Acupuncture for weight loss is a popular choice among many obese individuals due to its simplicity, safety, and minimal discomfort. With almost no side effects, acupuncture is considered a green and natural method of weight loss. However, there are several important factors to consider when undergoing acupuncture for weight loss. Let's explore some of these key points:
1. Assessing suitability for acupuncture
Some individuals are not suitable candidates for acupuncture, including those who are chronically ill or weak, have a fear of pain or needles, or have a bleeding disorder. Pregnant women should also avoid acupuncture as it may interfere with the necessary nutrition during pregnancy. Additionally, children under the age of ten are not recommended for acupuncture due to their fear of needles and tendency to be restless, which can affect the accuracy and effectiveness of the treatment.
2. Finding a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner
It is essential to seek out a licensed TCM practitioner who has received comprehensive training to avoid any potential harm or needle misplacement. Incorrect needle placement can cause complications such as pneumothorax or difficulty breathing, and if organs or tendons are punctured, it can result in blood in the urine or pain.
3. Reasonable fees and treatment duration
A typical acupuncture treatment course lasts for about a month, with two sessions per week and around ten sessions in total. After completing two or three courses, it is recommended to take a break of one or two months to allow the acupuncture points to rest. Acupuncture for weight loss is not covered by health insurance, so patients will need to pay out of pocket, usually around 400-500 yuan per session.
If a satisfactory weight loss is achieved, individuals can choose to stop the treatment without gradually reducing the number of needles. Some experienced TCM practitioners believe that the requirement for patients to return for further sessions with fewer needles is unnecessary and merely a way to encourage repeat visits.
4. Avoiding rapid weight loss and preventing weight regain
Similar to other weight loss methods, acupuncture requires a steady and gradual approach. Losing 2-4 kilograms per month is considered normal for individuals who are not severely obese. After losing 10% of their body weight, it is important to take a break of one or two months to allow the brain to adjust and remember the new weight. Rapid weight loss may lead to the brain being unable to adapt in time, increasing the likelihood of weight regain.
5. Maintaining a regular and balanced diet
Some TCM practitioners recommend maintaining a normal diet during acupuncture treatment to accurately determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Abruptly returning to a regular diet after the treatment may result in quick weight regain. Additionally, it is crucial to eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to give enough time for the brain to receive signals of satiety and prevent overeating.
Precautions:
1. Diet: It is not advisable to excessively restrict food intake or adopt starvation methods during weight loss. Extreme dieting can lead to anorexia, digestive disorders, and potential rebound weight gain. However, it is recommended to control the consumption of sweets and greasy foods while reducing fat and sugar intake.
2. Physical activity: Increasing physical activity is necessary for burning fat during weight loss treatment. However, vigorous exercise is not recommended, and endurance and consistent exercise are encouraged. For individuals with abdominal obesity, performing 20 minutes of abdominal breathing and exercises before sleep can be beneficial for reducing abdominal fat and promoting bowel movements.
3. Ear pressure treatment: Accurate acupoint selection and regular stimulation of both ears are essential for ear pressure treatment. It is recommended to massage the ears for 5-6 minutes before meals, three times a day, until the ears feel warm. This is a key factor in achieving weight loss goals.
Conclusion:
After carefully reading the information provided above, you should now be aware of the important considerations when undergoing acupuncture for weight loss. Acupuncture is an effective method for weight loss with minimal side effects. If you aspire to achieve a slimmer figure, acupuncture could be a suitable option for you to consider.
