Body And Balance: Can Acupuncture Help With Weight Loss?

Modern medicine has a lot of achievements to boast about. Its multi-colored feather cap tells the story of all those who have been given a second chance in life, which is quite difficult. However, modern medicine also finds itself deep-rooted in the principles of traditional medicine. Ever since humankind discovered the powers of healing and rejuvenating, traditional medicine has been in place.

As time passes a lot of us are turning towards the doyens to find answers to our puzzling questions. What actually works to lose weight tops the list. Is it the diet, workout, or medication? If yes, is it those brightly colored tablets one pop or are the secrets hidden in the mysterious ancient texts? This blog attempts to answer one such question that has been on the minds of everyone once or perhaps twice. Can acupuncture help with weight loss? Read more to know what we find out!

What Is Acupuncture?

We know that it has something to do with needles and is a part of traditional Chinese medicine but what more? Let’s explain that quickly to you. The needles are to be stuck in the body which correspond to special pressure points. The pressure points are known to have the movement of life or chi.

It shouldn’t be practiced by a layman and only by an acupuncturist who will then apply force to the needles and thus providing relief from chronic growing pains. Those who are apprehensive to take the procedure would be delighted to know that there is plenty of research to prove that acupuncture is indeed effective.

Benefits Of Acupuncture

Plenty of benefits are attributed to the practice of acupuncture. Some of them include-

1. Find your peace– In the present times, it is quite difficult to balance everything-work, life, love, and family. So if vacations seem too far away on the calendar, then you can get help from an acupuncturist.

2. No more pain but just gains– This is one of the popular benefits of this technique. It works on the pressure points to alleviate all kinds of injury including neck and back.

3. Breathe freely– Some of us are constantly struggling with breathing. With pollution spreading its tentacles all over the atmosphere, the number of asthmatics is at an all-time high. Now acupuncture can aid you to have a sigh of relief literally!

3. Good for eyes-Apparently maneuvering the needles can also relieve you from eyesight troubles.

4. Stomach troubles– You can also bid adieu to digestive distress that can usurp many of your normal body functions.

5. Full of energy-When you are in your full health obviously you will be busting with energy.

Can Acupuncture Help With Weight Loss?

Though we listed a number of benefits to the application of acupuncture, we are yet to answer the real question. Does it help lose weight? According to many major breakthrough studies on obesity, acupuncture can be a good way to lose weight.

As mentioned above acupuncture has an array of benefits that directly or indirectly to weight loss. For instance, acupuncture reduces stress. Now we know how crucial it is to be in the right headspace to follow a diet and engage in strenuous activities. This means bye-bye fat.

Additionally, it can increase your immunity which again works towards the initiative. If you refer to “Mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for simple obesity” by Zhong-Yu-Zhou, the trials have been able to uncover that acupuncture can metabolize the activity of organs.

This means a better digestive system to process all the fibers and proteins you consume. Without a doubt, it could upgrade our metabolic system to be top-notch. What happens if you have a great metabolic system? Usually, it is good, now if your aim is to lose weight, it means no more fat settling.

All your diets will work in the right direction and burn the calories like wax. That is a happy scenario. Free radicals can be a big problem on your path to lose weight. They not only attack the anti-oxidant cells but led to the building up of contorted cells and tissue deposits. With the right amount of pressure on acupuncture needles, one can gear up their immune system drastically. You should be careful enough to go to a licensed therapist in order to get optimum results.

What Are The Risks Involved With Acupuncture?

There are no greater risks involved with the procedure if performed under supervision. But some of the minor ones would include-

Light bleeding on the area of contact
Could flare up allergies if any
Needles are prone to break off
Could cause infections due to the sharp needles.
Can cause poisoning if the needle isn’t clean

We would like to state that a licensed therapist can do away with most of these problems if he/she practices caution.

Who Should Not Opt For Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is not recommended for some people. They include-

People who are allergic to needles
People who are prone to bleeding easily
Pregnant women
People who have a pacemaker in place

There are other ways to lose weight and please don’t practice it if you have any of the above conditions. It is always better to take considerations from a dietitian or therapist before trying anything new.

Acupuncture is a safe practice and can help you lose weight. But do believe in the power of dieting and workout.