Weight loss in Acupuncture

Yes! Acupuncture can help you lose weight. It might be shocking for some people but it’s the truth. When acupuncture is combined with other traditional weight loss methods, it can help promote weight loss. Now, acupuncture on its own just like the other weight loss methods might not help you lose weight. According to research, one to three acupuncture weight loss sessions can be effective to help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Acupuncture is practiced all over the world and it started in ancient Chinese where it was used primarily as a pain relief treatment. Acupuncture for weight loss is recent and comes as a result of research development showing how it can be successful. During acupuncture for weight loss treatment, the acupuncturist inserts very thin needles in specific points on your body. The needles are then used to stimulate specific nerves in your body that regulate metabolism and energy. It also promotes other factors that positively affect your health.

Acupuncture For Weight Loss

Losing weight by acupuncture isn’t as simple as some people might think. Just like other weight loss methods, it requires patience. It works best when combined with other weight loss practices like exercise and change in diet. But in what ways does acupuncture help in weight loss?

• Boosts Metabolism

The thin, steel needles used during acupuncture stimulate the thyroid area. This can boost the function of your pituitary gland, one of the most important areas of the body that help with metabolism. This then increases the fat-burning rate. The result is making your daily activities and workouts more effective in burning fat and helping you lose weight.

• Improves Digestion

It is possible to help improve the function of your digestive system using kidney and stomach acupuncture points. It can even help increase the amount of nutrients your body takes in. Acupuncture for weight loss helps improve your gut health and prevents slow digestion. With this, you relieve bloating, constipation and other gastrointestinal issues that might lead to fat deposition.

• Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation and tension in the gut and muscles can strain your immune system, slow down metabolism and impact digestion and heart health. Acupuncture for weight loss can lower the levels of oxidative stress in your body. This relieves tension and regulates the immune response of your body which may help optimize the body to lose excess weight.

• Hormone Production

Hormone imbalance in the body negatively affects different bodily processes from cognition and digestion to immune system function and healing. Acupuncture of the spleen combined with Shen Men point in the ear is effective for balancing hormone levels.

• Regulates Mood

A good acupuncturist for weight loss understands the effect of acupuncture in improving mood. It induces the release of endorphins in the body. These are feel-good hormones that swiftly eliminate stress and anxiety. Most people overeat when they are stressed or feeling overwhelmed. To eliminate the urges, acupuncture treatment for weight loss is recommended.

Acupuncture Points for Weight Loss

With acupuncture for losing weight, there are various key areas on the body an acupuncturist focuses on. The most important ones are the areas related to food intake and digestion. Such as the mouth, stomach, and kidney. Endocrine and thyroid acupuncture may also help with hormone regulation ensuring proper energy flow in your body while also helping with metabolic speed and appetite. The spleen and lungs are also vital areas for weight loss acupuncture.

What Research Shows About Acupuncture For Weight Loss

According to recent research, acupuncture can help with weight loss. In one study, overweight women between 20 and 30 years old received six weekly auricular acupuncture treatments. After the study, the females experienced reduction in their waist circumference.

Another study compared the effectiveness of ear acupuncture to body acupuncture in overweight women. The results were, the women receiving auricular acupuncture lost more weight (approximately 8 pounds more) than those who received acupuncture treatment on other parts.

In 2019, a review and meta-analysis on how to lose weight with acupuncture proved that acupuncture effectively helped reduce BMI and waist circumference. It however only reduced weight when coupled with exercise and change in diet.

Acupuncture For Weight Loss Considerations

Weight loss in acupuncture is possible but its not a magic pill that you take and watch as you shed weight. Here are some considerations if you want to try acupuncture in weight loss.

• Consult a Healthcare Professional

Acupuncture is a traditional form of treatment. It is an alternative form of treatment and it is advised that you speak with your primary healthcare provider before you start. They can provide guidance based on your personal health history and conditions. It is the first step if you want to know whether acupuncture for weight loss is a good fit for you.

• Underlying Health Conditions

Make these known to your acupuncturist during the initial consultation. Do you have an underlying health condition that might affect your response to acupuncture or pose potential risks? Conditions such as diabetes, hormonal imbalances and cardiovascular issues should be considered.

• Get a Qualified Acupuncturist

Acupuncture should only be practiced by a licensed and qualified acupuncturist. Make sure your acupuncturist of choice has the appropriate training and experience in acupuncture for weight loss. Check their certification and reviews before you proceed.

• Integration with Other Weight Loss Techniques

Like we mentioned above, acupuncture in weight loss is most effective when combined with other weight loss strategies. Have a comprehensive weight loss plan and include acupuncture in it. If you want to lose weight by acupuncture, use it to complement other healthy lifestyle choices such as regular exercise and balanced diet.

Although research shows positive evidence that acupuncture can help in weight loss, it is not a magic bullet. It is effective but one has to be patient and incorporate other weight loss strategies with acupuncture. A trained and licensed acupuncturist might be able to help you with nutritional and lifestyle guidance to add to your acupuncture treatments for weight loss.