Treating Obesity With Acupuncture

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Roughly thirty-one percent of Americans, that's about sixty-five million, are considered to be obese. In terms of the scientific/health standards obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of thirty percent or higher. It is well known that Diet/Nutrition & Exercise lifestyle changes are the most efficient means for treating obesity. However, many overweight people are finding regular needling by a licensed Acupuncturist to be beneficial when implemented along with regular exercise and nutritional awareness.
Obesity has no singular cause. Genetics, age, lifestyle, constitution, emotions, and diet are all factors that contribute to the likelihood of obesity. The foods we crave depend on the imbalances in our internal system. At times those very foods are the ones our bodies can not digest which can create a vicious cycle. This can be due to an enzyme deficiency. In the case of low blood sugar which many obese people experience their bodies can not digest the complex carbohydrates such as those found in fruits so they reach for simple sugars like those in candies and sweets. Ingesting these sugars raises insulin levels, and while they provide a short boost of energy their blood sugar quickly drops back down leaving them feeling the need to eat again. In short eating unnatural foods throws the entire system out of balance. Acupuncture can help normalize the system, and aid weight loss when accompanied by proper diet and exercise.

In a Russian study of obese children it was found that regular Acupuncture treatments resulted in the normalization of blood and serum levels, decrease of overall body mass and fatty tissue content, and increased exercise performance abilities. In other studies conclusive evidence was offered to show needling of auricular points helped to lower the appetite, increase satiety with less food, as well as lower insulin and lipid levels. A balanced system also provides more circulation of blood and nutrients to the muscles, bones, and tissues so that an individual can exercise longer thus burning more stored fat without becoming tired or light headed which can be discouraging factors when beginning an exercise program.

Acupuncture in itself will not melt fat away but it certainly does address the health issues that accompany obesity and lead to becoming overweight. Stimulation of the endocrine system can regulate not only metabolism but many other functions of the body. Acupuncture not only focuses on an individual's problem areas such as kidney or spleen function but it also balances the whole person

From PacificCollege.edu