Tag: Reduces Pain

Acupuncture and Weight Loss

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Acupuncture and Weight Loss…yes, kind of

At least once a week in the clinic, I get the question “Can acupuncture help with weight loss?” My answer – “yes… kind of” – has a long caveat in front of it, so let’s break it down. 

Here’s a view of both sides

Here’s the bad news – acupuncture alone will (most likely) not cause you to lose weight. Let’s be real, I wish I had the magic bullet for weight loss as much as anyone. But, it’s more important to me to be honest; and my honest truth is that acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help support you in your weight loss journey, not make the weight fall off for you. Unfortunately. 

The good news is, though, that even though there’s no mystical, magical weight loss point, incorporating regular acupuncture into a weight loss regimen can make your journey easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable. Here’s how: 

Keeping you comfortable during exercise

Most weight loss programs incorporate exercise, and we all know that increasing exercise usually means some type of discomfort – like achy knees, backs, feet and shoulders. Acupuncture can help you recover quickly from any of these exercise related aches and pains so that you can get back to the trail, treadmill or pool. 

Optimizing your metabolism

Healthy metabolism comes from healthy digestion. Acupuncture can help regulate your digestion so you’re absorbing nutrients and eliminating wastes optimally, which will fuel your metabolism and support burning calories. 

Managing stress and maintaining motivation

Weight loss can be stressful, with all the changes to your lifestyle, schedule and diet. Using acupuncture to manage stress can help decrease your cortisol, which can support weight loss. And decreased stress allows your motivation to stay present and focused on your weight loss goal. 

Keeping cravings at bay 

This is about as close to a magical weight loss point as it comes – there are protocols, specifically involving auricular (ear) acupuncture, that can help diminish cravings. To be clear, this won’t keep you from eating unhealthy food, but it does give you a little extra emotional and energetic support when it comes to making the choice not to eat unhealthy food. 

Maryville Acupuncture and acupuncture for weight loss

So, there’s the skinny on how acupuncture can support you on your weight loss journey. Making changes is hard and we’re here to help.

If you’d like to talk more about how incorporating acupuncture can support a healthier you, don’t hesitate to reach out via email (info@maryvilleacupuncture.com), social media, or give us a call at 865.315.3157.

What is Qi?

You’ll hear us mention a term in the clinic called “qi”. But what is “qi” and what does it actually mean? Many proponents of Chinese Medicine may describe qi as the life force within any living being. This life force means there is the presence of qi and qi is necessary for life to continue. But, that answer doesn’t really allow us to fully comprehend the concept of qi, nor understand how and why we use the term around the clinic.

What does this mean?

To keep it simple, qi as an overarching label for all of the physiological processes happening in the body. From the action of the enzymes in our digestive tract, to hormones traveling through our blood stream to much more. Qi may also be compared to our breath. Breathing is the mechanism which helps assist in the exchange of oxygen at the capillary beds in our lungs, renewing and restoring chemical equilibrium. Qi is the energy, it’s the movement, it’s the descriptor of anything happening in our bodies. 

When our qi is off balance it might cause us to feel pain, tiredness, hormonal imbalances, or various other symptoms. In acupuncture, the acupuncture needle can be thought of as a messenger that helps realign the qi and helps the body return to it’s equilibrium. Research shows that acupuncture increases blood flow and circulation, boosts endorphins, the immune system and reduces pain.

So can you feel qi?

While this answer varies in each individual, most people describe the feeling of acupuncture as having a deep tissue massage but more relaxing. The nervous system reacts to acupuncture needles in the body and increases feelings of relaxation. At Maryville Acupuncture we strive to offer safe, comfortable, and effective treatments. That way, each treatment becomes a collaboration between you and your acupuncturist to move and nourish your qi to support your healing and well-being.