Weight loss and obesity are constant concerns of people from various parts of the world. Numerous clinical and complementary obesity treatments have been tested and approved over the years but the results remain unstable even if the individual has already undergone a strict weight loss program. Some nutritionists blame this on the person’s poor self-discipline and the inability to suppress the appetite once the diet program ended. To address appetite suppression naturally many people who support alternative or complementary medicine turn to acupuncture for weight loss.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese healing practice that dates back in 200 BCE. It uses long, solid, ad thin metallic needles which are then inserted to specific acupuncture points which are similar to trigger points or the muscular motor points. According to traditional Chinese medicine or TCM, diseases are caused by the imbalance of the yin and yang, which blocks the natural flow of qi (vital energy) in the meridian or the body’s qi pathways or channels. Acupuncture is said to unblock the qi and restores the balance between yin and yang.
Does acupuncture work for weight loss
Acupuncture works for obesity in several ways. One is its effect on the appetite and metabolism. Using auricular acupuncture or ear acupuncture, it can suppress the appetite by triggering the satiety center located in the hypothalamus. This will then help to relieve or control hunger pangs. Acupuncture is also known to control psychosomatic factors affecting obesity including anxiety, anger, insecurity, and frustration. By triggering certain acupoints directed in the mouth, stomach, lings, endocrine, ovary, spleen, kidney, and thyroid, acupuncture slows down metabolism, helps in water retention, prevents weight gain caused by menopause and hormonal imbalance, and prevent impulsive eating.
Is it safe?
The Food and Drug Administration consider acupuncture needles as a medical device. Acupuncture is also widely used in various medical and dental treatments. It is generally used to relieve pain especially among cancer patients. It is also a part of the CAM or the Complementary and Alternative Medicine and is practiced in various parts of the world especially in the Asian region.
Practices and techniques
Needles are the common medical device use in acupuncture. However, medical advancement takes the acupuncture practice in another level. Nowadays, licensed acupuncturists are able to trigger acupoints through laser. Such practice is called laser acupuncture, a technique that use a weak laser beam to stimulate acupoints. Another technique is microwave acupuncture which attaches a microwave device into the needle which then delivers microwave radiation to the specific acupoint. Acupressure, on the other hand, eliminates needles altogether and employ the fingers to perform a massage therapy. The technique used pressure instead of needles to stimulate acupoints. Acupressure is often dedicated to controlling pain among cancer patients and is very useful in symptoms such as vomiting and nausea.
General perception
Some acupuncture for weight loss reviews advertise the practice as a weight loss program or technique. This is a false report as the main purpose of using Chinese acupuncture for weight loss is to help control the appetite in a natural way. It must also be noted that acupuncture alone will not help a person lose weight. Just like diet pills, supplements, and appetite suppressants, acupuncture is ineffective if it is not supported with the proper diet and self-discipline. A licensed acupuncturist can help the patient to undergo a behavior or lifestyle modification program as a support for losing weight. Maintaining a low-fat and high-protein diet is also essential to shedding weight. It is also best to consult a nutritionists to be able to start the best diet that works well with the acupuncture treatment.
