Acupuncture is a needle-based alternative therapy that helps achieve many health goals, including weight loss. It is an ancient Chinese treatment method whose aim is to regulate the flow of energy, which Chinese people refer to as “chi.” According to research, Acupuncture may help control factors that contribute to weight gain.
How does Acupuncture Work?
During an acupuncture treatment, the physician inserts thin needles into ¼ to ½ inches of skin depth. What treatment results you want with this method depends on the depth of the needle penetration and the location of the acupuncture point.
Although acupuncture treatment is around 2,500 years old, it has continued to be one of the most popular holistic therapies all along. This treatment remains popular even in today’s era of modern medicine. The ability of Acupuncture to help treat many health conditions is backed by some studies, meaning that it is one of the proven ways to achieve many healthcare goals.
How can Acupuncture Help Achieve Weight Loss?
Weight loss is achievable with different acupuncture treatments. One of these treatments has a direct impact, while others work in a roundabout way. Here is a quick overview of the ways Acupuncture can help you lose weight.
1. Improves digestion
Using kidney and stomach acupuncture points not only improves overall digestion but also boosts nutrient absorption. This treatment method improves your gut health and makes your digestion more efficient. This way, you can avoid or treat bloating, constipation, and other GI tract issues that may lead to fat deposition.
2. Stops water retention
Water retention in the body makes you gain weight more quickly. Fortunately, you can prevent your body from storing excess water by stimulating nerves in your endocrine system and around your kidneys. This treatment also helps you get rid of excess water and, consequently, lose weight.
3. Hormone production
Out-of-balance hormone levels can affect your bodily processes pretty adversely. The most severely impacted natural functions in this regard include digestion, cognition, immune system response, and healing. Acupuncturists usually trigger Shen Men and spleen points in the ear to bring balance to hormone levels.
4. Reduces inflammation
Tension or inflammation in the gut can have a multitude of adverse effects on your metabolism, immune system, digestion, and even heart health. With the help of acupuncture techniques, you can reduce the level of oxidative stress on your gut. Consequently, you will notice a significant improvement in your digestion and overall immune response. All these benefits combine to help you shed some pounds quite effectively.
5. Boosts metabolism
Stimulating the thyroid area with acupuncture needles can help your pituitary glands work in a better way. Note that these glands hold a significant value for your body’s metabolism. With your pituitary glands working as they should, your body will burn fats at a better rate and in a much-improved way. As a result, you will be able to get the best out of your daily physical activity and fitness regimen.
6. Improves your mood
Acupuncture treatment can stimulate the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormones that lift your mood by eliminating stress and anxiety.
Some people respond to stress by overeating, which can ultimately cause a significant weight gain. Acupuncture helps improve your mood, eliminating the urge to eat more.
7. Ear therapy
Last but certainly not least, ear therapy helps lose weight like nothing else. The specific name of this treatment method is auricular Acupuncture, which has attracted a lot of attention after several studies proved its efficacy for weight loss.
Because the ear holds the most density for nerve endings linking to the entire body, using acupuncture needles in that area can help achieve several health benefits. Among many other acupuncture points, the one promoting weight loss is of significant importance. This particular point suppresses your appetite for good, allowing you to take fewer calories per meal.
Are There Any Safety Concerns with Acupuncture for Weight Loss?
Acupuncture is generally a safe treatment to achieve several healthcare goals, and weight loss is no exception. Even so, you will have to be careful when selecting a physician providing this treatment. Although chances of pinpricks to result in adverse effects are rare, you are not entirely off the hook with this treatment. You will face the following issues if things go south:
- Punctured organs
- Infection
- Injury to the central nervous system
- Collapsed lungs
Final Thoughts
While the weight loss prospects linked with acupunctures are promising, not much research has been done to establish this treatment’s effectiveness fully. Acupuncture in Dubai Euromed Clinic has suggested that the positive outcome that most patients experienced mainly occurred due to a positive attitude towards adopting a healthier lifestyle and not the Acupuncture itself. Many researchers, however, disagree with this notion.
In the end, it is always necessary to be mindful of your decision to try Acupuncture for weight loss if you want to reap its full benefits. Here is what you should do in this regard:
- Get complete information about the pros and cons of this treatment from your doctor.
- Pay attention to your diet and daily physical activity.
- Pick a qualified acupuncturist for this treatment.