Summer is right around the corner and now is the perfect time to evaluate your diet and exercise plan. If your current weight loss methods are not delivering the results you are looking for, and your doctor has ruled out the possibility of health-related weight gain, Traditional Chinese Medicine, such as Chinese Acupuncture, could be the assistance you need.
There are many reasons why we gain weight. Some of the reasons are obvious; poor dietary habits and lack of exercise are the most common. In the Western world, people eat processed food because it is inexpensive, convenient and readily available. What people do not realize is processed food can be highly addictive. Many contain refined sugar, which is considered by most health care professionals to be just as addictive as alcohol or cocaine. The more sugar you eat, the more you crave it. You feel hungry frequently because of the impact sugar has on your insulin levels. This up-and-down effect leads to overeating and weight gain. It is very hard to turn off cravings however; there are acupuncture treatments that can help to do just that.
Acupuncture for weight loss is considered a fairly new treatment in North America but for many years, it has been used by people in China to assist with their weight loss. Doctors use acupuncture treatments to help suppress the appetite and to boost endorphins which leads to more energy. Acupuncture also helps to stimulate your metabolisms and trigger your digestive system. Many practitioners also use acupuncture to rebalance hormonal disturbances – a key factor related to weight loss and weight gain.
Once your ailment has been identified, the type of treatment (acupuncture and/or acupressure) along with the number of sessions required to achieve your goals, is discussed with your acupuncturist. Patients typically begin with one treatment, twice a week as they approach their goal. A booster treatment is administered once a week to help sustain results. When you are comfortable with your results, one booster treatment is then delivered four times a year, generally as the seasons change or when you feel your weight loss needs re-boot.
