When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I didn't know what I was going to do. After the devastation subsided, I decided to take a very standard, western approach to my healing. Although initial efforts were successful, my cancer recurred a few months later. I endured many additional months of treatment before I started focusing on myself. I decided it was time to incorporate complimentary alternative treatments into my healing regimen, including massage therapy. I can't even begin to tell you how much it changed my life. My healing became a process, instead of something I simply had to endure. I hope that the articles on my website can inspire you to stay open-minded about your own healthcare.
You may have heard that acupuncture can help with weight loss. At first, this might sound like a strange and unfounded claim. How can sticking needles in your skin help you shed pounds? As it turns out, though, acupuncture can be a helpful weight loss aid — but not necessarily in the way you're probably thinking. Here's a closer look at how acupuncture helps patients lose weight, along with some tips for working acupuncture into your own weight loss routine.
How does acupuncture help with weight loss?
Acupuncture appears to help with weight loss via a pathway of stress reduction. Think about how much stress you are carrying around every day. It's probably a lot! That stress makes it hard for you to lose weight, and it may even prompt you to gain weight. When you're stressed out, you are more likely to overeat or indulge in foods you should not be eating. Plus, stress causes levels of cortisol to rise — and this hormone causes your body to hold onto the pounds.
Acupuncture helps reduce your perceived stress levels by resetting the nerve pathways related to stress. It also helps alleviate any ongoing pain and stiffness you've been experiencing, which can further lower your stress levels. With your stress levels reduced thanks to acupuncture, your hormone levels will be better suited to help with weight loss, and you'll also be able to make smarter weight loss decisions.
How do you incorporate acupuncture into a weight loss routine?
Don't use acupuncture as a substitute for the steps you are currently taking to lose weight. Instead, add it to your weight loss routine. Start by scheduling a session every week. Make sure your acupuncturist knows you're attempting to lose weight; they can then focus on treating the meridians most directly related to stress. Stick to your diet and exercise routines after your acupuncture session. You'll probably find that you have an easier time doing this.
As time goes on and you start shedding the pounds, you may be able to cut your acupuncture sessions down to once a month. But if you ever find yourself feeling stressed or notice that your willpower is waning, you can make an extra appointment with your acupuncturist.
Acupuncture alone will not cause the weight to fall off. However, adding acupuncture to your weight loss routine can be a very smart choice, especially if you know stress is a huge contributor to your weight loss troubles.
Share7 January 2021
