Acupuncture for weight loss: Does it really work?  

Are you considering acupuncture for weight loss? If yes, this article is for you. Acupuncture is a needle-based alternative therapy that's popular because of its benefits.

Generally practiced in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture can be used to ease discomfort associated with all kinds of health conditions, including lower back pain, osteoarthritis, dental pain and labor pain.

In fact, it's believed that acupuncture can help reduce weight, too, but does acupuncture for weight loss really work? Let’s find out.

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Acupuncture and weight loss

Acupuncture stimulates the body’s flow of energy. (Photo via Pexels/Ryutaro Tsukata)

Acupuncture is believed to help stimulate the body’s flow of energy. Studies suggest that it can help prevent factors that contribute to weight gain.

The practice involves inserting needles into specific points in the body. These needles are thin and are placed in such a way that they help stimulate nerves, which regulates metabolism, boosts energy and offers several other benefits. These benefits can have a positive effect on overall health and well-being.

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Acupuncture for weight loss: How can acupuncture treatment help?

First things first, there's not much evidence to support that this old Chinese medicine therapy can directly help you shed pounds.

Alhough, it can’t melt off fat from the body, it can certainly help manage stress and anxiety and improve mood, which may indirectly manage factors contributing to weight gain. Moreover, it can increase the feeling of happiness and encourage you to take your fitness goals more seriously.

There are several other ways acupuncture can help with weight loss, including:

Improving digestion

Acupuncture improves digestion. (Photo via Pexels/Thirdman)

Acupuncture for weight loss can work by optimizing the digestive system. Kidney and stomach acupuncture points can improve gut health and help with digestion too.

It can enhance the number of nutrients absorbed by the body and regulate digestion. That, in return, can prevent bloating, constipation and other digestive problems, which may lead to fat accumulation.

Preventing water retention

Stimulating the acupuncture points in the kidney is one of the best ways to remove excess fluids from the body. Preventing the body from storing water can help you lose a significant amount of weight and prevent it from coming back.

Boosting metabolism

Acupuncture for weight loss can help boost metabolism by improving the functioning of the pituitary gland. Increased metabolism not only helps you to work out more effectively but also boosts strength to undertake daily activities more efficiently. That helps burn more calories, speeding up weight loss.

Reducing stress and anxiety, and improving mood

Acupuncture can help promote the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormones in the body, and eliminate anxiety and stress. When people are anxious, they often overeat as a form of comfort, which leads to weight gain. Acupuncture can reduce these urges while reducing anxiety and stress along the way.

Moreover, acupuncture for weight loss can also work by balancing hormones and maintaining cognition, immune system and digestion, ensuring they function well and optimally. Experts believe that acupuncture of the spleen in the ear is quite effective when it comes to balancing hormone levels.

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Is acupuncture for weight loss safe? Are there any side effects?

Acupuncture for weight loss can work by balancing hormones and maintaining cognitio. (Photo via Pexels/RODNAE Productions)

Well, the safety of acupuncture for weight loss typically depends on the experience and training level of the acupuncturist, and most importantly, the cleanliness of the needles.

If you're considering acupuncture for weight loss, make sure your acupuncturist is licensed and experienced. Also, look out for hygiene, otherwise, you might suffer from infections, collapsed lungs or punctured organs.

Overall, acupuncture can be considered a great weight loss option, but to make your weight loss journey more effective, combine the practice with regular physical activity and a well-balanced diet.