Weight loss is actually a matter of weight control. We focus to lose weight then need to maintain it. A good program is needed and it may involve good diet, exercises and stress reduction. However, there are also some acupuncture techniques to help this. It does not work instantly because it only makes it easier to lose and maintain the loss. We also need to change our life style to get the benefits.
The mechanism by which acupuncture works is done by inserting the acupuncture needles into some specific points on our body and in the ear release endorphins. It will help us deal with stress and anxiety that will invite you to eat more than usual. As we know, with more stress in our life, our liver will function improperly and decrease our metabolism. Cravings and compulsive eating will be the results. In the 2003 study published in The Journal of Medical Reading it is found that those who received acupuncture lost weight 3 times more than the other participants who did not. In another study in Australia, almost all people in the acupuncture group experienced a reduced appetite and lost more weight.
The points of acupuncture will need to be adjusted with the situation and condition of the patient. The points on the body are chosen for overall well being to increase circulation of the blood and stimulate metabolism as well as to calm the nervous system. After the treatment of putting back the balance of the body, some acupuncture points are chosen to treat different symptoms that arise. We will need 8 to 12 weeks of treatments with once or twice scheduled treatment each week. The treatments are done with a combination of ear and body acupuncture, ear tacks or pellets to leave on-in between treatments, abdominal massage, breathing exercises, also herbs and supplements. It will give us the best results if we can stick to the recommendations of food and lifestyle. The most effective acupuncture points dealing with weight loss are the ear points. The points relate to all major organs and body parts. The most commonly used points are Shenmen(to reduce stress and to calm the mind), small intestine(for better digestion), mouth(for less smoking, over eating and talking), hunger point, and endocrine point(for better metabolism).
The program will be more effective if we combine it with the right food to consume. Bitter, sour and acid tastes of food are the best to support the weight loss program. On the other hand, we should avoid sweet, greasy and salty foods.
The abdominal massage or exercises are needed to improve the digestion, absorptions and peristalsis of intestines. Belly breathing is also important to strengthen the abdomen.
In short, to lose weight is only a matter of controlling your appetite and spend more energy. Acupuncture helps a lot to overcome cravings and enhance the metabolism of the body. It does not work itself, but it will certainly support your program of weight loss. With the right acupuncture points to treat, an ideal body weight is no longer a dream.