How to Lose Weight Through Acupuncture

In acupuncture, the body's own natural resources are marshaled to encourage healing and wellness. Thin needles are used to pierce the skin at various points. This process is said to boost the production of the body's natural pain-killers, and to speed recovery from illness. Some say that it may also be possible to lose weight through acupuncture. This approach has also been used to tackle a plethora of ailments, including bursitis, cerebral palsy, anxiety, poor eyesight and high blood pressure.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access for contacting acupuncturists

Lose Weight Through Acupuncture

1. Set realistic goals. Acupuncture can a useful part of a weight-loss plan, but do not expect it to be a cure-all for your problem. Plan on making lifestyle changes, such as altering your diet and exercising regularly, to lose weight. Acupuncture can help you stick to your guns by providing relief from the stress and frustration that can cause overeating.
2. Get proper care. Find a qualified acupuncturist in your region by visiting the Acufinder Web site (see Resources below).
3. Understand the factors that impact treatment frequency and duration. Severe overeating may require daily treatment for the first 5 days. For most people hoping to lose 5 to 10 pounds, a treatment every 3 days or twice a week until the target weight is reached will suffice. Frequent treatments end once the goal is reached.
4. Follow your acupuncturist's plan. If you veer off course by binging, missing several exercise sessions or skipping an acupuncture session, your overall treatment plan may need to be modified.
5. Keep seeing your acupuncturist once you reach your goal weight. Many acupuncturists recommend treatment with each change of season (4 times a year) to keep the body in balance.

Tips & Warnings

• Most acupuncturists charge rates that vary from moderate to expensive. Credentials and experience factor into the cost, as does the city in which the practitioner is based.
• Many insurance companies over acupuncture. Contact your carrier to see if this coverage extends to weight loss treatment. Medicare and Medicaid do not provide acupuncture coverage.
• Herbs and supplements will likely be prescribed by acupuncturist to support treatment. These tend to be inexpensive to moderate in price and are not covered by insurance.
• If suffering from severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, do not attempt to treat your condition through acupuncture. Seek the care of a physician.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. Often, only limited information is available about their safety and effectiveness. Each state and each discipline has its own rules about how alternative medicine practitioners can be professionally licensed. If you decide to visit one, choose one licensed by a recognized national organization. Consult your primary health care provider about your decision first. Keep your doctor informed about the alternative medical technique you undertake.