Acupuncture for Weight Loss
As we move forward with another new year, we may find ourselves reflecting on the status of our health. It comes as no surprise that weight loss is one of the most popular of our goals and resolutions, especially following holiday weight gain. Additionally, weight is about so much more than our physical appearance; it’s tied to disease, fatigue, confidence, and our day-to-day quality of life. Unfortunately, many people find it difficult to stay on track with their weight loss goals. Hunger, cravings, stress, lack of motivation, hormone imbalances, low metabolism, and other health issues can derail even the best of intentions.
The good news: acupuncture can help promote balance and support our weight loss goals.
Acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific points on the body through the insertion of tiny, hair-thin needles. This in turn exerts a homeostatic effect, promoting balance in the body’s systems, including hormones and neurotransmitters. Users and research alike report many potential benefits of acupuncture, including pain management, migraines and headaches, digestion, fatigue, infertility, mood, energy, stress - and weight loss. It’s no wonder this traditional Chinese modality has been around for thousands of years.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), excessive weight gain is attributed to an imbalance in the body’s systems. The goal of acupuncture is address these imbalances, specifically relating to the spleen, liver, kidneys, thyroid, and endocrine system. Acupuncture for weight support also involves promoting emotional balance and managing stress as well as energy and mood.
There are many potential ways that acupuncture may help support you on your weight loss journey, including:
Restoring areas of weakness or deficiency that can cause food cravings
Boosting metabolism
Promoting neurotransmitter functioning
Rebalancing hunger cues
Boosting energy and mood
Helping regulate hormones
Promoting healthy digestion
Relieving stress
Promoting restful sleep
Helping with symptoms of depression and anxiety
Decreasing stress-induced spikes in cortisol, the “belly fat” hormone
Reducing appetite & cravings
Promoting relaxation
Auricular acupuncture, or “ear” acupuncture, has shown particular promise with supporting weight management. One study that examined a combination of diet and exercise versus diet, exercise, and ear acupuncture found that the group that received ear acupuncture lost an average of 10 lbs as opposed to only 3 lbs of weight loss in the group that did not receive acupuncture. Participants who received ear acupuncture described feeling decreased appetite compared to the other group that did not.
The take home: Acupuncture in conjunction with diet and exercise can support you in creating long term lifestyle changes. If you need a little extra help with your weight loss goals this year, consider acupuncture. We also offer health coaching and food therapy. This does not involve calorie counting, fad diets, or restriction, but rather learning to nourish your body with proper nutrition. Get the guidance, education and support you need to help you replace negative habits with healthier, more positive ones for sustainable weight loss. Contact us to schedule a consultation!
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The Points of Health
Maitland Acupuncture and Holistic Services
We are located just minutes from Winter Park, Casselberry, Oviedo, Altamonte Springs, and the Greater Orlando area.
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