Healthy Weight Loss Advice: Will Accupuncture Help You Lose Weight?

Originating in China nearly 5,000 years ago, acupuncture is not only the oldest, but also one of the most widely used healing systems in the world. Being a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture is based on the theory of the 'chi' or 'Qi' as it is known in Chinese.

According to the Chinese tradition, chi is the fundamental energy, which controls a person's mind and body. It is said that the chi flows through the body through pathways called meridians. In order to understand the basics of acupuncture for weight loss, it is important to realize that according to TCM, there are 20 meridians in the body.

Out of these meridians, there are 12 primary meridians, which correspond to specific organs or functions, and eight secondary meridians. If there are any imbalances caused in the flow of chi inside the body, various types of illnesses occur. However, if the flow is restored to the normal pathway, the illness is corrected.

It is inside these meridians that are several thousand acupuncture points, which are points where the chi flow can be corrected and restored to balance. However, according to scientific theories today, it is actually believed that acupuncture points simply stimulate certain points in the body or the nervous system, and releases naturally-forming pain reducing hormones in the body called endorphins.

While acupuncture has been around for ages now, it has only recently being used for treating individuals for weight loss or obesity. Acupuncture for weight loss works by curbing the patient's appetite, it inhibits cravings for food, clears excess water in the body and also stimulates the pituitary gland to burn off those extra calories in the body. However, the process of acupuncture is not a scientifically proven process, and while it may work for some, there is no guarantee of results.

The process of acupuncture is performed as follows: The acupuncturist inserts very thin metal or stainless steel needles into the skin. These needles are inserted at specific acupuncture points in the skin. Regarding safety, the needs are all sterilized before insertion and are also of the disposable types.

These needles are left inserted into the skin for an average of 15 to 30 minutes and the treatment generally needs to be repeated for multiple sessions for around 2-3 weeks or, depending on your weight loss goals, the treatment may even last for several months.

The acupuncture points within the ears are generally used for the treatment of weight loss and general detoxification of the body. During the procedure, the acupuncturist places five needles in each ear. Out of these five needles, four correspond to specific organs inside the body such as the kidneys, the lungs, the nervous system and the liver. The fifth needle is simply placed in the ear for the relaxation of the patient. Once the treatment starts, the body will be stimulated to produce endorphins. Endorphins help combat the cravings for carbohydrates in the body, reduce appetite, and in cases where weight loss is related to drug abuse, then endorphins also help with withdrawal symptoms.

While there is no scientific proof as to if acupuncture actually works or not, over the years, the procedure has become an accepted form of treatment for weight loss. However, if you are considering opting for acupuncture as a method of losing weight, do ensure that the practitioner you chose is a reputable and reliable one.

Do remember that the transmission of some highly contagious diseases such as HIV AIDS and Hepatitis B are transmitted through contaminated needles so make sure to ask about the needle type and disposal methods from your doctor before you opt for this procedure.

Confirming the status of the needles, as to if they are sterilized or not, is very important. Also, enquire the cost of the treatment and how many treatments you will require before you invest into this procedure.

Do needles scare you? There is a better way to lose weight without using needles, starvations methods, or potentially dangerous pills. You can get superior weight loss results through the proper combination of an effective eating plan, walking three times a week, and making small healthy changes in your daily activities. This, obviously, requires some work on your part but it's well work the effort as it is likely to increase your chances of lasting weight loss.

If, however, you'd rather be passive in your weight loss efforts or not care about gaining the weight all back, then accupuncture may be an option for your to consider.

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