Acupuncture originates in Chinese traditional medicine, where it was thought that inserting thin needles into certain pressure points to restore energy-also known as “chi.”
Nowadays, it is still used but under more scientific beliefs. Modern medicine uses acupuncture for various ailments as it is thought to stimulate nerves, joints, and muscles.
Potential benefits include relief and treatment for allergies, stiff muscles, Osteoporosis, sleeping problems, migraines, depression, and even weight loss.
What can I expect If I go for acupuncture?
A session for acupuncture lasts around an hour or half an hour. The first portion of the consult involves discussing your reasoning for turning to acupuncture, a background look into your health and any health problems you are currently suffering from, any allergies, and a breakdown of what you can expect during an after an acupuncture session.
Many people will ask if it is painful-and, it would be strange not to, as needles are being stuck into your skin! But it is relatively painless, and there is only slight discomfort when each needle is inserted, but that disappears within a few seconds.
Depending on your condition, you will lie face down or up, depending on where needles need to be placed, and the actual needle session only takes around half an hour.
Once your session is over, you will discuss aftercare practices you can do, discuss how many treatments and how long treatments will be required with your acupuncturist.
Can Acupuncture Assist In Weight Loss?
While there are no scientific claims that weight loss can be completely related to acupuncture, many people have promoted acupuncture in conjunction with other techniques to increase your weight loss and keep you on track.
Some say that even the belief that acupuncture helps you lose weight can cause a placebo effect on the brain, causing us to work harder at losing weight and feeling more motivated subconsciously.
There are, however, many people, including doctors, that say that acupuncture can assist in losing weight, and here’s how.
It may boost healthy digestive processes
This is very important, as a healthy digestive system is crucial for good metabolism and minimalizing bloating, indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea.
It can help with anxiety and stress
The less stressed you feel, the less likely you will give up on a weight loss journey or turn to comfort eating. If you feel calmer and happy, you are more motivated to do things like work out and achieve goals.
It can assist with improved sleep
This is very important when it comes to weight loss as an out of whack sleep schedule often leads to bad diet choices, tiredness and lack of motivation, and late-night snacking.
It gives you an increase in energy
Energy is so important when it comes to losing weight. The more energy you have, the more effort you’ll put into planning your diet daily, cooking at home, and avoiding fatty take-outs. It will also result in more activity, which is key to losing the pounds.
While some may argue about points to use for weight loss, at least some of these points seem to agree. Many of these points can be dependent on whether or not you may have any underlying health issues which may hinder your journey.
The five most popular points are
Tummy
Essential for digestion, metabolism, and all-around gut health.
Ear
Scientists interested in acupuncture have concluded that the ear is essential in acupuncture in general. When it comes to weight loss, it can minimize cravings, decrease appetite, and the thyroid to increase metabolism-to name but a few.
Knee
This is said to help blood and oxygen circulation, which increases aids weight loss.
Other points that are said to be popular in acupressure for weight loss include the ankle and near the spleen.
