Acupuncture for Weight Loss

With summer around the corner, I get asked almost daily, “Can acupuncture be used for weight loss?” The answer is yes, but it may not be in the way you think; it’s a bit complex. The needles themselves don’t make the pounds melt away and there are no “weight loss points”. The way acupuncture aids weight loss is by harmonizing any underlying imbalances in the body and by promoting the best environment for weight loss to be possible. The benefit of weight loss would come secondary to a balanced body. The following are some of the variety of ways acupuncture indirectly promotes weight loss.
– Acupuncture regulates hormones such as insulin, cortisol and thyroid hormones which may be negatively affecting metabolism, fat storage, and cravings.
– Acupuncture calms the mind and relaxes the body which improves mood, desire and motivation to exercise and diet. Relieving stress also lowers cortisol which when raised leads to excess abdominal fat.
– Acupuncture relieves back, neck, hip, and knee pain that may be interfering with exercise.
– Acupuncture promotes digestion which helps reduce bloating and constipation.
– Acupuncture can also boost energy which has many obvious benefits.
If you feel you are working hard to lose weight and not getting any results, acupuncture would certainly be a beneficial addition to your program. But if you aren’t eating healthy or exercising, don’t expect a miracle, the results will be minimal.
Eating healthy is the most important factor in weight loss. Keep your diet plan simple and not too restrictive. Cook at home more and cut back on packaged/processed foods. Focus on increasing fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It has been a long disproved myth that eating fat makes you fat. Modern research promotes eating mono and polyunsaturated fats such as nuts, avocado, salmon, tuna, olives, and flaxseed to lose weight.
In TCM terms, acupuncturists say avoid “damp” inducing foods such as raw, cold foods like salads, smoothies, fruit, dairy, and icy drinks. Eat more foods that are warm and gentle on your digestive system such as steamed veggies, white rice, soups and stews. Too much damp in the body leads to fatigue, sluggish digestion, and weight gain.
To boost your weight loss plan consider adding one or two of the following supplements.
– Omega 3s increase metabolism and reduce belly fat.
– Vitamin D has a role in telling cells to burn fat.
– Green tea, an antioxidant, reduces appetite and boosts metabolism.
– Fiber supplements, probiotics, and digestive enzymes all promote healthy digestion.
Don’t over do it on supplements, use as directed. More does not equal better. If you are taking medications, talk to your acupuncturist before starting supplements.
As with any acupuncture treatment plan, it’s important to commit to frequent and recurring treatments for better and faster results.