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Approximately 42% of Americans will be considered obese by 2030. This is a staggering prediction! It seems that we are on a never-ending quest for that magic bullet. But is there really a magic fix for obesity? I fear not, as obesity is a complex issue that oftentimes requires a multidisciplinary approach. However, Traditional Chinese Medicine may be another option for weight management.
In the recent May 2012 publication of Obesity Reviews, a team of researchers performed a detailed systematic review of clinical studies looking at acupuncture and obesity. When compared to no treatment and pharmaceutical medications, the acupuncture studies showed:
- Greater weight loss
- Decreased BMI
- Decreased weight circumference
As impressed as I was with this recent systematic review, I can remember a time when I was not so convinced of acupuncture’s effect on weight management. Confession: Once upon a time, I would cringe as patients asked if acupuncture could help with weight loss.
I, too, have battled weight my entire life as I have a very strong family history of obesity and other co-morbidities. Just looking at a cupcake would cause a 15 lb. weight gain, let alone eating one. I clearly recall a childhood memory of exercising with Richard Simmons on TV with the hopes of getting out of my “husky” jeans. I established a strong opinion that there was absolutely no easy fix in the battle of the bulge; a proper regimen of diet and exercise was the only viable option for weight management, end of story. I was, admittedly, myopic.
In Beijing, my perspective began to change slightly after treating countless patients for weight-related complaints. We encouraged patients to be diligent with healthful diet and exercise habits prior to initiating acupuncture treatments. Week after week, patients began reporting success in weight loss, but, in my mind, I always questioned whether it was the acupuncture that helped, or simply because they were dieting and working out regularly.
At some point in my career, I began to finally open myself to the idea that, yes, there is validity to Eastern Medicine’s approach to weight management. I began paying attention to my peers and my mentors. I began listening to my patients as they reported decreased cravings for salt and sugar, suppressed appetite, and weight loss. I went back to square one and opened my Eastern Medicine textbooks to relearn all that I had subconsciously closed myself off from learning.
These days, I make a concerted effort to stay current on what the scientific community has to say regarding this topic.
In addition to acupuncture’s efficacy on weight loss, scientists have provided explanations on howacupuncture promotes weight loss:
- Increases metabolism: Auricular (ear) acupuncture has been shown to temporarily increase basal metabolic rate and suppresses appetite via effects on the autonomic nervous system.
- Improves insulin resistance: There is some data supporting acupuncture’s effectiveness on addressing a condition called insulin resistance, which is associated with metabolic syndrome. This is done by altering activity of the sympathetic nervous system and possibly correcting the insulin signal defect.
- Decreases abdominal fat: An MRI study demonstrated a decrease in abdominal fat storage after acupuncture treatments.
- Appetite suppression: In the rat model, electro-acupuncture influenced the hypothalamus and obesity-related hormones to promote appetite suppression.
Clearly, obesity is not a simple issue, nor is it easy to fix. Focus on optimal health by way of proper nutrition, maintaining an active lifestyle, and applying stress management techniques. Using integrative approaches like acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine may just be the additional resource needed to enhance your weight-management regime.
HEALTH CLINIC
106 NUTGROVE AVE RATHFARNHAM D14
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
PH 0868362705
CONSULTATION
We treat all ages sexes and sizes, with a Taylor made weight loss plan.
On your first visit a detailed assessment is carried out.
This includes, Chinese tongue pulse and facial diagnoses, past and current
medical history, nutrition diet and lifestyle assessment. An allergy/food intolerant test. Allergies and food intolerance's can cause symptoms including weight gain, bloating, toxic overload, bowel and digestive upset, sluggish metabolism, nutritional
deficiencies, organ and system imbalances, raised PH levels and chronic
fatigue. This can lead to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. The testing used is non-invasive and pain
free. It incorporates Chinese medicine, bio-resonance, muscle testing, nutrition and diet therapy. We test for a wide variety of foods. We also check for nutritional deficiencies, organ
imbalances, toxins, PH / acid balance, intestinal flora and the immune
system.Depending on the diagnoses, a treatment plan will then be advised
for you. This may involve exclusion diet, acupuncture / needle free
acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition diet and lifestyle changes. We also recommend Auricular Acupuncture for appetite surpression, and weekly weigh ins.(95% success rate for appetite surpression leading to weight loss, using auricular acupuncture)
Any exclusion diet will be fully explained and include recommendations for alternative foods. All consultations are strictly private and by appointment only.
Obesity is the medical term
used to describe the state of being overweight to the point where it is harmful
to your health. Click on the link below for some shocking facts!!!
