There are many lessons to be learned when we study the ways that ancient groups of people acted. We can learn about art, architecture, food, family, religion, languages and health. Much of our current system of doing things is rooted in some very old, but wise, cultures.

Some very old ways of preventing and treating illness are still practiced in many parts of the world today.

America is just learning. We have been completely focused on putting our trust in doctors and pharmaceutical companies that we’re not accustomed to alternative ways to approach health. We have been conditioned to not consider alternative ways of treating our health.

However, many dedicated people are using ancient and alternative methods of healing and preventing disease. These people believe that what was done so very long ago, and is still being used today, has great value and can help in many ways.

In this three-part series we will look at three ancient alternative therapies: acupuncture, hypnosis, and meditation. These are being used successfully by many as part of a comprehensive health plan for weight loss and weight management. This introduction to each of these treatment options will help you decide which one might be best for you.

Acupuncture: Energy Channeling

Acupuncture is based on the thought that the energy that flows within the body can be channeled in order to bring balance and healing. This energy is referred to as Chi or Qi (pronounced “chee”).

Long before the Common Era, acupuncture was being performed used needles made from sharp stones and bones. Sealed documents from 198 BCE were discovered in the Ma-Wang-Dui tomb, which make references to a system of energy lines on which acupuncture is based.  The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine dated about 100 BCE shows these energy channels in the body.

The Great Compendium of Acupuncture was published in the 14th century and included 365 points where needles could be inserted to channel body energy.

Acupuncture became popular in China and was used a great deal for all sorts of medical conditions. It was, and still is, often used with other alternative therapies such as massage, herbs and heat therapy.

Although this alternative treatment spread to other countries, including Europe, it was not until the early 1970”s that American’s began to study its value as part of a holistic treatment plan. This happened after a United States Press Corp member was treated in China for an emergency appendectomy and received acupuncture during recovery.

The National Institute of Health does recognize the value of acupuncture for a number of conditions. It is reported that over 1 million Americans receive acupuncture treatments each year.

Acupuncture and Weight Loss

Acupuncture is gaining respect as part of an overall treatment plan for weight loss. When used with a clean diet, exercise and beneficial supplements, results can be amazing.

The thought behind using acupuncture for weight loss rests in the understanding that weight gain can result in a disturbed energy flow from the hypothalamus in the brain. It is the hypothalamus’s job to maintain balance in the body including the regulation of hormones, neurochemicals, circadian rhythms, thirst, and hunger and body temperature.

Research has shown that acupuncture, when used for weight loss, helps regulate leptin.  Leptin is the hormone responsible for fat storage and hunger.

There are many reasons why people struggle with obesity, including hormonal imbalances, overeating, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and a sluggish metabolism. Acupuncture is a multi-pronged approach that deals with both the physical and emotional aspects of obesity including the following:

Metabolism regulation – Acupuncture can encourage the endocrine system and the thyroid, boosting metabolism and regulating blood sugar.

Food craving reduction – Nothing is more frustrating than feeling hungry or wanting the wrong foods when you are trying to lose weight. Many cravings come from an imbalance in blood sugar regulation. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce these cravings making it easier to stick to a clean and healthy diet.

Stress and anxiety reduction – Several things happen to the body when it is stressed, making it difficult to lose weight. One is that we tend to overuse our adrenal glands, which are designed for “flight or fight” situations only. When our adrenals are over-used, metabolism slows down. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and calm the nervous system. This allows the body’s energy flow to go towards healing, restoration and rebalancing.

Detoxification – No matter how well we eat, we are all affected by toxins. Our world is full of toxic insults, and the body is like a sponge, absorbing these in. Although the human body is designed to cope with a certain amount of toxins, the impact can easily become too great, and our well-built machine cannot keep up. This is especially true if we have other health conditions or our immune system is weak.

By stimulating the liver and kidneys, acupuncture helps the body release stored toxins. This results in healthier digestion and metabolism.

What to Expect with Acupuncture

Be sure to look for a licensed acupuncturist who knows how to use this practice as part of an overall weight loss plan. Your primary care physician may even have a referral to give you. Acupuncture is often used with dietary changes and exercise for the most benefit.

The Points

There are a number of acupuncture points on the human ear that relate directly to eating and weight loss. Some of these points may be included in your treatment plan. Other points may include:

·      Mouth – For those who like to eat all the time.

·      Lung – For people who feel like they have to have sugar all the time.

·      Stomach – For those who eat even when they are full.

·      Spleen – For those with hormonal imbalances.

·      Thyroid – For those with a really slow metabolism.

·      Kidneys – For those who have hormonal and water retention problems.

·      Adrenals and Ovaries – For those with weight issues due to menopause or PMS.

Expect a full program to include at least ten treatments. It is important that you attend all sessions for best results.

The actual acupuncture process is nothing to be nervous about.  Once the points are identified, your practitioner will insert tiny, sterilized needles into these locations. Those who have had acupuncture claim that they rarely even feel the needles going in because they’re so whisper thin they just glide into the skin.

Once the needles are inserted they are connected to an electrical stimulator for increased effect. Again, this brings no pain; most people find they are rather relaxed by this stage as their energy channels begin to balance.

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

To decide if acupuncture is right for you, it is a good idea to set up a visit with a practitioner near you.  They will be able to give you advice and answer your questions.

The increased acceptance of acupuncture as both a treatment and preventative tool in weight loss is an indication of a holistic and natural movement towards health.

CLICK HERE for Part 2: Using Hypnosis for Weight Loss