Qi in Motion Acupuncture

Acupuncture for Weight Loss

Obesity is a state of excess adipose tissue mass.
According to Traditional Chinese medicine, the root of excess weight is an imbalance within the body caused by malfunctioning of the Spleen and Liver organ systems.
Spleen is responsible for the proper functioning of the digestive system, ensuring that the food we receive is transformed into Qi (the vital substance of life). Disharmony of the spleen will have symptoms such as fatigue, slow metabolism, poor appetite, water retention, loose stool, and feeling of heaviness.
Liver keeps the flow of Qi and Blood (as well as 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 lead to cravings and compulsive eating.

Acupuncture is a complimentary therapy. Acupuncture is effective in making it easier to lose and maintain that loss if the patient is willing to change their lifestyle.
The number of acupuncture treatments necessary depends on the patient's goals for losing weight, the speed at which they want to lose, and their commitment to keeping the weight off. If the overeating is severe, a treatment every day for the first five days is appropriate and can then taper off the second week to every other day and the third week to every three days. For the average patient who wants to lose between five to ten pounds, one treatment every three days or twice a week until they reach their goal is appropriate, and then a booster treatment once every two weeks is optimal. After a few treatments, the patient and practitioner will mutually decide when to terminate frequent treatments and then can aim to meet approximately four times a year at the change of seasons when energy levels are unstable and tonification and harmonizing of one's system is appropriate for everyone.

Behavior Modification
The principles of behavior modification provide the underpinnings for many current programs of weight reduction. Typically, the patient is requested to monitor and record the circumstances related to eating, and rewards are designed to modify maladaptive behaviors. Patients may benefit from counseling offered in a stable group setting for extended periods of time, including after weight loss.

Exercise
Exercise is an important component of the overall approach to treating obesity. Increased energy expenditure is the most obvious mechanism for an effect of exercise. Even if exercise had no such salutary effect, it would be valuable in the obese individual for its effects on cardiovascular tone and blood pressure. The acupuncturist can suggest various stress reduction methods that may include breathing exercises(Qi Gong), Tai Chi, yoga, meditation or biofeedback. And since the goal of a weight program is not only weight loss but the maintenance of that loss, an exercise program that the patient likes is the best one to choose.

Nutritional Counseling
Reduced caloric intake is the cornerstone of obesity treatment. The fundamental goal is the sustained reduction of energy intake below that of energy expenditure. The difficulty in achieving this goal has led to a wide array of suggested diets that vary in recommended calorie content. An important aspect of diet therapy should include education aimed at preventing weight gain. A good weight loss program includes nutritional counseling and exercise as well as a commitment to make permanent lifestyle changes. The acupuncturist can help with nutritional counseling and can discuss a diet regimen that the patient can live with and maintain for the long term.