The needles used for acupuncture are thin, designed to work effectively without causing pain or bleeding. The needles are left in the body for 15 to 30 minutes per session. The doctor may lift or rotate the needles depending on the treatment. Many people report that acupuncture treatments are relaxing and pain-free.
For weight loss, acupuncturists focus on the ear. Research shows that stimulating certain points on the outer ear helps balance hormones which is beneficial in reducing appetite.
Acupuncture affects two hormones responsible for weight loss such as –
Ghrelin: which controls appetite and food cravings
Leptin: which regulates fat storage and metabolism
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, weight gain is caused by an imbalance in the body and this imbalance can be caused by a malfunction such as:
- liver
-
spleen
-
kidney
-
thyroid gland
-
endocrine system
Therefore, for weight loss, acupuncture treatments usually target these areas of the body. Acupuncture is performed by physicians to help smokers and drug abusers end their addiction.
Read more-(How to lose weight without exercise and diet)
Ways acupuncture is believed to help with weight loss include:
- Reducing Stress and Anxiety
It is believed that acupuncture helps you lose weight by stimulating the secretion of endorphins. These are natural chemical hormones in your body that improve your mood and reduce stress. Stress and anxiety can sometimes trigger reactions like food cravings or overeating, which can lead to weight gain. Therefore, it makes sense that increasing endorphin levels may help curb stressful eating habits.
Improves the function of the digestive system by pressing specific acupuncture points located on the stomach and kidneys and increases the absorption of nutrients. Acupuncture may help reduce gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and bloating, and may also provide relief by replenishing the body's water intake.
Hormones such as insulin (regulates blood sugar levels), cortisol (a stress hormone that affects metabolism) and leptin (regulates feelings of hunger) are major regulators of your metabolism and your weight. In turn, acupuncture may help improve these hormones and their function, which may ultimately aid in weight loss.
Acupuncture may help boost metabolism by improving the function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolic rate and, when it does not function properly, leads to weight gain. Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the thyroid gland and reduce inflammation, resulting in a higher metabolism and making it easier to burn fat and calories.
Read more-(20 ways to lose weight at 30)