Weight loss is an issue that affects most people and with the average clothing size in the UK now being a 16, many people are eager to shed the pounds. However, losing weight can be extremely tough not only on your body physically but also mentally.
There are so many fad diets, exercise regimes and everything in between it can be hard to know what is best for you without harming yourself, but this is where acupuncture comes in.
Acupuncture works as a complementary therapy with your diet plan, helping to ensure you stay on track and stay healthy.
There have been many studies carried out which have produced results suggesting that combining acupuncture with a standard diet helps individuals to lose more weight overall. That being said, many people have misconceptions of what acupuncture is, based on dramatised Hollywood versions with large painful needles which look like a method of torture.
In reality, acupuncture is a very gentle process which involves inserting hair fine sterilised needles into specific acupressure points on your body. In doing so the needles will then stimulate a reaction in your body to release hormones such as endorphins.
It is hormones such as these which promote relaxation, reduce feelings of stress and generally bring about physical and mental calm. It is this calm that can help you on your weight loss journey instead of stress eating or turning to unnecessary medication.
This derives from Traditional Chinese Medicine and within this, there is the belief that weight gain, particularly large weight gains in a short period of time is caused by an imbalance in the body.
In all acupuncture theory, when something is wrong it is derivative of an imbalance but in terms of weight gain, it is thought to be a problem with the spleen, kidneys, and liver. To counteract this imbalance, acupuncturists will stimulate the point on the body which correlates to the affected area.
The kidneys, in particular, are in charge of the water in your body and therefore any water retention issues will lead back to this area. By addressing areas such as these you will begin to see a big difference in your physical appearance provided you are also sticking to a traditional diet.
Most people find that they only require acupuncture once a week or once every two weeks to maintain their diet and continue with a healthy lifestyle. Many patients also report that actively seeking out this support gives them the added motivation to keep going as each week they want to see results.
Despite the importance of the physical side of acupuncture, the individual’s mental state is equally as important as without a positive attitude and motivation you will quickly slip back into bad habits.
To continuously lose weight you must be in the correct mental state which is why acupuncture seeks to maintain healthy hormonal balance in the brain. By releasing endorphins, the brain begins to destress which puts you in a much better mindset to stay on track.
If you find keeping a balance in your life something of a struggle, why not try acupuncture and see what it could do for you? Call us today on 0800 051 76 88 and book an appointment at your nearest clinic.
Disclaimer
The ASA has upheld complaints about ads that refer to acupuncture but where it was not made clear that any relief achieved was temporary or “short-term” (Eileen Mannion Acupuncture, 18 October 2017). The ASA is likely to accept advertising claims about the sensory effects of acupuncture including claims about well-being or references to “feeling revitalised”, “more positive” or “relaxed”.