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Acupuncture and weight loss are certainly becoming a controversial combination. Americans spend over 33 billion dollars every year on weight-related products and programs, and the failure rate is off the charts! Who can blame dieters for wanting healthy alternatives? Traditional methods certainly aren’t working. Acupuncture is becoming more popular since it offers no harmful side effects and no chance of addiction.

Acupuncture as a medical procedure began over 2,000 years ago. China is considered to be the leading authority on the subject, but Japan and Korea use it extensively as well. Acupuncture uses long, thin, stainless steel needles, which are inserted into over 2,000 pressure points in the body. By 2002, over 8.2 million Americans had utilized the procedure for a variety of health reasons.

So, what about this relationship between acupuncture and weight loss? Supporters believe that acupuncture is beneficial for losing weight because it increases the patient’s energy, making them want to exercise. It also lessens muscular pain, allowing the individual to continue with their workouts. Generally, it improves circulation, reduces stress, (and therefore cravings), and it increases metabolism.

Studies also show that acupuncture can decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Chinese researchers even reported that test subjects who used acupuncture lost twice as much weight as patients that used diet alone.

Ear stapling is one aspect of acupuncture and weight loss that has perhaps hurt its reputation. This practice was devised in America and is considered ineffective and maybe even dangerous. With ear stapling, only two pressure points are used in the ear. Staples are left in the ear and sometimes become infected or dislodge themselves and fall into the ear canal. If you plan to even consider this procedure, make certain you are using a certified acupuncturist.

Most acupuncture patients feel little or no discomfort. Some describe a warming sense or a calming effect, or even an energized feeling. The treated pressure points and the individuals involved would dictate the sensations.

Is acupuncture for you? If you’re ready to give it a try, follow these easy rules. First, check with your family physician. Find a reputable, certified acupuncturist. Decrease the number of calories you consume while you increase the number of calories you burn. Add cardio, strength training, and stretching to your routine. Be patient when it comes to results, but stay positive and focused on your goal!

Tags: Weight Loss