Do acupuncture and weight loss work or it’s not a possibility? Acupuncture is a form of treatment that dates back 5,000 years. It consists of placing very thin needles at specific points in the body with the intent to alleviate certain conditions. One such condition is overweight and obesity. Acupuncture and weight loss work, but it’s not so easy to reach these goals because it takes commitment.
It’s important to remember that an individual can’t lose weight unless their diet is healthy and they exercise regularly as well. However, acupuncture might be able to help if you struggle with exercise or food sensitivities. You need a physician who specializes in complementary medicine—someone who practices conventional medicine as well as some focus on acupuncture–to do this safely though.
In fact, weight loss is a tricky issue. Many people find themselves going from one diet to the next with no luck whatsoever in shedding pounds; others find it hard to maintain a healthy diet for any length of time because food often tastes so much better than it feels good.
Can You Actually Lose Weight with Acupuncture?
The answer is a resounding yes as long as your practitioner is a licensed professional who understands how to customize treatment for you. When an acupuncturist is a specialist in weight loss, he or she will work with you to develop a safe and effective regimen for your needs.
Part of the reason why acupuncture and weight loss work is that the needles can be used to stimulate points on the body without causing damage or pain. That kind of stimulation can reduce stress and encourage relaxation, which can help curb overeating and improve metabolism.
Acupuncture can also help you feel full faster and for a longer period of time. That’s beneficial because it makes it easier to reach or maintain a healthy body weight, and it may also lower your risk of heart disease.
When should you try acupuncture to lose weight? We suggest that you:
- Have gained a lot of weight recently, especially around the waist
- Try to lose weight but can’t do so no matter what you try
- Have tried many diet programs without results
- Know that food and/or stress is what makes you overeat
Other Benefits You Might Experience with Acupuncture: Acupuncture offers other benefits besides just losing weight. You might notice:
- Reduction or elimination of food cravings
- Improved digestion and elimination
- Lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Better circulation and heart function
- Faster recovery from major surgeries
Summary
Acupuncture and weight-loss work, but it’s not a cure-all. You still need to make efforts to eat healthily, exercise regularly and manage stress in order to lose weight as well. Acupuncture can help speed up your metabolism and make it easier to reach or maintain healthy body weight. It may also help with food cravings and digestion.
Acupuncture is generally considered safe, but you must be diligent in keeping up with your treatment schedule. How often you need to visit your acupuncturist will depend on what signs or symptoms you experience; he or she can give you an idea of how often you should come for regular maintenance care.
Thank you for reading.
