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Acupuncture and Weight Loss: The Dynamic Duo!

By: Gail M. Davis Acupuncture and weight loss is certainly one of the many controversial subjects in the diet world. Even though the failure rate is incredibly high, Americans spend 33 billion dollars a year on weight loss programs and products. Is it any wonder that people are looking for healthy alternatives to traditional dieting that present no side effects and no chance for addiction?

Acupuncture as a medical procedure began over 2,000 years ago. China is considered to be the leading authority on the subject, but Japan and Korea use it extensively as well. Acupuncture uses long, thin, stainless steel needles, which are inserted into over 2,000 pressure points in the body. By 2002, over 8.2 million Americans had utilized the procedure for a variety of health reasons.

Why are acupuncture and weight loss being combined? According to supporters of acupuncture, it is beneficial to weight loss because it improves energy levels, leaving many dieters feeling able to exercise. It also decreases muscle pain, allowing for quicker recoveries from workouts. Acupuncture is known to increase metabolism, reduce stress, and improve circulation, all things important to dieters.

An added bonus is that Chinese researchers reported that test subjects who used acupuncture lost twice as much weight as patients that used diet alone. They further report decreases in cholesterol and triglycerides.

Ear stapling is one aspect of acupuncture and weight loss that has perhaps hurt its reputation. This practice was devised in America and is considered ineffective and maybe even dangerous. With ear stapling, only two pressure points are used in the ear. Staples are left in the ear and sometimes become infected or dislodge themselves and fall into the ear canal. If you plan to even consider this procedure, make certain you are using a certified acupuncturist.

Most acupuncture patients feel little or no discomfort. Some describe a warming sense or a calming effect, or even an energized feeling. The treated pressure points and the individuals involved would dictate the sensations.

If you're ready to give acupuncture a try, follow these easy guidelines to ensure success. Check with your family doctor first and find a reputable, certified acupuncturist. Select highly nutritious foods for your diet and decrease your caloric intake. Increase your caloric expenditure by adding cardio exercise to your routine. Be patient, but stay focused and positive!

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

Gail M. Davis offers additional information about acupuncture and weight loss along with many other weight-related issues, on her website. Find easy weight loss tips , nutritious recipes, and much additional to enable you reach your weight loss goals.

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