Adelaide Massage Therapy
Posted in sydney on by admin
Using Acupuncture For Weight Loss
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) address both the physiological and psychological aspects of weight loss. A comprehensive TCM therapy used for weight issues promotes better digestion, smoothens our emotions, reduces our appetite, improves metabolism and eliminates our cravings for food.
According to TCM, the root issue of excess weight or obesity is due to an imbalance within the body caused by the malfunctioning of the spleen and liver organ systems.
In traditional chinese medicine’s five-element theory, the spleen is responsible for the proper functioning of our digestive systems, ensuring that the food we eat is transformed into Qi, which is the vital substance of life. Disharmony of the spleen will cause symptoms such as fatigue, slow metabolism, water retention, loose stools, and feeling of heaviness.
Our livers’ job is to keep the flow of our body’s Qi and blood (as well as our emotions) running smoothly. Our modern, fast-paced lifestyle and chronic high stress levels can negatively impact the liver’s ability to function properly and smoothly, which, in turn, can cause the spleen and the whole digestive system to function poorly, thereby decreasing our metabolism rate. Liver disharmony can also cause some of the trigger that lead to food cravings and compulsive eating.
A growing body of research supports the use of acupuncture for weight loss:
- A 2003 study published in The Journal of Medical Acupuncture found that participants receiving acupuncture lost more than three times more weight than the control group.
- In 1998, a study conducted by the University of Adelaide in Australia reveals that 95 percent of the participants receiving electro-stimulation on acupuncture points reported appetite suppression. The results showed that the group undergoing acupuncture was more likely to experience a reduced appetite and to lose weight than the control group.
From a TCM perspective, the acupuncture points, foods and herbs that are chosen to assist with weight loss, will directly influence the Qi of the spleen and liver systems, thereby treating the root cause of Qi imbalances that are causing the weight gain.
From a Western perspective, acupuncture and TCM have been shown to have effects on the functions of our nervous systems, endocrine systems, digestive systems, food cravings, and metabolism. All of which can help to energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety.
Most patients report a marked decline in appetite and cravings with acupuncture alone, but herbs, healing foods, and exercises can definitely enhance the efficacy of the acupuncture for weight loss treatments.
Herbs and Healing Foods: The herbs and foods that are chosen during acupuncture for weight loss treatments are for promoting healthy digestion, energizing the body, augmenting Qi, and improve elimination of water, toxins, and waste products. Foods that are bitter, sour and acrid to taste are especially good for weight loss, while sweet, salty and greasy foods should be reduced.
Abdominal massage/exercise: Points on the abdomen improve digestion, absorption of food and peristalsis of the intestines. The abdominal points can be stimulated with massage or by belly breathing, where the abdomen is consciously moving in and out with each breath. Deep breathing with visualization can also strengthen will power and be used as a tool to curb hunger and cravings.
Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine are powerful tools for healthy weight loss, by itself or as a supplementary treatment in conjunction with other weight management programs.
In our struggle to eat less and expend more energy, we may find that acupuncture is just what we need to overcome food cravings, boost energy, enhance metabolism, and increasing our willpower to succeed.
About the Author
Acupuncture For Weight Loss Guide was established to let more people know about this alternative method to lose weight, and hopefully to promote a healthier lifestyle for everyone.
Melbourne Massage Courses Demonstration – Very Deep Tissue Massage by Brandon on Jason part 2
