Acupuncture & TCM Articles

Acupuncture And Weight Loss

Acupuncture And Weight Loss

By Lindsey Seigle & Brian Kramer,
Licensed Acupuncturists - Iatria Spa and Health Center
  
Weight gain is one of the most common complaints from adults. According to the American Association of Family Physicians, the average American adult gains 40 pounds between the ages of 20 and 40. That rate has been increasing steadily over the past 20 years. Consequently, keys to weight loss are important for all adults. University of Pennsylvania researchers recently concluded that, in addition to increased activity, lifestyle changes are a critical component of any successful weight loss program. Thus, many Americans are rejecting traditional treatments and seeking an alternative form of therapy.

Acupuncture, an ancient medical procedure thought to have originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, is now offered by many mainstream medical practices in the nation. A study from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey found that an estimated 8.2 million adults in the United States reported that they have used acupuncture, with 2.1 million adults receiving treatment in the previous year.

Promoting overall health and improved lifestyle is the objective of acupuncturists. We use techniques that alleviate physical and emotional stress – leaving the patient feeling healthier without the assistance of medication. Our patients say that they feel little or no discomfort during treatments. Instead, they describe feeling a warming sensation.

Basic Keys to Weight Loss

Lately, lifestyle modification has been identified as one of the most important elements in developing a weight loss plan. Some experts even say that it should be the first step. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recently compared weight loss treatments that used lifestyle changes to those that employed traditional medicated therapy. The study determined that treatments that helped with lifestyle adaptation produced greater weight loss for adults than medicated weight loss. The two treatments were compared in a study that tested the results of weight loss in 224 obese adults, ages 18 to 65 years over a one-year period. In all cases, patients receiving treatments that helped with lifestyle changes lost more weight. On average, patients in groups that combined lifestyle and medication, lost 26 pounds more than double the weight loss of those taking medication alone.

According to The North American Association for the Study of Obesity, important lifestyle factors that contribute to weight loss include stress, level of activity and eating habits. The best results were seen when patients found ways to improve these factors. Patients who applied these changes frequently reported significant weight loss and a decrease in health problems related to obesity.

Acupuncture As Therapy

One of acupuncture´s main focuses is helping patients´ ability to make necessary lifestyle changes. Many people have questions about challenges they face when trying to change their lifestyle. Most often people express concerns about a lack of energy, increased stress and difficulty with pain from new exercise regimens. Acupuncture is mainly helpful in weight loss because it increases patients´ energy, making them want to exercise, and also alleviates the pain associated with a new exercise routine. Acupuncture helps if there is a metabolic condition that may result in weight gain. It increases metabolism, reduces food cravings and improves body-wide circulation.

Surveys in Complementary Medicine tested the effects of acupuncture on randomly selected patients who had experienced varied health problems, including chronic pain and fatigue for as long as 40 years. The patients reported alleviation of pain, as well as large increases in energy. Some patients even reported improved strength as a result of their treatment.

Acupuncture has more specifically been found to reduce weight and cholesterol levels by mobilizing energy stores. Chinese researchers tested the effect of acupuncture on weight loss and cholesterol compared to the effects of diet restriction. Subjects who received acupuncture lost twice as much weight as patients on diets. Additionally, acupuncture patients experienced decreases in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels.

Finding An Expert

Today, approximately 40 states have training standards for certification to ensure that the professionals are qualified to offer quality service. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine administers examinations to acupuncture school graduates upon completion of their master´s degree. Upon passage of these exams, state licensing boards then scrutinize each applicant before awarding the acupuncture license. National acupuncture organizations also serve as excellent sources for referrals to accredited practitioners. These organizations may be found through libraries or Web sites. The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine recommends that patients also consult with a licensed medical provider to seek treatments for medical services. Choosing the right acupuncturist can indirectly lead to weight loss, a common complaint of many adults.