Weight Loss
When it comes to being fit and healthy, there is one surefire method: eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables and whole grains and get lots of exercise. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? The fact that one-third of the adult population of the state of Tennessee is obese demonstrates that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is not so simple.
Factors other than diet and exercise can contribute to weight. For instance, chronic stress changes many of the body’s processes and can make weight loss difficult. Lack of sleep can contribute to weight gain. Sometimes thyroid issues or other health concerns play a part in a person’s weight.
Acupuncture is not a magical treatment that will allow an overweight person to become thin after a few visits and with no other changes. However, working with a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) like Wayne can help you develop a practical program of weight loss for you. Acupuncture, massage and herbal supplements may all play a part in that program and he will be happy to consult with you regarding appropriate dietary and exercise changes.
Contact us
Assistance
The First Step
As with any condition, Wayne will first go through a complete diagnostic process with a new patient interested in losing weight. Along with thorough questioning, an examination will help Wayne determine the cause of weight gain and the best methods to help you lose weight. The course of treatment he recommends will depend in large part on that examination.
So, How Does Acupuncture Help?
There are several ways that acupuncture can help with weight loss:
- it can serve as an appetite suppressant
- a powerful method to fight food addiction
- stress reduction
- to address any issues with the body’s digestive processes
In many instances of weight related cases, auricular (ear) acupuncture is necessary. Sometimes, ear tacks or seeds are inserted and left in the ear for a few days. Patients can then rub the tacks when they have the urge to eat, and most find that it lessens the desire for food.
Some untrained and unscrupulous companies and individuals have been advertising “ear stapling” as a method of weight loss and claiming that it is a form of acupuncture. Ear stapling involves the insertion of a surgical staple in the ear, and has caused infections and pain in many people who have had it done.
Only allow a licensed acupuncturist to perform ANY kind of acupuncture on you!
No reputable school or training facility will teach only acupuncture for weight loss.
What About Massage & Herbs?
Depending on your situation, Wayne may recommend massage and/or a course of herbal supplements as a part of your treatment. Every person is different, and Wayne creates an individual plan of treatment for each patient, based on the original consultation, his diagnosis and your reaction to each step of the plan. Your plan may or may not include multiple methods of treatment.
Certain digestive disorders have been found to respond well to abdominal massage and the stress reduction power of massage is well known. You may not need a massage during every visit, or you may need massage more than acupuncture. Everything depends on the individual.
The phrase “herbal supplements” may bring to mind the many weight loss scams you see advertised, but in the realm of TCM, herbal supplements are carefully designed to treat specific conditions. You may need a supplement to aid in digestion or to restore balance.
While acupuncture may not be a weight loss cure, it can certainly help you find a healthy path that will allow you to be fit and balanced. If you have reached a point where it feels like you’ve tried everything and nothing works, come in for a consultation. You may be surprised to find TCM can help.
