Boca Raton Acupuncture for Weight Loss

The weight loss and diet industry is a billion-dollar business, and it isn’t hard to see why when you consider that America’s obesity rate is rising. Obesity can be caused by a number of things, from poor diet, illness, and stress. It is a contributor to a number of serious illnesses, and unfortunately, fad diets that give easy weight loss are not sustainable. The only way to control your weight is by eating a healthy, balanced diet, and exercising regularly. However, as a nation, we are dedicated to finding new ways to aid our weight loss, and now science has just handed us a lifeline.

Acupuncture can be effective in aiding weight loss, and The Pacific College of Oriental Medicines points to a study published by Medial Acupuncture as proof. In this particular study the technique used was ear acupuncture, and the purpose of this is to manipulate pressure points in the ear in order to control cravings. It has previously been used to help heroin addicts and smokers to drop their habits. However, this study addressed weight loss.

Acupuncture was administered in conjunction with a 15-minute daily walk, and a 2,000 calorie diet. The group was 20 obese women (aged 22 to 42) split into two groups. Both groups were on the diet and exercise, but only one group underwent the ear acupuncture. Without the acupuncture group 2 averaged a three-pound loss,

Acupuncture was administered in conjunction with a 15-minute daily walk, and a 2,000 calorie diet. The group was 20 obese women (aged 22 to 42) split into two groups. Both groups were on the diet and exercise, but only one group underwent the ear acupuncture. Without the acupuncture group 2 averaged a three-pound loss, however, the group that receive acupuncture averaged a loss of 10 pounds and they reported a decrease in appetite.

The thin needles are entered into specific points of the body in order to stimulate energy centers which will trigger healing. For weight loss the acupuncture practitioner focuses on the mouth, stomach, spleen, thyroid, and endocrine glands. The goal is regulating the hormones that have an effect on appetite, metabolism, and nutrient absorption. There are a number of reasons it is so effective in aiding weight loss:

Stress Management
Stress and anxiety can be major triggers for overeating or eating the wrong types of food. Acupuncture can release endorphins in the body to reduce stress, which in turn reduces anxiety and can prevent overeating. Additionally, anxiety and stress can have an impact on sleep, and those who suffer from poor sleep are more drawn to foods that are rich in carbs and fat.

Appetite Suppressant
Leptin leaves us feeling full, while ghrelin makes us hungry. Acupuncture can manipulate the level of hormones in our system in order to suppress our appetite.

Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland increases our metabolism rate, stimulating the thyroid gland. Acupuncture stimulates the pituitary which can activate a stubborn and sluggish thyroid, which in turn speeds up the metabolism. This encourages the body to use up its stored fats for energy, thus burning excess fat which creates weight loss.

It’s worth keeping in mind that while it is safe, easy, effective, and convenient, acupuncture is not a quick fix. It takes time and works complementary with an overall healthy lifestyle. We are your best bet in Boca Raton acupuncture.