Using acupuncture for weight loss may sound like a pretty strange concept to many. But for anyone who has ever had problems losing weight, you probably know that weight is as much a physical problem, as it is a spiritual one. And when diets and exercise aren’t showing results, perhaps it’s time to switch tactics.
Before going into details, it’s important to bear in mind that, like dieting and exercising, acupuncture by itself probably won’t work. There are no real miracle weight loss cures. And you shouldn’t expect to see results overnight. But getting used to living a healthy lifestyle is something you should do regardless of whether you want a slimmer abdomen or not. There’s no idea to spell out the benefits.
What Is Acupuncture?
Everyone is probably familiar with the basics of acupuncture. A specialist pricks you with some special needles, while you lie down and relax.
The theory behind the practice of acupuncture dates back to ancient China. In the traditional Chinese culture, it was believed that people are drive by a form of energy known as qi. If a person is healthy, the qi flows through the body freely. The qi goes through a whole network of channels that crisscross the entire body. We call these channels ‘meridians’.
But sometimes, these meridians get clogged. According to theory, stress, fatigue, or an unhealthy lifestyle can block the channels. And when the qi no longer flows as it should through the body, people start developing physical symptoms, such as pain.
That’s where acupuncture comes in. Specialists use these tiny acupuncture needles to relieve blockages in the meridians. Once the vital energy can move around as it should, the symptoms go away.
Most scientists are skeptical about the existence of qi. But many do believe that acupuncture can help relieve stress. Those tiny needles can encourage the body to release stress-reducing hormones. And, as we’re all probably aware, stress is one of the major causes for many of our modern day problems.
Stress, Relaxation and Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Many people who feel stress, or even depressed, may find comfort in food. Overeating can lead to serious weight gains, and can make exercising less effective. Stress and mental discomfort can also make you less active, because you don’t feel like doing anything.
Hormonal imbalances can also lead to weight gain. If the imbalance is a constant issue, it’s going to be very difficult to lose that weight, or maintain the weight you want
Acupuncture targets these problems specifically. By reducing stress, and promoting hormonal balance, it can help you get the most out of your weight loss regime. And it can help you maintain your ideal weight, so long as you continue eating healthy diet, and follow a regular workout schedule.
Many who have used acupuncture for weight loss claim it also helped them with their appetite. This may also be a result of the fact that acupuncture helps reduce stress. Often times, the body might think it’s hungry, when it actually isn’t. Especially if it’s used to getting large, rich meals all throughout the day. convincing your body it doesn’t need all of that food can be difficult, but it seem acupuncture can do the trick.
Acupuncture might not work for everyone. That much is true of most weight loss methods. But if it is done by a professional, it’s a very safe practice. And we could all do with a little less stress in our lives, so there’s no reason not to try it out.
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