Different weight loss drugs and diets are always coming into and out of fashion as different celebrities endorse different programs and plans. If you are looking for a long-term, drug-free solution, acupuncture just might be the perfect fit for you. 

What acupuncture does is regulate the flow of qi, or energy, throughout the body, bringing everything back into balance. It is used to manage a variety of health conditions, many of which contribute to weight gain. Helping you to manage stress, chronic pain, migraines, allergies, etc., can then help you with weight loss.

At your first appointment, your acupuncturist will take a general health history to help you identify your weight loss goals and get an understanding of your health overall. Let’s discuss how this process helps to identify the root cause of the problem (thyroid issue, binge eating, slow metabolism, etc.) and then develop the most effective treatment plan to help you reach your goals.

What to Expect

Acupuncture needles are thin and designed to work effectively without causing you pain. Typically, the needles are inserted to various acupuncture points on the body and left in place for 15 to 30 minutes per session. Your acupuncturist may lift or rotate the needles as part of your session. Specifically for weight loss, your acupuncturist may tend to focus on your ear.

Research suggests that stimulating certain points located on the outer ear help to balance hormones that help to reduce cravings and appetite. Specifically, acupuncture influences two hormones that can help with weight loss: ghrelin which controls appetite and leptin which regulates fat storage and metabolism. In addressing these two hormones, acupuncture can help you to curb those cravings, improve your digestion and boost your metabolism.

What the Research Says

Research shows that along with lifestyle modifications like introducing regular exercise to your routine and incorporating a balanced diet, acupuncture can be effective for weight loss.

It’s also important to understand that many people gain weight as the result of high stress in their lives. Research also shows that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, also known as the body’s “feel good” hormones. Releasing these hormones can create a calming effect that can work to counteract the need for stress eating that comes when we experience tense situations or anxiety.

Another encouraging study found that overweight females between the ages of 20 to 30 years old who received six weekly treatments of auricular (or ear) acupuncture experienced a reduction in the circumference of their waist.

And yet another study compared the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture to body acupuncture in obese women and found that those receiving ear acupuncture  lost approximately 8 more pounds than those who received acupuncture on other parts of the body.

If you are looking for an alternative to the much-hyped diets and drugs currently available to aid in weight loss, talk to your acupuncturist about your options. Acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative treatment to a variety of health conditions. Don’t wait another day to get your health under control. Make an appointment today to get on track and start hitting those weight loss goals.

Let’s discuss how acupuncture provides numerous health benefits from a holistic approach to wellness. It’s a non-pharmacological approach to health and wellness and addresses a variety of health concerns you might be struggling with. 

Health Benefits

One of the most well-known benefits of regular acupuncture treatments is its ability to reduce pain and inflammation. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture can help to reduce headaches, back pain, and arthritis. Acupuncture helps address inflammation by helping the body release more cortisol and stimulating the vagus nerve, activating the body’s natural defense against inflammation.

Acupuncture improves digestive issues like heartburn, lactose intolerance, and irritable bowel syndrome. Even the World Health Organization acknowledges acupuncture’s role in effectively treating digestive imbalances.

Acupuncture is a great option to help improve the quality of your sleep. As mentioned above, acupuncture is great at treating chronic pain and inflammation which might be one cause of poor sleep. Most sleep remedies treat the symptoms associated with lack of sleep, but acupuncture looks at the core issues to regulate your body’s energy and restore your sleep cycle by reducing stress and inducing a feeling of calm and balance of the mind and body.

Acupuncture also improves the body’s immune system by manipulating energy flow and eliminating any blockages, thus restoring the body’s natural harmony. When meridians or channels are impaired or blocked, you can be much more vulnerable to illness.

Things to Consider

While incorporating acupuncture into your wellness routine has amazing benefits, there are a few things to consider as you plan. Depending on your health goals, acupuncture can require a time commitment as sessions can be 30 to 60 minutes and could be more than once a week so keep that in mind. Also, acupuncture may not be covered by your insurance company, although more and more companies are starting to cover it. And probably the most important thing is to find a qualified practitioner, and starting on this website is a great start!

Setting Yourself Up for Success

There are a few key things you can do to successfully integrate acupuncture into your wellness routine. One idea is to create a schedule to plan your regular acupuncture sessions. Consistency is key when it comes to integrating acupuncture. Work with your practitioner to plan a schedule that helps you achieve your wellness goals.

Acupuncture can be extremely effective when combined with other wellness practices like meditation, yoga, and a healthy diet. Don’t be afraid to explore different approaches to see what works best for you. Another key is to keep the lines of communication open between you and your practitioner. It’s not only a good idea to discuss your goals, but also communicate any changes you notice as you incorporate acupuncture into your routine. This will help your practitioner make more personalized adjustments as needed.

With open communication, intentional planning, and consistency, acupuncture can become a valuable addition to your wellness routine, helping you achieve balance in your overall health. Call and make an appointment today to begin adding acupuncture to your wellness journey.