Acupuncture For Weight Loss – Does it Work?

With obesity on the rise, people are searching for weight loss methods that are effective and easy.  Many people have found Western medicine (which is primarily pharmaceutically-based) to be sadly lacking in nutritional information, and its inability to view the individual holistically to understand their unique battle with weight loss. It is little wonder that these dieters look to alternative techniques for answers.

Philosophy of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a medical technique where very thin needles are inserted into specific body points (chi or energy points) for therapeutic purposes, wherein it is believed that these energy points correlate to specific organs and systems in the body. Illness, chronic conditions, psychological and emotional issues are all believed to be a derivation of energy blocks that have formed as a result of neglect, internal core beliefs or poor habits. Acupuncture originated in China and has been practiced in Eastern countries for thousands of years, and has enjoyed a surge in popularity in Western cultures due to word of mouth and eventually scientific studies.

As noted, the underlying belief system holds that good health is a direct result of the free flow of energy throughout the body, along a series of meridians (channels), which are susceptible to stimulation by the insertion of needles into the areas experiencing blockages. As with all treatment modalities, each individual may react in a different manner, and each practitioner employs unique techniques. That noted, a rule of thumb is to choose a well-qualified, experienced practitioner who approaches your issues in a holistic manner, questioning not only your diet and exercise regimes, but also medications that you use, family dynamics, job stress, hormonal issues, emotional concerns (a recent divorce, issues with children, an obsession with past events) and a variety of other factors which might be contributing to your weight loss difficulties.

Hence, the primary aim of an acupuncturist is to treat the whole person and achieve equilibrium between the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the patient.

Acupuncture Therapy
Using acupuncture for weight loss involves a commitment to a series of sessions.  The first appointment will involve an assessment by the acupuncturist to obtain a comprehensive medical, emotional, psychological and family history, as well as to assess the patient’s demeanor and responses (anxious, depressed, and/or over-stressed). Questions will range from eating patterns to digestive concerns, emotional traumas (immediate and historical). The patient’s pulse will be taken at both wrists and the tongue will be examined for cracks or yellow (sometimes white) coating (may indicate troublesome heat or cold in the stomach).  The abdominal area will be inspected for peeling or puffiness.  The examination is quite comprehensive and will enable the practitioner to determine the best approach to assist the individual as well as the speed at which the individual will accept changes to his or her belief system, social dynamics, and emotional issues. The doctor may well decide to treat the underlying issues prior to suggesting lifestyle changes such as nutritional changes and incorporating fitness routines. The approach will differ with each patient.

Techniques
It should be noted that acupuncture alone will not result in weight loss.  It is an adjunct therapy that requires the patient to make changes to his/her lifestyle and address past and current life stressors. Acupuncture can help stave off binge eating by reducing stress (acupuncture decreases the sympathetic nerve activity during mental stress).  Studies have shown that acupuncture releases endorphins assist in balancing the digestive and hormonal systems, while enhancing the release of serotonin within the brain. Furthermore, acupuncture assists in the reduction of cortisol, a hormone proven to result in the accumulation of the dangerous fat
known as visceral fat-the most dangerous type of fat which is accumulated in the abdominal area and which is a significant risk factor for serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

The acupuncturist will insert needles based on the results of the initial evaluation.  The body’s meridians are accessible, via pins, through skin surface locations not obviously associated with the body part in question.   For instance, the acupuncturist can alleviate obesity and its many causes by inserting needles in puncture points on the outer ear.  The ear is significant in acupuncture because it has many dense meridian points that relate to the vital organs of the body and the many systems (circulatory, digestive, lymphatic, endocrine, to name just a few).

There are 10 insertion points on the ear that may be used in a weight loss therapy.  The insertion point related to the “mouth” may be employed to curb impulsive eating. The ear meridian related to the “stomach” might work with people that constantly nibble and eat while full, and the insertion point called “lung” can help deal with food addiction.

“Shenman” (a meridian on the ear) is a calming point, while pinning the ear meridian called “endocrine” (and “kidney”) can reduce water retention.  The “spleen” meridian regulates sugar and hormonal imbalances, and the “thyroid” insertion point can jump start a slow metabolism.  The ear meridians for “adrenal glands” and the “ovaries” may alleviate weight gain associated with PMS or menopause.

Conclusion
Congruent meridians, or insertion points, on the body are selected for the particular individuals underlying issues.  As stated earlier, acupuncture alone will not bring about weight loss.  It must be done in conjunction with a lifestyle change that involves a healthy diet and regular physical activity.  While acupuncture will not in and of itself result in weight loss, studies have shown that diet and exercise supplemented with the holistic and individualized approach acupuncture will result in a very effective approach, for certain individuals, to overcome their inability to lose their weight. It definitely is a recommended treatment modality for those seeking an approach that will result in a permanent lifestyle change, and a method of achieving the weight loss goals that have previously eluded their efforts.

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