When it comes to losing weight, people will take any number of paths in an effort to shed a few pounds. From fad diets to nutritional supplements, you do have a lot of options—some with questionable safety and outcomes. However, acupuncture for weight loss is one of those alternative ways to support your weight loss journey that offers indirect support that can be quite effective. Here are a few things you may need to know if you would like to try acupuncture to help you lose weight.
The Science Behind Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Even though acupuncture can be an effective tool if you plan to lose weight, the treatment is not going to magically make fat melt off of your body. Instead, what you will see are indirect benefits that may support you on your weight-loss journey. For example, acupuncture may help with things like stress relief, energy, mood, or even craving certain types of food.
Acupuncture has been used as a trusted tool to support weight loss in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, but the scientific data on the topic is limited. In a systematic review published in 2018, observance of 21 different studies found that acupuncture may offer some level of support for those trying to lose weight or curb their appetite. In another review, auricular acupressure (of the ear) was found to be particularly effective in lowering body mass index, even without joint changes in diet and exercise.
Areas of the Body Often Targeted for Weight Loss
In traditional Chinese medicine, obesity or even unexpected weight gain is often thought to be related to several problems that can affect Qi (the vital energy within the human body). Some believe that obesity may be related to:
- Lacking Qi
- Deficiency of Qi within the spleen and stomach
- An excess of heat in the stomach and intestines
Acupuncture for weight loss targets meridians (energy pathways) of the body that have an overall influence on things like metabolism, digestion, and Qi via certain organs. Some areas that may be targeted during acupuncture sessions to help with weight loss include:
- Zusanli (stomach meridian)
- Sanyinjiao (spleen meridian)
- Zhongwan (conception vessel meridian)
- Renzhong (governing meridian)
- Xuehai (spleen meridian)
As mentioned above, acupuncture that targets certain pressure points of the ear may also be used in therapy aimed at weight loss. In total, the ear has more than 200 different pressure points that are thought to influence different parts of the body, many of which are related to things like metabolism and digestion.
Common Questions About Acupuncture for Weight Loss
How many sessions will you need?
The number of recommended sessions will vary depending on your specific goals, how much progress you see, and even the practitioner you visit. As an example, a practitioner may recommend that you undergo several treatments for up to eight weeks if you want to lose somewhere between 10 and 15 pounds. In some cases, you will start out with more visits per week and then gradually taper as you make progress on your weight-loss journey.
Is acupuncture safe for weight loss?
As long as you work with a well-trained acupuncturist in Kelowna that holds the proper credentials, acupuncture is considered to be a safe procedure to try for weight loss. The biggest safety threat with acupuncture for any ailment is an infection, which tends to occur if a practitioner is not using sterilized needles. Trusting a trained professional with acupuncture is always important because improper needle placement and depth can also lead to serious injuries, such as nerve damage.
Will diet and exercise still be necessary to see results?
The true efficacy of acupuncture for weight loss relies on your own personal commitment to making positive changes for your help. While the research has shown that acupuncture may encourage weight loss, most studies pair the alternative treatment with lifestyle changes, such as paying closer attention to caloric intake and getting more exercise.
Find Out More About Acupuncture for Weight Loss in Kelowna
While acupuncture may not mean you see immediate or drastic changes in your weight, this treatment can be a good part of your overall weight-loss plan as a complementary component. If you are interested in learning more about acupuncture and how it may aid you in your wellness journey, reach out to our acupuncture clinic in Kelowna to schedule a free consultation.
