How does Acupuncture Help in Weight Loss

October 24, 2017

One in three adults in New Zealand is obese. Obesity increases the risk for chronic lifestyle diseases including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Acupuncture has been practiced since ancient times in China and used the world over to treat many disorders. Randomized controlled trials suggest acupuncture is effective in weight loss along with dietary and lifestyle modifications. A systematic review of 31 studies revealed acupuncture was more effective in achieving a significant average body weight loss compared to lifestyle modifications and conventional medications.

Acupuncture therapists in Auckland recommend acupuncture as a safer way to achieve weight loss as compared to weight loss surgeries. Following are the ways in which acupuncture can help achieve weight loss and improve the overall health.

Appetite control
A randomized study found transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on specific auricular acupuncture points resulted in appetite suppression that helped in weight loss. By manipulating the levels of hormones, that control appetite, such as leptin and ghrelin, acupuncture can help control bingeing and habitual overeating. Regulation of these hormones also helps improve the sensitivity to the feeling of satiety or the feeling of being full.

Management of stress
Stress makes people overeat, ultimately leading to obesity and other chronic health conditions. Acupuncture therapy helps stabilize the mood and controls stress by stimulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphins, besides controlling cortisol which is the stress hormone.

Pituitary health
The pituitary gland regulates the thyroid hormones which in turn control the rate of metabolism. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the rate at which the body can burn calories at rest and is regulated by the thyroid gland. Acupuncture therapists in Auckland prescribe therapies that can re-energize the pituitary and thyroid glands to boost metabolic rates.

Digestion and gut health
Digestion and the absorption of nutrients is key to avoiding chronic health conditions and obesity. Gut microbes are increasingly being studied for the role they play in health and diseases, including obesity. Optimal functioning of the digestive system is essential to ensuring a healthy gut. Acupuncture improves the digestive system by regulating motility of the gut, acid secretion, and neurohormonal changes. Acupuncture can help strengthen the immune system and eliminate digestive disorders such as bloating, flatulence, and constipation that lead to lethargy and impaired gut health.

Anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is associated with weight gain and the levels of certain inflammatory markers are raised in obese individuals. Inflammation can also lead to chronic conditions including diabetes and cancers.

Improves Mood
Acupuncture is able to induce the release of endorphins in the body, which are feel-good hormones that can quickly eliminate stress and anxiety. Many people overeat when they have high levels of stress hormones, or are feeling overwhelmed. Acupuncture can help to eliminate those urges.

Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation or tension in the gut, muscles and other tissues of the body can slow down the metabolism, put strain on the immune system, and even impact heart health and digestion. By relieving tension and regulating the immune response of the body, acupuncture for weight loss can lower your levels of oxidative stress and optimize your body for weight loss. Studies have shown acupuncture can reduce the levels of inflammation which in turn helps lose weight.

Stops Water Retention
By stimulating the nerves of the kidney and endocrine system, it is possible to stop water retention in the body. This is a very quick way to lose some weight, and help to keep it off, by preventing your body from storing more water than it needs.

Hormone Production
If your hormone levels are out of balance, many different bodily processes can be negatively affected, from digestion and cognition to healing and immune system function. Acupuncture of the spleen and shenmen are highly effective in balancing hormone levels.

Benefits Of Acupuncture For Weight Loss
One of the best reasons to use acupuncture for weight loss is that it is able to provide long-lasting relief without the need for crash diets, invasive surgery, dietary medications and excessive exercise. It requires a small amount of energy, a moderate amount of time, and a willingness to trust in traditional medicine. Acupuncture helps to align the body with your weight-loss goals, namely through its effects on metabolism and hormones, but it doesn’t replace the need to eat properly and exercise regularly.