Being overweight is a common problem in the U.S. Many factors can contribute to excess weight gain, such as stress, genetics, and imbalances in energy metabolism and appetite regulation. Over time, being overweight can have a serious impact on your health, leading to serious medical conditions such as heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and some cancers that can cause premature death and substantial disability.
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that’s been around for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of hair-thin needles just below that skin at specific points along the body known as meridians. These meridians (also referred to as acupoints) help restore balance and vitality by directing the flow of qi, or life energy, through the body.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Acupuncture can relieve several conditions, including muscle pain, inflammation, migraines, and joint pain. It can also be used to help individuals lose weight. In this post, we’re going to reveal how acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can help you shed the pounds and achieve your ideal weight.
In TCM, weight gain is believed to be caused by the accumulation of “dampness” in the body. This dampness occurs as a result of imbalances in qi that can affect food intake, digestion, absorption and transportation of food energy throughout the body. Weight loss is achieved by eliminating dampness and restoring balance.
HOW CAN ACUPUNCTURE CONTRIBUTE TO WEIGHT LOSS?
While several studies show that acupuncture is effective at treating obesity and promoting weight loss, how it does this is not entirely understood. According to a study published in 2019, evidence suggests that acupuncture can help with weight loss by:
- Regulating the endocrine system
- Promoting gut health and better digestion
- Relieving stress
- Modulating relevant molecules of metabolism
Another study, this one from 2021, suggests that acupuncture may change the way the brain receives appetite signals, helping to regulate food intake and energy homeostasis.
CHINESE HERBS CAN ALSO HELP US LOSE WEIGHT
Traditional Chinese medicine also prescribes a number of herbs that help support weight loss. They do so by curbing the appetite, burning fat, controlling blood sugars, blocking the accumulation of fat, and detoxification. Some of the most popular Chinese herbs for losing weight include:
- Ginseng root (Renshen/Ginnsuu)
- Ginger Root (Sheng Jiang)
- Green tea(Lu Cha)
- Mongolian milkvetch (Huang Qi)
- Southern ginseng (Jiaogulan)
- Lotus leaf (He Ye)
- Poria Cocos (Fu Ling)
- Adenophora Root (Nan Sha Shen)
- Chinese Red Date (Jujube)
- Mulberry Fruit (Sang Shen Zi)
- Eucommia Bark (Du Zhong)
- Fennel Seed (Xiao Hui Xiang)
- Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen)
A UNIQUE APPROACH TO WEIGHT LOSS
Have your attempts at weight loss been unsuccessful? Maybe you just need to take a different approach.
Quality Acupuncture Inc. is a leading acupuncture clinic in Orange, CA, dedicated to optimizing health and wellness. We offer patients acupuncture and other treatments based on TCM. Led by licensed acupuncturist Greg G. Maruki, L.Ac, MAOM, Quality Acupuncture Inc. combines techniques such as acupuncture, percussion therapy, and cupping to treat a variety of conditions, including weight gain.
Call us at 714-532-2827 or use our convenient online scheduling form to set an appointment. We’re conveniently located at 2832 E Chapman Ave. in Orange, CA, just east of Hwy 55 between S Yorba St and Prospect St. Our office hours are Monday – Friday from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Quality Acupuncture Inc. accepts most forms of insurance and always welcomes new patients.