Acupuncture can assist dieters with their weight loss plan when combined with a reduced calorie diet and exercise. By increasing endorphin levels, acupuncture speeds up metabolism and also lowers blood insulin and lipid levels, which results in less insulin conversion into body fat. Selected auricular acupuncture points trigger electrical pulses that suppress appetite and minimize overeating.
Ear points selected for treatment improve digestion and absorption and have a calming effect. The qi associated with needling these points helps the body to function against weight gain. Body points selected tonify qi and circulate oxygen and blood with an emphasis on the stomach. Additional points may be selected to regulate the metabolic rate. An effective weight loss management program includes acupuncture, nutritional counseling, exercise, stress reduction, and lifestyle modification. The acupuncture physician can assist with nutritional counseling and individually tailor a diet regimen that the patient can maintain long term.
For the average patient who wants to lose five to ten pounds, treatments twice weekly until the target weight is reached is optimal, followed by maintenance treatments biweekly for the next few months to attain permanent weight loss. Acupuncture therapy must be given in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet (2000 calories). Treatment addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of weight loss. Acupuncture can address the emotional and physical discomforts that may accompany weight reduction by aiding in stress reduction and normalizing the digestive and hormonal systems.
Chinese food therapy may be recommended in addition to acupuncture to nourish qi and blood and restore organ functioning. Based on yin/yang, each food is characterized by its energies, therapeutic actions and flavors. Chinese food therapy utilizes hot (yang) and cold (yin) food properties to affect different energies in the body. Both types of food should be included in the diet to keep the body in balance. Yang foods increase the body’s heat and raise metabolism while yin foods lower body heat and metabolism. Intake of food should also be balanced according to the season. Summer (yang) should have more yin foods in the diet. For more information about acupuncture and Chinese food therapy for weight loss management contact Dr. Richard Browne at (305) 595-9500.
