ACUPUNCTURE FOR WEIGHT LOSS 2

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There are countless ways to lose weight. Sometimes traditional methods work and sometimes non-traditional methods can boost your weight loss program, as well. That's why many people turn to acupuncture for weight loss. But there are things you need to know about the traditional Chinese procedure before you try it.  Make sure you get all the facts before you use acupuncture to lose weight.

Acupuncture for Weight Loss

Recent studies have evaluated the use of acupuncture for weight loss.

In one research review, scientists compared the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to several prescription obesity drugs that are used widely in the United States. They found that the alternative methods were just as effective at treating obesity but had fewer side effects than the medications.

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Other studies have also found that acupuncture can promote weight loss, although many of the studies are small and use testing methods that are not always rigorous.

If you use acupuncture while you are trying to lose weight you're most likely to get the best results if you pair the treatment with lifestyle changes. "Any acupuncture treatment would be more effective when the patient changes his/her eating habits and lifestyle habits, like exercise, sleep patterns and exposure to stress," says Gabrielle Zlotnik, a licensed Classical Acupuncturist who has been practicing for ten years.  "Acupuncture can help initiate the change, which would lead to healthy life, but can not replace the personal involvement of the patient in the process of weight loss or any other healing."

Should Try Acupuncture to Lose Weight?

Acupuncture may help you lose weight and improve the way your body functions. Gabrielle explains that "acupuncturists look at every problem presented by the patient as an imbalance, not a sickness. The person can get back to balance, from dis-ease to total ease, to bliss." But before you invest, be sure to evaluate the cost of your treatment as many insurance companies do not cover the procedure.

Then take the time to find a licensed acupuncture practitioner in your area and work together with the provider to develop a complete plan to keep your body feeling strong, flexible and healthy.

Sources:

Cabýoglu MT, Ergene N, Tan U. " The treatment of obesity by acupuncture." The International Journal of Neuroscience 2006 Feb;116(2):165-75.

Sui Y, et al. "A systematic review on use of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for treatment of obesity." Obesity Reviews. 2012 May; 13(5):409-30.

Wang Q, et al. "Weight reduction effects of acupuncture for obese women with or without perimenopausal syndrome: a pilot observational study." American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2012;40(6):1157-66.

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