Acupuncture for Weight Loss: Does it Really Work?

Acupuncture --the practice of using very thin needles to pierce specific sites on the body in an attempt to relieve pain-- has been in practice for over 5,000 years. Recently, its effects on weight loss have prompted numerous men and women to give it a try for the first time. But does it really work? Let’s take a closer look at acupuncture’s potential role in the battle of the bulge . . .

Inserting acupuncture needles into different areas of the body can aid weight loss by making a person feel full, as if they have just eaten. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners, acupuncture for weight loss is simply a modern application of the ancient medical practice.

Acupuncture can also stimulate one's metabolic rate and thereby enable the body to utilize food efficiently instead of storing it as fat. By targeting the right acupoints on the body, acupuncture can help the person fight cravings for carbohydrates, decrease appetite and in the process increase the body’s metabolic rate and help in weight loss.

Before a TCM practitioner starts an acupuncture treatment, he or she will conduct a medical examination, taking your pulse, examining your tongue, and noting how your body and breath smell. This is to ensure that you don't have any other medical ailment and are a good candidate for weight loss treatment. Otherwise, the physician will address your medical problem first, and only after that has been cured will the acupuncture for weight loss begin.

However, acupuncture is not the be-all and end-all to losing weight. Neither is it the miracle cure for obesity. Maintaining weight loss is a multi-faceted effort that is best achieved when acupuncture is combined with eating right and exercising regularly. Therefore, acupuncture works best for individuals who are already eating right and exercising, but still have difficulty losing weight.

 If you have problems with portion control and overeating, acupuncture will most likely not work for you and you should consult with a nutritionist to get to the root of your problem. If you have a serious medical condition, consult with your regular healthcare provider before you seek the care of TCM practitioner.