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ACUPUNCTURE
WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
SUMMARY: Acupuncture for Weight Loss is a medical treatment effective in supporting healthy weight loss plans. It can improve the ability to lose or maintain a healthy weight when stress, depression and/or anxiety leads to overeating, or hormonal imbalance contributes to overweight.
CONTENT:Overview of Treatments
Timeline
Personalized Program
Acupuncture Weight Loss Research
Losing Weight with Acupuncture
According to recent clinical research:
Acupuncture enhances the function of neuro-endocrine pathways that regulate many bodily processes, including metabolism and endorphin release, and when it is combined with a recommended weight management program:
treatments may have specific effects which help to accelerate your weight loss program.
acupuncture addresses two key factors of weight gain, namely stress and hormone imbalance, and is appropriate for those who are just starting a weight loss program, or those who have reached a plateau, and can no longer seem to lose weight no matter how much they diet, or exercise.
reduces weight gain due to menopause.
it works well with other weight loss programs you may be using, so you can get maximum help in achieving your weight loss goals. Because you can create a personalized weight loss plan to suit your individual needs, this helps you to lose weight with fewer restrictions.
Why it Works
(refer to selected research sources page)
Acupuncture stimulates an effect which...
Produces results by altering and enhancing physiological functions, such as soothing and calming the nerves while simultaneously curbing the appetite.
Can raise the metabolic rate while increasing energy and eliminating excess fluid.
Is particularly useful to address the addictions to junk food much like nicotine and drugs.
Moves congestion, stagnation and strengthens deficient vital energy, which might show up as a depressive obsession with overeating and poor lifestyle.
Presents a more balanced, gentle alternative to the harsh, one-sided obesity control methods more commonly available for use.
Requires no specific diet choice, but should be used in conjunction with recommended changes to diet, subject to individual needs.
Decreases excessive appetite, making it easier to satisfy your hunger with less food, and helping to control nervous overeating; acupuncture provides valuable assistance in regaining conscientious eating habits. Once an individual has achieved control of these habits, proper weight is usually maintained with little effort or external support.
Overview of Treatments
The acupuncturist creates a treatment protocol using a combination of ear and body points. Acupuncture points are selected based on the diagnosis: needle location depends upon whether the patient has larger limbs, stomach or hips. There are two parts of the treatment protocol, acupuncture at the clinic, and take-home AcuPatches. The Treatment - Five tiny needles inserted into the outer part of the ear, and several at specific points on the body will allow you to relax (a mild electrical stimulation may also be used between the points). You will probably experience a peaceful, even euphoric feeling due to the release of endorphins, the body's natural opiates or "pain killers."
The practitioner chooses acu-points for each treatment depending upon the patient's health concerns and personality profile regarding overeating. Electro-stimulation might be used on some of these points to increase the endorphin release and stimulate the metabolism. The needles are kept in place for aproximately thirty minutes depending on how much support is needed by the patient.
Take-home AcuPatches
After the needles are removed, tiny ear seeds/magnetic balls (for sensitive ears) or "press tacks" (for stronger stimulation) are placed on the ear to continue the stimulation between office visits. These "take-homes" are covered with tape and attached to specific ear reflex points controlling nerves, digestion, appetite, metabolism, and the hormone balance.
When the patient feels an urge to eat, s/he applies mild pressure to the point or rubs it back and forth for about 20 seconds. This type of acupressure stimulates the point, causes a mild endorphin release, relaxes the patient, and helps them to regain their willpower or resolve about resisting the temptation to eat.
Press tacks must be replaced periodically, and the ears cleaned to avoid irritation and discomfort. The patient removes the tacks at home after three days, and throws them away or takes them out sooner if there is any irritation or discomfort.
Program Timeline
Using acupuncture to "jump-start" your weight loss program yields enormous benefits to your health. Aside from resolving chronic weight–related complaints and health concerns (e.g., aches and pains in the back, knees and feet, sciatica, high-blood pressure, and digestive problems), many participants find that after their treatments, they are back on track, beyond their no-weight-loss plateau, and have developed greater self-discipline to successfully continue their weight loss program.
Oftentimes a patient's health issues must be resolved through acupuncture treatments before weight loss will occur. This sets the stage for more effective (and more permanent) weight loss later in their program. Patients are encouraged to view weight loss as part of a total approach to their well-being, with a focus on restoring your body to a healthy state of balance.
Personalized Treatment Plan
The total number of acupuncture treatments necessary depends on:
the patient's goals for losing weight,the speed at which they want to lose,their commitment to keeping the weight off.
If the overeating or food cravings are severe, more frequent treatments may be appropriate, which can subsequently be reduced to once per week. For the average patient who wants to lose between 10 to 25 pounds, a treatment once a week until they reach their goal is appropriate.
After 2-3 treatments, the patient and practitioner will mutually decide whether to terminate treatments, or to aim at less frequent visits when their energy levels are low, and/or strengthening support and balancing of one's system is needed. For example, after the weight loss goal is attained, a temporary support treatment once every two weeks is optimal. Further treatments (approximately four times a year, at the change of seasons are beneficial for everybody) when energy levels are unstable to harmonize one's system.
When dieting has been long-lasting or interrupted by uncontrollable cravings, low energy levels, strict dietary restrictions, and/or recurring illness, the Herbal Nutrition Weight Control Program is also recommended. These herbal formulations are non-toxic, free of ephedra, and other dangerous side effects sometimes associated with weight-loss preparations.
Individuals on this program may expect to lose 2-3˝ pounds or more a week as part of an overall weight loss plan. Individual results vary, however, and patients with a lot of weight to lose are advised to increase the number of monthly visits for maintenance, or seek additional treatment, as necessary.
Acupuncture Weight Loss treatments also include the herbs used in Chinese Herbal Weight Loss:
Acupuncture / AuriculoTherapy treatmentsChinese herbal medicine and all-natural, herbal-nutrition remedies to facilitate detoxification, regulate blood sugar levels, and maintain energy.
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To make an appointment for your first visit, or for more information please contact:
James Gardner Singleton, AMT, Dipl.Ac., Dipl.C.H.
Nationally Certified Diplomate of Oriental Medicine Acupuncture/Herbal Medicine (NCCAOM)
1720 N. Shartel Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Phone: (405) 401-6380 Email: info@easthealingarts.com
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