupuncturist would first have to choose the correct points for your acupuncture treatment for weight loss. You would have to come in for a consultation and discuss your patterns of overeating, and the practitioner might ask you questions about the form of intake. The practitioner might then check your pulse in order to understand the overall state of your energies and then would glance at your tongue. The state of your tongue could provide clues for how your stomach is doing. If there is a suspicious white or yellow coating on the tongue, it could mean that there is some trouble with your stomach; and this might be the reason for your sudden weight gain.
Acupuncture Points:
Using the information garnered from the consultation, the acupuncturist would devise the treatment plan. Here are some of the points that might be important in your acupuncture for weight loss treatment.
Mouth : This is for the impulsive eater who is also known to smoke quite a bit and talk a lot.
Stomach : This would imply to the person who will eat even after they’ve become full or the person who is constantly nibbling.
Lung : This is for people addicted to food. It also applies to people who live sweets and chocolates.
Shenmen : This is a calming point that would take care of anxiety, frustration, anger and insecurity.
Endocrine : This would be applicable to those with water retention that can be blamed for their weight gain.
Spleen : This is for those with sugar imbalances or other disturbances in the levels of hormones.
Thyroid : For those with slower metabolism.
Adrenal and Ovary : This would be useful if the weight gain has been due to PMS or menopause.
Kidney : For weight gain due to imbalances in the nervous system and any other such hormonal imbalances.
The Treatment Plan:
The number of sittings would depend on how much weight the person has to lose and the speed at which the person would want to lose it, and their commitment to keeping the weight off. For the average patient, who is looking to shed around five to ten pounds; having one acupuncture treatment for weight loss in every 3 days might be a good idea, until they reach their goal. Once they’ve reached their goal weight, the patients might be suggested a couple of booster treatments, which can be spaced out between every two weeks. Subsequently, the doctor and patient can decide among themselves how often they want to have treatments. In most cases, it is suggested that you go to your practitioner four times a year; the time when the seasons change. This is because during these times your energy levels will be unstable.
