Weight management

Weight loss according to Traditional Chinese Medicine

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine over weight/obesity is caused by deficiency of Qi and excess of damp phlegm. The Pathogenesis of over weight is includes old age or genetics, overeating, lack of exercise, chronic diseases, emotional stress and so on.  Over weight/obesity mainly related to the deficiency of Kidney Qi, damage the function of the spleen and stomach, the deficiency of spleen Qi, deficiency of Qi, blood, Yin and Yang, so the body’s transformation and transportation process, therefore the retention of damp phlegm increases, showing as symptoms increased weight. When a patient has depression, anxiety or other emotional stress will damage the spirits of Zang Fu, and then destroy the balanced relations of the five-organ systems. Due to the emotional obstruction, it results in overeating from stress and further disables the transformation and transportation of body and food essence. Then obesity occurs.  From a Western perspective, acupuncture and TCM have been shown to have an effect on the function of the nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, food cravings, and metabolism. All of which can help to energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety.

Acupuncture for Weight Loss

The beauty of acupuncture is that each treatment is catered to the needs of the individual patient. Acupuncture points on the body will be chosen for overall well being with the objective of increasing circulation of the blood and Qi (stimulating the metabolism) and calming the nervous system. Generally treatments are scheduled once or twice a week for 8 to 12 weeks or until the goal weight has been reached. The treatments include a combination of auricular (ear) and body acupuncture, ear tacks or pellets to leave on in-between treatments, herbs and supplements, abdominal massage, breathing exercises, and food and lifestyle recommendations. Acupuncture points on the ears have been found to be particularly effective for weight loss. The human ear has been described as a micro-system of the body in an inverted fetal position; it contains points relating to all major organs and body parts. Auricular points for weight loss are stimulated with small tacks during treatment. Then seed-sized beads or magnets are taped to the points to enhance the effectiveness of the points at home. The beads will generally stay in place for 3 days to a week and can be gently massaged for 10-second intervals if cravings occur.

Combination treatment for acupuncture treatment weight loss

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine are powerful tools for healthy weight loss, by itself or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with other weight management programs such as: Nutritional Counseling and Lifestyle Changes; Chinese Herbal Medicine and Supplements; Breathing and Abdominal Exercises.