Does Acupuncture for Weight Loss Really Work?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment that has helped individuals find relief from a variety of conditions and ailments from infertility to pain from various injuries. 

One area where it has been used in weight loss. This is not a cure for obesity and will not alone help patients lose weight, but it may be beneficial to those who are trying to lose weight by changing lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise.

This treatment is based on the belief that a life energy flows through the body, protecting it from disease, illness and injury. Acupuncture is intended to release positive energy so that negative energy is pushed out in the process. 

The exact reason for acupuncture's success is not fully understood, although it has been successful in treating patients with a variety of ailments.

Stress may lead some to overeating and binging, which may influence their weight. Finding a way to manage stress is often a good step in the road to losing weight to get healthier. 

Acupuncture is a treatment that involves the insertion of thing needles into specific points on the body, and in the ear in some places, to release endorphins. This may have a relaxing effect on the individual, allowing them to deal with stress, frustration or anxiety in a more healthy way.

Keep in mind, of course, that a change in diet and exercise habits is also likely instrumental in helping individuals lose weight. You should consult your doctor or a nutrition and fitness expert regarding steps you should take to lose weight, but be sure to ask about acupuncture and how it may help the process.

One of the major concerns of individuals who lose weight is maintaining their new healthy weight. As mentioned, stress may be a major contributor to overeating or binging on foods that are unhealthy. 

If the individual falls back into their old habits of unhealthy eating, lack of exercise and high levels of stress, they may regain the weight they lost. Therefore, it is important to continue to eat right and exercise, and many choose to continue acupuncture treatments or learn of ways to help control and manage stress.