How does tcm view obesity
what can tcm do for obesity??
acupuncture has the ability to influence obesity hormones. Research measuring the effectiveness of acupuncture for weight loss found treatments increased ghrelin, a hormone that controls meal initiation and decreased leptin, the hormone that regulates fat storage and metabolism.
The guiding principal is that acupuncture can power up any other weight control strategy by curbing appetite, quelling cravings, boosting metabolism, improving digestion, regulating obesity-related hormones and enhancing the way nutrients are used. It also strengthens the function of the liver, the organ that produces many chemicals critical for digestion, processing nutrients and breaking down of fats.
FACTS
· A study published in The Journal of Medical
Acupuncture found that participants receiving acupuncture lost more than three
times more weight than the control group.
· In a study conducted by the University of
Adelaide in Australia in 1998, 95 percent of the participants receiving
electro-stimulation on acupuncture points reported appetite suppression.
95% success rate for
appetite surpression leading to weight loss, using auricular acupuncture
CHINESE HERBS AND OBESITY
Have we figured out yet that diets don’t work? If you are on a diet, often you may lose weight while you are on that diet, but statistics show that most people later on gain back not only the weight they lost, but a few extra pounds in addition!
Is it important to you to lose weight without using weight loss drugs? Did you know that Chinese herbs can help?
As evidenced by a long history of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Chinese are well versed in how to promote healing and good health. Chinese herbs can be especially useful in boosting metabolism and most of these herbs can be easily found at a health food store.
Chinese herbs are useful in weight loss in three ways:
1) to help speed-up digestion
2) to boost metabolism
and
3) to assist detoxification
Some herbs in the Chinese tradition which are helpful for weight loss are classified as “medicinal” herbs. In this article, we are going to focus more on the “tonic” herbs classification, because the tonic herbs are generally safe for anyone to take on a regular basis, whereas it would be recommended to consult with an expert before starting a program of medicinal herbs.
Metabolism-boosting herbs include things like astragalus, ginseng, cordyceps, eucommia, cinnamon, ginger, and epimedium. Detoxifying herbs can help reduce appetite and include things like coptis, scute, longan, bupleurum, salvia and others.
Chinese herbs for weight loss help to build up digestive energy. If digestion speeds up, more elements from the food can be digested properly and taken away from the body before they transform into fat. Used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, metabolism-boosting herbs help people to lose weight.
A great example of a metabolism-boosting herb is Ginseng. When the qi/chi, and yang energy are increased, metabolism can get a boost. Ginseng is a popular herb used to boost energy and prevent heart disease. Ginseng has antioxidant properties and can help to overcome fatigue and increase energy. It can help lower high blood pressure, which results in a healthier cardiovascular system.
To gain maximum benefits from Ginseng, one should use a maximum of 1g of ginseng daily for 2-3 weeks and then take a break, and start again. While ginseng boosts metabolism and increases energy, it may even encourage people who consume it to increase their regular exercise routine. Simultaneously, Ginseng helps improve digestion, which in turn aids in fat burning. Ginseng can be especially beneficial to those who gain weight in the abdomen.
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| GINGER |
As important as WHAT you eat is HOW you eat. Here are some more tips to maximize weight loss, no
matter what program you are on:
Eat regularly
Eating regularly will increase assimilation of nutrients. Nature is rhythmic, and likewise, your body
adjusts to natural cycles. The cycle of hunger and satiety fits this pattern. Timing is important for optimal
digestion, providing the correct quantities of digestive fluids and enzymes at just the right time.
Be present
As you eat, notice what you are thinking about. Are you noticing the taste of the food and how it feels
in your mouth or are you thinking of the next task that has to be accomplished? Forgive yourself for
any lack of presence and just practice returning your attention to the present moment. When you are
present, you will feel more satisfied by less food.
Eat moderately
Science has shown that calorie restriction is one of the best ways to achieve longevity. You may not
want to count every single calorie you ingest, but it’s a good idea to have a general sense of what
you eat in a day. If you eat more than 1500 calories in a day, chances are, you will not be losing much
weight. On the other hand, it’s important to eat at least 1000 calories a day to maintain energy for your
body’s needs.
Take inventory of your life
Overeating is a sign that food holds too much importance in your life. There are many other pleasures in
life besides food. Take up a new hobby. Learn a new language. Make some new friends. Add something
pleasurable to your life. Try something different, start a new project, go somewhere you’ve never been
before. Challenge yourself to add fulfillment to your life in ways other than by adding calories.
Chinese herbsWhen including Chinese herbs in your program to lose weight, make sure you drink lots of water to help
flush out toxins and stay hydrated. Adding Chinese tonic herbs to your routine can not only help lose
weight and boost metabolism, but you may feel more energy, may need less sleep and find immune
system benefits as well.
Perseverance Works!Don’t give up! If you do not give up, eventually you will succeed!
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