The application of acupuncture techniques to the
treatment of such addictions as overeating and smoking have proven
to be highly successful.
For centuries the Chinese have known that the
ear is an important nexus, or "switchboard", for acupuncture points
controlling many body functions-- especially the appetites. They
used that knowledge to help wean patients off drugs. When used
for obesity, ear acupuncture (auriculotherapy) cuts down on the
craving for food and most patients - especially those with a habit
of not being able to "stick to diets"-- appear to be satisfied
with smaller amounts. For the smoker, both the appetite for tobacco
and painful withdrawal reactions are substantially reduced.
Several theories have been advanced to explain
why this simple therapy works so effectively. The most commonly
accepted conclusion is that acupuncture blocks certain "messages"
which are sent from the body to the brain via nerves and neurotransmitters.
This is why acupuncture has been so effective in the control of
pain. If our brain does not receive the message, then we do not
have the awareness of "pain". In recent years acupuncture has
been used as an anesthesia for surgical procedures. Here again,
if the brain does not receive the message-- no pain.
Overeaters often blame their
excessive intake on a variety of rationalizations, such as "I'm
unhappy at home", "I lost my job", "Nobody loves me", etc. Many
nutritional experts agree that these thoughts trigger the stomach
to send messages to the brain saying "satisfy my hunger, emptiness."
Acupuncture seems to reduce the frequency and urgency of these
self-pampering hunger messages, thereby removing the compulsion
and enabling the individual to more easily cut down on caloric
intake.
There is no mystery or secret to losing weight.
All one has to do is eat less than the body requires as fuel.
But as everyone who has "tried everything" knows, eating less
can be an excruciating challenge. Ear acupuncture seems to work
where all else has failed.
For the smoker the same principles apply. By blocking
the painful withdrawal messages to the brain, even the long-term
nicotine addict can more easily abandon the habit.
It must be remembered that no program of assistance
to the smoker or overweight patient can be successful without
the full participation of the patient. But when motivation is
strong, reports from physicians indicate an exceedingly high level
of success from ear-acupuncture therapy.
Weight Control: Diet and exercise are an important part of any weight control treatment. Eating a low glycemic index, as in the Transitions Lifestyle, will assist in your quest for the life long slender, yet energetic body you are looking for.
Weight loss according to Traditional Chinese Medicine
According to TCM, the root of excess weight is an imbalance within the body caused by malfunctioning of the spleen and liver organ systems.
In five-element theory, the spleen is responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive system, ensuring that the food we eat is transformed into Qi — the vital substance of life. Disharmony of the spleen will have symptoms such as fatigue, slow metabolism, water retention, loose stool, and feeling of heaviness.
The liver’s job is to keep the flow of your body’s Qi and blood (as well as your emotions) running smoothly. Our modern, fast-paced lifestyle and chronic stress can negatively impact the liver’s ability to function properly and smoothly, which, in turn, can cause the spleen and the whole digestive system to function poorly and decrease your metabolism. Liver disharmony can also cause some of the “triggers” that lead to cravings and compulsive eating.
Backed by Research
A growing body of research supports the use of acupuncture and Asian medicine in weight loss:
* A 2003 study published in The Journal of Medical Acupuncture found that participants receiving acupuncture lost more than three times more weight than the control group.
* In a study conducted by the University of Adelaide in Australia in 1998, 95 percent of the participants receiving electro-stimulation on acupuncture points reported appetite suppression. The results showed that the acupuncture group was more likely to experience a reduced appetite and to lose weight than the control group.
The Acupuncture Weight Loss Treatment
From a TCM perspective, the acupuncture points, foods and herbs that are chosen to assist with weight loss directly influence the Qi of the spleen and liver systems to treat the root imbalances that are causing the weight gain.
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.
Gaining Vitality, Losing Weight (article by Acu-Finder, Sam Gaines)
“Over the years, we discovered that, in fact, people with fatigue and pain couldn't lose weight. Remove prescription medications, fatigue, and pain, and people successfully lost weight and kept it off.”
That’s exactly what other patients of acupuncture and TCM report, too. “I originally sought help for severe, debilitating arthritis pain,” reports “Cindy.”
Dr. Ana and her staff started Cindy on a weight loss program that incorporated nutrition according to the “five flavors” of food, a balanced approach to supplying the body’s energy needs through diet, and an exercise regimen, which is geared toward enhancing Qi flow through the body’s meridians. On top of that, Cindy received acupuncture treatments that Dr. Ana adjusted as her needs changed.
The result? “I lost 45 pounds and have been successful in maintaining my goal weight,” Cindy reports. “My energy levels are excellent, and I move much more easily than I did. And I am walking and sleeping without pain.” more....
