I've been asked countless times "Does acupuncture make you lose weight?" and my answer has been "No. Niet. Nine. Nope. I'm sorry". Nothing can make you lose weight except yourself. I'm obviously a huge supporter of the old-fashioned exercise and proper nutrition way to a healthier you. There isn't a magic pill or a magic needle that can melt the weight off and improve your health. So what exactly is acupuncture's role in weight loss?
I mean, he would know best, really.
1. It helps you control your stress, which regulates your cortisol levels, which helps to stop stress-eating AND help you lose those stubborn pounds. Acupuncture has time and again been proven to drastically decrease stress and anxiety. Dubbed the 'stress hormone', prolonged increase in cortisol increases glucose production and that excess glucose turns into excess fat (specifically, abdominal fat- is this where you're holding your extra few?) Most people turn to munchies and comfort foods when they're needing a stress reliever at the end of the day. Acupuncture helps your body wind down and deal with your daily stresses more effectively.
2. You're excercising more now, and you need to give your body the proper support. Orthopedic acupuncture works directly on the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the pain they endure. It can relax muscles so they get the rest they need to build up- your rest days are JUST as important as your days of working out. Repetitive movement can cause muscle knots, fatigue, strain, and even a muscle tear if not nipped in the bud. Acupuncture gets stubborn knots to release AND shortens recovery time- preventing a serious injury which will take you out of the game for weeks while also letting you get back to work sooner and looser. Your acupuncturist will also keep an eye out for things like ligament sprain and tendon strains. Also, the proper herbal formula will improve muscle development while protecting the health of your ligaments and tendons.
3. There is such a thing as Eastern nutrition, which focuses less on carbs and macronutrients and more on eating foods that treat your 'constitution'. Feeling fatigued and can't keep up in your spin class? Qi and blood boosting foods for you. Did you quit smoking in your New-Year-New-Me fresh start? Lung boosting foods for you. Craving sweets and need that bowl of ice cream every night before bed? Spleen boosting and damp draining foods are in your future, my friend. Does this all sound like a foreign concept? That's ok, your acupuncturist understands!
Long story short- acupuncture can't be the ONLY action you take towards weight loss and healthier living. However, your acupuncturist can be a crucial tool during your journey. So, consider leaning on your acupuncturist for the support you need in 2016.
PS. Friendly reminder that New Year goals aren't just for weight loss, and your ultimate goal shouldn't be all about those last few pounds. There are plenty of perfectly good reasons to live a healthier life and to lose weight, not just because someone is telling you to fit into that outfit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/09/weight-loss-health-benefits_n_5564250.html
