Acupuncture and Functional Medicine for the Weight Loss
A patient comes in, has several acupuncture sessions and then keeps losing weight. If you don’t know how acupuncture works, this can look like magic. However, modern physiology explains this phenomenon. Acupuncture stimulates biological reactions in many organs and systems and increases metabolism. There is a direct connection between the nervous system and endocrine system and it is responsible for the weight loss.
Acupuncture has been known for thousands of years. It is a classical method and one of the branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine along with Herbology, Traditional Chinese Massage and exercises like Chi-Gong.
By stimulating certain energetic zones we can normalize metabolism and reduce cravings and overeating. Then you start to lose weight! The great advantages of this method are that there are no side effects from prescription drugs. There is no discomfort. You don’t crave any more sugary, salty, or greasy junk food as the body simply does not want it.
Other benefits of weight loss through acupuncture include movement towards lower blood pressure and normalization of glucose. Type 2 Diabetes can start to reverse and hot flashes can improve or stop as the body gets back into into balance. Back and joint pains from carrying extra pounds and systemic inflammation improve and overall quality of life can increases significantly allowing for more productivity and less anxiety or depression.
However, the acupuncture procedure should be conducted by a very knowledgeable practitioner otherwise it will not work well. Classical methods of acupuncture treatment for weight loss consists of inserting needles into biologically active body points. The points are chosen individually and can be related to gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidney, pancreas, and thyroid function – all of which can assist in losing weight. This can require approximately ten to fifteen 30-45 minute long sessions for adequate treatment.
Every patient is unique and eastern healers have a specific approach to each patient. It is very common to see dramatic water weight loss up to 8 pounds first week of treatments followed by more gradual but healthy loss of inches and pounds through the following weeks.
Besides classical methods of acupuncture, the acupuncturist may add auricular acupuncture in which tiny needles or magnets are placed at certain biologically active points on the ear. For example, there is a “Hunger Point” that blocks appetite and suppresses hunger for a long time. It speeds up the time to satiety resulting in the patient becoming satisfied with less food. Also, the addition of certain herbal and homeopathic supplements at specific times during weight loss allow fat cells to release toxins and reduce in size.
Various types of functional medicine evaluation and treatment can be performed in conjunction with the acupuncture treatments. Cortisol, insulin and thyroid hormone status as well as food sensitivities and overall GI tract health are all implicated in weight gain and can be evaluated as indicated during the course of the acupuncture treatments.
Proper micronutrient status can help all of the cells in the body function better. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are all micronutrients that can be evaluated and healthy levels of these are a foundation for good overall health. Repletion of any micronutrients that are deficient can significantly enhance the effects of acupuncture and the success of the overall treatment.
It is very important to remember that acupuncture, along with herbal or homeopathic remedies and the right hormonal and nutritional evaluation and support as indicated, can work like magic. However, it is then up to the patient to continue on the right track. Acupuncture maintenance and follow-up functional medicine consultations help to monitor continuous weight loss.
Our Office Hours
Tues-Fri: 10:30 – 6:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 – 3:00 pm
Sun-Mon: Closed
Acupuncture & Natural Medicine Clinic
11140 Rockville Pike #530
Rockville, MD, 20852
Phone: +1 301-881-2898
doctorhelena@gmail.com
Conveniently located in Rockville/North Bethesda Maryland, and close to Bethesda, Potomac, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring, Columbia, and Gaithersburg, MD, Washington D.C., McLean, Alexandria, Great Falls, Vienna, Virginia and Northern Virginia and more.