Acupuncture is an ADJUNCT therapy. It is not a panacea or a wonder cure in the treatment of weight control. But, acupuncture is effective in making it easier to lose and maintain that loss if the patient is willing to change their lifestyle. The mechanism by which acupuncture works is related to ancient theories that interact with how we respond to the seasons, time of day, sleep patterns, emotions and our essential energy or QI. Acupuncture needles painlessly inserted into specific points on the body and in the ear release endorphins which have a calming and relaxing effect that makes it easier to deal with stress, frustration and anxiety that can trigger overeating and binging on fattening foods. Also endorphins affect the digestive and hormonal systems so acupuncture can help re-balance the organ systems that are running too fast- or in this case too slow—i.e., the metabolism and the will power. The Acupuncture Treatment In order for the acupuncturist to choose the correct points for you, you must first come in for a consultation to discuss your particular pattern of overeating, and let the practitioner know in your intake form if there are any real digestive difficulties. Then the acupuncturist would check your pulse to discern the general state of your energy and measure the health of your stomach energy in particular, and then they would look at your tongue to check for cracks, peeling or puffiness on the stomach area, or a suspicious yellow or thick white coating that might indicate troublesome heat or coldness in the stomach and would provide some clues as to why the person was gaining weight. |
