Have you heard of acupuncture and have been wondering lately what it is? This is normal! Many Americans are not familiar with the purposes and benefits of acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is a natural treatment therapy where small fine needles are inserted in targeted places in the body. Many people are familiar with the use of acupuncture for chronic pain, but it has many other purposes. Today acupuncture treatment is also used to treat depression, anxiety, and is becoming more popular for helping aid in weight loss.
How Does Acupuncture Treatment Work?
Recently, researchers have found that when individuals trying to lose weight pair acupuncture with traditional weight loss strategies, they have found success. Weight loss is a struggle nearly ¼ of Americans are facing. Unfortunately, 95 percent of adults fail in their attempt to lose weight when they try traditional methods. During acupuncture treatment, very fine sterile needles are inserted into specific spots in the body. Once the needles are inserted, they stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural hormones the body releases in response to good feelings. Endorphins create a calming, relaxing effect. Acupuncture is a natural treatment approach to calm the symptoms of stress and anxiety. Through this mechanism of releasing hormones research studies have found that acupuncture can help aid in weight loss in one to three sessions.
How Can Acupuncture Help with Weight loss?
There are many different ways acupuncture treatment helps target weight loss. A few of these include:
- Targeting imbalances in the body: Traditional Chinese medicine is focused on balancing the body. Any imbalances in the body may lead to ailments, including excessive weight gain. Acupuncture practitioners use the treatment on specific body areas to target weight loss. The areas that may be targeted include the endocrine system and kidneys, which may be responsible for excess water retention and hormonal imbalance.
- Ear stapling: This acupuncture treatment involves focusing on the ears and specific points on the ear to control food cravings.
- Emotional balance: In addition to targeting imbalances in the body systems, acupuncture can help with emotional imbalances. The needles affect the neuroendocrine system by blocking the signals of harmful neurochemicals to which helps to lead to the balance of hormones levels. When endorphins are released to as a result of the treatment, these good hormones help to reduce stress and anxiety. Craving and overeating that are the result of emotions can hopefully be reduced by improving emotional balance.
As the popularity of acupuncture continues to grow in western societies and the United States, so do the uses of the treatment. If you are interested in trying out acupuncture to help with weight loss, it is important to do research and seek out a qualified practitioner. To help with weight loss, acupuncture should be used in addition to a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Even if weight loss isn’t you goal, you may find the treatment can benefit you with other physical ailments or emotional distress you are experiencing.