Acupuncture, an age old technique, has gained widespread popularity. People have been using acupuncture to lose weight nowadays. However, there are numerous apprehensions and misconceptions associated with the therapy when it comes to weight loss. To give you a clear picture, here is how acupuncture can help you in weight loss.
What Is Acupuncture?
An ancient Chinese therapy, Acupuncture is an alternative form of medicine which stimulates specific energy pathways of your body by penetrating fine needles in the key points. The therapy fosters natural healing of the body and is generally used to treat pain or any physical ailment.

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How Does It Work For Weight Loss?
An effective way of weight loss, acupuncture involves piercing certain energy tracks of your body with a fine needle. This in turn, enhances the endorphins (hormones which make you happy) in your body. As a result of an increase in the endorphin levels, your appetite reduces. The insertion of the needle in the energy pathways of your body also works to regulate your level of metabolism and curbing those unnecessary cravings for food.

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Various Studies and Researches - ACcupuncture For Weight Loss
#1. Department of Meridian and Acupuncture , Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
According to the recent studies conducted at Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea, ear acupuncture is associated with your rate of metabolism. The report of the study that was published in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine states that inserting needles into the five key points in the ear can help in dealing with central obesity.

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#2. School Of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University
Conducted in cooperation with Hong Kong Hospital Authority, the research, led by Sabina Lim, found that auricular acupuncture is an effective method of weight loss. The insertion of needles in the energy pathway of the body results in a reduction of food cravings.

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#3. Department of General Practice, Uuniversity of Adelaide, South Australia
This recent study on the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture, conducted by Dr. Richards D and Dr. Marley J, concluded by stating that, “frequent stimulation of specific auricular acupuncture points is an effective method of appetite suppression which leads to weight loss.”

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Benefits
#1. Increasing Metabolism
By using the method of acupuncture to reduce weight, you get the benefit of an increased metabolism. This helps in improving your digestion and ultimately shedding those extra pounds.
#2. Obesity-Related Hormones
Acupuncture is an effective method for regulating your obesity- related hormones.

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#3. Strengthens Liver
Acupuncture can also help you strengthen your liver, the organ which produces chemicals which are essential for digestion.
#4. Processing Nutrients and Breaking Down of Fats
By strengthening your bodily organs and functions, acupuncture can help you in breaking down the fats and processing essential nutrients.

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#5. Toned Stomach Muscles
When your stomach muscles are toned, it is easier for you to tell when you are full. Acupuncture tones your stone muscles to make you avoid over-eating.
Side Effects
#1. Bruising
A common side effect of acupuncture is bleeding and soreness which follows the insertion of the needle.

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#2. Injury
In case the needles are inserted deeper than recommended, it might cause injury to your internal organs.
#3. Low Energy Levels
Acupuncture might actually bring your energy level down and may make you feel dizzy and drowsy the entire day.

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#4. Twitching
People who are using the therapy of acupuncture may undergo involuntary twitching of muscles. The twitching may also continue after the session.
#5. Anxiety
Despite the fact that the method is used to cure stress and anxiety, acupuncture may end up increasing any sense of pre-existing anxiety.
We would love to hear from you. Tell us what you think about acupuncture as a method of weight loss. Kindly use the comment box to share your thoughts and opinions with us.
Midtown Integrative had success using acupuncture to treat a range of ailments, including migraines, allergies, depression, acid reflux, high blood pressure, insomnia, lower-back pain, immune system deficiencies as well as aiding in weight loss and easing menopausal symptoms.
The result may vary for everyone and in order to get the maximum benefit make sure to go to a good practitioner who has years of experience.