Acupuncture is rapidly rising in popularity as an effective health and wellness therapy that provides a natural approach to a variety of conditions. In recent years, Acupuncture has gained more attention due to an ability to help with weight loss when combined with other healthy lifestyle habits such as proper diet and exercise.
According to TCM, weight gain is due to an imbalance within the body and disharmony with the liver, spleen, and kidney organs, and the endocrine system. Acupuncture treatments for weight loss involve stimulating specific points on the body that relate to those organs and in turn help to regulate the endocrine system. Acupuncture can help to reverse factors that lead to obesity by increasing metabolism and decreasing both appetite and stress.
Obstacles to losing weight could be related to imbalance in the hormones regulated by your endocrine system, in which case it is important to consult with a western medical professional. Other important factors to consider are the type of Acupuncture being used, the length of treatment necessary, potential side effects, and long-term goals within your personalized treatment plan.
Traditional and Auricular Acupuncture are the two most common forms of Acupuncture used in weight loss treatment. They can be used individually or in combination with each other to stimulate specific points for weight loss.
In Auricular Acupuncture, the external ear is used as a microsystem for the entire body and consists of a network of nerve endings that help to relieve certain symptoms when stimulated. By targeting specific points on the external surface of the ear, this form of Acupuncture helps to curb food cravings that are similar to the treatments used by Acupuncturists for smoking and drug cessation.
In addition to Auricular Acupuncture, ear seeding is a non-invasive form of Auriculotherapy used to stimulate pressure points on the ear without the use of needles. Ear seeds are tiny round beads traditionally made from the Chinese herb, mugwort. These tiny beads are attached to small pieces of adhesive material, and then placed on the external surface of the ear. This strategic placement of ear seeds allows for extended acupressure stimulation for food cravings in weight loss treatments. Ear seeding can offer a more gentle version of Acupuncture and is generally safe and considered low risk due to its non-invasive nature. Ear seeds will not break the skin, and when massaged gently two to three times per day as symptoms arise, should not cause discomfort or skin irritation. They are easily removed and may fall off on their own in three to five days. Overstimulation may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so it is important that ear seeds be placed by a trained Licensed Acupuncturist.
Additional Treatments
Depending on your goals and the severity of your condition, additional complementary treatments to Acupuncture may be necessary to provide long-term results. These treatments may include dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, or other forms of alternative therapies such as herbal remedies or massage therapy. It’s important to discuss any additional treatments with your Acupuncturist to create a comprehensive plan to best achieve your desired results.
Potential Side Effects
Common side effects include minor bleeding or bruising at the needle site, temporary pain or discomfort during the needle placement, and fatigue. While these are typically mild, it’s important to be aware of them before starting your treatment plan.
Long-Term Goals
Before beginning treatment, it’s important to establish realistic long-term goals that you can work towards over time. These could include weight loss goals such as reducing body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, improving overall health, or simply reducing stress levels. Having a clear understanding of what your goals are prior to beginning your weight loss journey will help guide your progress and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your individual treatment plan.
If you’re considering Acupuncture for weight loss, it’s important to know all the factors. If you want to begin your own Acupuncture journey toward weight loss, contact us today at The Teal Center. Our Licensed Acupuncturists would be more than happy to discuss your individual case and help you make the best decision for your health.
