Acupuncture is a form of holistic healthcare that uses needles to help treat a patient. Unlike the cartoon where the balloon will pop and all the air will go out, the needles that are inserted into the vital points will stimulate the body to release endorphins thus helping the person control their appetite.
But before needles are inserted, the specialist will first ask the patient some questions and perform an examination. This is needed to understand the main cause for the person to be overweight.
Part of examination is to help the acupuncturist figure out where the needles will be inserted. Your pulse will give the person an idea on your general state of energy and the general health of your stomach.
You will also have to open your mouth and show your tongue to check for cracks, peelings or puffiness on the stomach area as this provides clues to why you are overweight.
Once he or she knows the reason, this is the time that the needles are inserted into different parts of the body. One way is called the multi-targeted approach which is designed to lower the body's weight by increasing the output of the pituitary gland.
The areas where the needles will be inserted will be in the ear and in two of three body points. These areas could also include the mouth, the stomach, the lung, the endocrine, the spleen, kidney or thyroid.
During the initial treatment, the ?Four Gate? points would be used to circulate energy throughout the entire body. It is also possible that electro simulation will also be done to increase endorphin release and stimulate metabolism.
These needles will be kept in place for 30 to 45 minutes depending on how much support is needed. These are then removed and replaced with ear tacs with adhesives to make sure they are in the same spot as the needles.
These ear tacs work by applying mild pressure whenever he or she feels hungry. It causes a mild endorphin release and helps the patient relax making it possible to use their willpower and resist the temptation to eat.
The patient will also have to reduce cravings on certain food by cutting down the intake. Some studies suggest that this can also lower insulin levels or lipid levels in the blood.
The best part about acupuncture is that there are no harmful side effects and no chance for an addiction to occur. The patient will have to come back for regular treatment and have to pay attention to one's diet and exercise regularly as needles can only do so much to control one's weight.
The number of treatments for someone who is overweight varies depending on how many pounds they want to lose, the speed at which they want to lose it and their commitment to sticking to the plan.
The average patient on the other hand who wants to lose 5 to 10 pounds will have to come for treatment every three days or twice a week then once this is attained, once every two weeks. It is up to the person until when the treatment will be done which shows that acupuncture can help you lose weight.
Acupuncture and weight loss are certainly becoming a controversial combination. Americans spend over 33 billion dollars every year on weight-related products and programs, and the failure rate is off the charts! Who can blame dieters for wanting healthy alternatives? Traditional methods certainly aren't working. Acupuncture is becoming more popular since it offers no harmful side effects and no chance of addiction.
While used extensively in Korea and Japan, China is generally looked upon as the authority in this field. Acupuncture uses long, thin, stainless steel needles, which are inserted into over 2,000 pressure points in the body. Acupuncture as a medical procedure began over 2,000 years ago, but its popularity in mainstream society is relatively new. A 2002 National Health Review Survey stated that 8.2 million Americans reported using acupuncture treatments.
Why are acupuncture and weight loss being combined? According to supporters of acupuncture, it is beneficial to weight loss because it improves energy levels, leaving many dieters feeling able to exercise. It also decreases muscle pain, allowing for quicker recoveries from workouts. Acupuncture is known to increase metabolism, reduce stress, and improve circulation, all things important to dieters.
Studies also show that acupuncture can decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Chinese researchers even reported that test subjects who used acupuncture lost twice as much weight as patients that used diet alone.
Ear stapling has given acupuncture and weight loss some recent negative publicity. Developed in the United States, this procedure pinpoints two pressure points in the ear, using a staple. The staple remains in the ear for a period of time, but sometimes dislodges itself or becomes infected, causing health problems. One would want to consult a certified acupuncturist before trying this procedure.
Most acupuncture patients feel little or no discomfort. Some describe a warming sense or a calming effect, or even an energized feeling. The treated pressure points and the individuals involved would dictate the sensations.
If you're ready to give acupuncture a try, follow these easy guidelines to ensure success. Check with your family doctor first and find a reputable, certified acupuncturist. Select highly nutritious foods for your diet and decrease your caloric intake. Increase your caloric expenditure by adding cardio exercise to your routine. Be patient, but stay focused and positive!
Both Aubrey Walker & Gail M. Davis are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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