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ACUPUNCTURE FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Acupuncture can be used as an aid to dieters and to those who want to lose weight. Acupuncture is not a magic weight loss bullet. Just doing acupuncture alone won't shed a single pound. Acupuncture can help dieters in several ways. Acupuncture can relieve stress. So often it is stress that causes us to over eat. For some people, food provides a momentary release from tension and from our problems. Just like drugs, alcohol, and other stress relievers the effect is temporary, and the side effects are consequential.

Acupuncture used alone for weight loss, without the use of diet and herbal therapy, has limited success. However acupuncture used as part of a program that includes diet, exercise, and herbal medicines, can play a useful role.

Certain acupuncture points can aid dieters in another way. By diverting the flow of digestive qi (energy) upwards, some acupuncturist believe they can temporarily create a feeling of fullness in the stomach, thus suppressing the appetite.

Another way acupuncture can help dieters is by boosting energy. Very often people who are tired do not exercise and thus burn fewer calories. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are all about energy. These medical systems have developed highly effective methods of restoring energy. More energy can translate to more activity and to fewer pounds.

Generally, acupuncture used for weight loss utilizes auricular points (located in the ear). In this sense it is similar to treatments used for all addictions. (See: Acupuncture for Alcohol & Other Addictions) This kind of acupuncture helps to relax the dieter and ease the neurotic craving for foods caused by stress.

The treatment usually involves treating acupuncture points on the inside of the ear. Short, thin, sterile acupuncture needles are inserted at several points. The acupuncture treatments often have a profoundly calming effect, creating feelings of peace and well-being. Food cravings based on stress are often relieved by acupuncture.

Generally, to be successful, acupuncture treatment for weight loss should be performed often, however since this may not be practical or possible outside an institutional setting, acupuncturists will place ear seeds or ear tacks on auricular acupuncture points. These are taped to points in the ear and left in for several days. They are stimulated by the patient when tempted to eat.



COMMON ACUPUNCTURE POINTS FOR DIETERS:

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