According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 133.6 million Americans are either overweight or obese. With such a large number of people battling their weight, a countless regimens are undertaken, with varying degrees of success. Most people focus on dieting and exercise. But for some, other treatments may be necessary to help fight the battle of the bulge. One of the emerging alternative forms of weight loss assistance is acupuncture. Acupuncture originated in China thousands of years ago, and its popularity been growing in America in recent years.
Description of the Acupuncture Procedure
The acupuncture procedure is quite simple, but it needs to be done by a professional. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, acupuncture for weight loss commonly involves inserting needles into the patient's ear. This procedure is called "auricular acupuncture." Along with assisting weight loss, this type of acupuncture can help to treat various addictions and cravings, such as smoking. The main goal of acupuncture is to help suppress the appetite of the person undergoing the treatment, and possibly enhance mood and energy levels. If administered properly, acupuncture can be completely safe, and is worth a try if a person is trying to lose weight. The Mayo Clinic reassures us that there are little to no side effects, it can possibly help you lose weight, and there are many instances of acupuncture helping to suppress cravings and helping individuals control their eating habits.
Potential Results of Acupuncture Treatment
The impact of acupuncture on a person's weight loss has been debated for many years by medical professionals. In 2003, a study was done that showed that acupuncture helped obese women lose weight, when compared with those who did not undergo the treatment. As Dr. Andrew Weil reports, the study showed that those who had acupuncture done lost a mean of 10.3 lbs, while those who did not lost only 3 pounds. Both groups exercised and followed the same diet. It should be noted that this study was done with only 20 women, but it does provide hope for people looking into the treatment. Due to the low risk and low cost of acupuncture, it is seen as worth a try, even though there is no conclusive evidence that it does help, or if so, how and why. The most important thing about choosing the treatment is finding a properly licensed professional. According to the Mayo Clinic, choosing an acupuncture expert should be done with the same care as choosing a medical doctor. Following the treatment, it is important to follow a healthy diet and to get physical activity every day in order to lose weight. Acupuncture may provide the needed boost that you need to get off the ground.
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