The Porcupine Diet. Acupuncture For Weight Loss
If you have tried all the fad diets with little success, why not
try something that has worked for a couple of thousand years,
acupuncture for weight loss.
You might disagree, but hear me out on this; if the same old
stuff isn't working, why not try something new that pushes the
envelope a bit. Acupuncture for weight loss? Lose weight...yes,
get stuck with needles, I didn't think so...until I did some
research. (I made up the name porcupine diet when I was being a
wiseguy and showing my contempt before investigation).
With origins from China, acupuncture is one of the oldest and
most commonly used medical procedures in the world. If you are
looking for an alternative weight loss solution, you might want
to try acupuncture.
Acupuncture for weight loss became popular is 2003 when CNN
reported on successful acupuncture weight loss clinics in China.
An increase in obesity in China led to the practice of
acupuncture for weight loss because Chinese medicinal theory
says that overweight people have imbalanced digestive systems.
Acupuncture can help you lose weight by strengthening your
digestive system. Doing this helps control your appetite and
therefore weight loss is achieved. Some theories suggest that
acupuncture improves metabolism causing you to burn calories at
a faster rate.
Acupuncture for weight loss involves poking the skin with thin
stainless steel needles that are moved by hand or by electric
stimulation. Sometimes the needles are combined with lasers. The
needles are left in place for about 30 minutes.
You can expect to feel heat, tingling and perhaps numbness. In
addition to the weight loss that can be achieved with
acupuncture, you can also regulate your menstrual cycle,
alleviate mood swings, and eliminate fatigue.
Here is how it works:
1. A doctor gives you an herbal prescription that is to be taken
weekly. 2. You visit the doctor for a series of treatments.
After the fourth treatment the electric stimulation is
increased. The doctor may revise your prescription. 3. After a
few treatments, you should begin to feel full more quickly than
you used to. 4. After the 10th treatment you should take a
two-week break to focus on your diet and exercise plan.
It takes time for the body to adjust to acupuncture for weight
loss. But patients have reported that with patience, food
cravings and overeating do disappear. According to the Chinese
Acupuncture Points, acupuncture specialists have defined these
points for weight loss with acupuncture:
Mouth - for the impulsive eater who may also smoke a lot and
talk a lot.
Stomach - for the person who eats even after they're full or
who's constantly nibbling.
Lung - for food addicts, and people who love chocolate, sweets.
Endocrine - for water retention that's responsible for some of
the weight gain.
Adrenal and Ovary - if weight gain is due to menopause or P.M.S.
Spleen - for sugar imbalances and hormonal disturbances.
Kidney - for water retention, and nervous system and hormonal
imbalances.
Thyroid - for slow metabolism.
Be warned though, some doctors do not believe that acupuncture
for weight loss alone is enough to have weight loss. Medical
studies show that daily exercise, diet choices and dealing with
food issues are an important part of the process.
It is also advised that you find a doctor who is certified by
the National Certification Commission For Acupuncture and
Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) for acupuncture for weight loss.
The cost for weight loss acupuncture treatment varies. Your
first visit can cost between $50-$125. Subsequent visits range
from $30-$80. Physicians charge more than general practitioner
and not all insurance companies cover treatment. Common side
effects from acupuncture weight for loss include dizziness,
headaches and nausea.