WEIGHT LOSS WITH ACUPUNCTURE AND CUPPING/VACUUM CUPPING MASSAGE
Chinese Acupuncture is not a wonder cure in the treatment of weight loss. As an adjunct therapy, however it is effective in making it easier to stop weight gain, to lose weight and maintain that loss.
There are many reasons people become overweight - hormone imbalances, slowed metabolism, overeating, poor nutrition and lack of exercise are some of the most common.
From a Western perspective, acupuncture and cupping 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, boost metabolism, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, improve digestion, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety. In addition, it reduces the risk of quite severe consequences of weight loss such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Acupuncture may also increase tone in the smooth muscle of the stomach to help people know that they are full.
In a research review published in 2009, scientists analysed 31 studies (with a total of 3,013 participants) and found that acupuncture is an effective treatment for obesity¹. Another trial showed that electro acupuncture was more effective than sit- ups in treating obesity².
The rationale for using acupuncture for weight control is based in the premise that weight gain could be the result of disturbed energy flow to and from the regulating center of the brain, called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining homeostasis³. It is the body's dispatch center that regulates hormones and neurochemicals, and helps to control body temperature, circadian rhythm, thirst and hunger.
Of particular interest is the ability of acupuncture to influence obesity hormones. Researchers found that acupuncture treatments increase ghrelin, a hormone that controls meal initiation and decrease leptin, the hormone that regulates fat storage and metabolism.
According Chinese Medicine weight gain is imbalance of spleen and liver functions. The spleen is responsible for the functioning of the digestive system, ensuring that the food and fluids are transformed and transported properly. Disharmony of the spleen will result in accumulation of dampness (fat ) with the symptoms such as fatigue, slow metabolism, water retention, loose stool and a feeling of heaviness.The live is responsible for the flow of body’s Qi, blood and emotions. Chaotic 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 entire digestive system to function poorly resulting in decreased metabolism. Liver disharmony can also lead to cravings and compulsive eating resulting weight gain.
Cupping/vacuum cupping massage is another method of Chinese Medicine assisting in weight loss and reduction of cellulite. Combined with acupuncture it:
- Improves blood/interstitial fluids circulation and lymph flow
- Stimulates lymphatic drainage, contributes to strengthening and renewal of skin, intensifies activity of sudoriferous and sebaceous glands
- Breaks down the fat: the large formation of fat of subcutaneous adipose tissue is destroyed.
- Improves metabolism, accelerates the regeneration process and eliminates toxins from the body
Already after few procedures, acupuncture and cupping/vacuum cupping massage reduces waist and hip size and increases the tone, elasticity and firmness of skin.
It is recommended to have two cycles (10 each) of acupuncture combined with vacuum cupping massage for weight loss and one cycle to maintain weight. The program is based on protocols used in weight loss clinics in China – Chinese medicine offers a unique approach to weight loss because it addresses both your physical and emotional needs. However, the number of treatments also depends on obesity/cellulite level, body constitution and patient’s commitment to change diet and lifestyle.
How much weight you will lose depends on an individual’s metabolism, diet, exercise routine and initial weight, but around 10 -15 pounds is common. The real benefits of this programme is that it re-sets your metabolism, so that your appetite changes for the better, and you continue to experience steady weight loss after completing the program.
References:
¹ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19139756
² http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jwh.2005.14.434?journalCode=jwh
³ http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/acupuncture-and-weight-loss
http://www.examiner.com/article/jennifer-lopez-uses-acupuncture-for-weight-loss-to-shed-15-pounds-videos
Chinese Acupuncture is not a wonder cure in the treatment of weight loss. As an adjunct therapy, however it is effective in making it easier to stop weight gain, to lose weight and maintain that loss.
There are many reasons people become overweight - hormone imbalances, slowed metabolism, overeating, poor nutrition and lack of exercise are some of the most common.
From a Western perspective, acupuncture and cupping 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, boost metabolism, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, improve digestion, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety. In addition, it reduces the risk of quite severe consequences of weight loss such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Acupuncture may also increase tone in the smooth muscle of the stomach to help people know that they are full.
In a research review published in 2009, scientists analysed 31 studies (with a total of 3,013 participants) and found that acupuncture is an effective treatment for obesity¹. Another trial showed that electro acupuncture was more effective than sit- ups in treating obesity².
The rationale for using acupuncture for weight control is based in the premise that weight gain could be the result of disturbed energy flow to and from the regulating center of the brain, called the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining homeostasis³. It is the body's dispatch center that regulates hormones and neurochemicals, and helps to control body temperature, circadian rhythm, thirst and hunger.
Of particular interest is the ability of acupuncture to influence obesity hormones. Researchers found that acupuncture treatments increase ghrelin, a hormone that controls meal initiation and decrease leptin, the hormone that regulates fat storage and metabolism.
According Chinese Medicine weight gain is imbalance of spleen and liver functions. The spleen is responsible for the functioning of the digestive system, ensuring that the food and fluids are transformed and transported properly. Disharmony of the spleen will result in accumulation of dampness (fat ) with the symptoms such as fatigue, slow metabolism, water retention, loose stool and a feeling of heaviness.The live is responsible for the flow of body’s Qi, blood and emotions. Chaotic 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 entire digestive system to function poorly resulting in decreased metabolism. Liver disharmony can also lead to cravings and compulsive eating resulting weight gain.
Cupping/vacuum cupping massage is another method of Chinese Medicine assisting in weight loss and reduction of cellulite. Combined with acupuncture it:
- Improves blood/interstitial fluids circulation and lymph flow
- Stimulates lymphatic drainage, contributes to strengthening and renewal of skin, intensifies activity of sudoriferous and sebaceous glands
- Breaks down the fat: the large formation of fat of subcutaneous adipose tissue is destroyed.
- Improves metabolism, accelerates the regeneration process and eliminates toxins from the body
Already after few procedures, acupuncture and cupping/vacuum cupping massage reduces waist and hip size and increases the tone, elasticity and firmness of skin.
It is recommended to have two cycles (10 each) of acupuncture combined with vacuum cupping massage for weight loss and one cycle to maintain weight. The program is based on protocols used in weight loss clinics in China – Chinese medicine offers a unique approach to weight loss because it addresses both your physical and emotional needs. However, the number of treatments also depends on obesity/cellulite level, body constitution and patient’s commitment to change diet and lifestyle.
How much weight you will lose depends on an individual’s metabolism, diet, exercise routine and initial weight, but around 10 -15 pounds is common. The real benefits of this programme is that it re-sets your metabolism, so that your appetite changes for the better, and you continue to experience steady weight loss after completing the program.
References:
¹ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19139756
² http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jwh.2005.14.434?journalCode=jwh
³ http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/acupuncture-and-weight-loss
http://www.examiner.com/article/jennifer-lopez-uses-acupuncture-for-weight-loss-to-shed-15-pounds-videos
