Acupuncture and Weight Loss:
Weight loss is a lifestyle obsession for many Americans where the focus is fixated on calories, carbs and cardio and the goal is always to cut pounds and get sexy abs. For successful weight loss that lasts a lifetime the focus needs to be on the following 4 key elements.
1. A diet rich in lean proteins, green leafy vegetables, nuts, berries and colorful vegetables.
Why it works: Lean protein is thermogenic and encourages a higher metabolism. Green leafy vegetables and nuts contain healthy fats and lots of fiber that help lower cholesterol and detox the Liver. Excess refined sugars and starchy carbohydrates trigger an exaggerated insulin response, slowing metabolism, and promoting systemic inflammation and fat accumulation.
2. An active lifestyle of many different physical activities including about 60 minutes of walking a day. We like to take a morning and evening walk of 20 – 30 minutes each.
Why it works: Walking oxygenates the blood, lowers stress and aiding in digestion. This gives us more energy, better focus and works out the kinks from sitting at a desk all day.
3. Establish a regular and adequate sleep schedule.
Why it works: Sleep is the essential element missing in a majority of our patients’ lives. Many people who have chronic low energy, fatigue and early signs of adrenal insufficiency need more sleep rather than more energy or stimulants. Sleep allows the body to reset itself, get out of the “flight or fight” mode of our daily lives and replenish its resources. Inadequate sleep promotes an adverse cortisol response leading to increased hunger, especially sugar cravings, and accumulation of belly fat.
4. Relax! A daily practice of stress relief is the fourth essential element of a healthy body weight and a healthy life. Some people meditate, others read or take a few minutes to watch the clouds.
Why it works: Stress elevates cortisol, which signals the brain to overeat and encourages fat storage. Setting aside personal time that is only yours gives you a mental and physical break that lets the body, mind and spirit give a sigh of relief before you head back into your daily duties. Some people find guided meditation is best while others find sitting in the sun and enjoying the day is ideal.
Where Acupuncture is beneficial for weight loss is that it had been shown to have a beneficial effect on the function of the nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, food cravings, and metabolism. All of which can help to energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety. Patients also report sleeping better, feeling more rested and less stressed after each treatment.
Patients also find that while working with a practitioner as a coach to encourage them in their goals that it is easier to stay on track and focused through stressful times when they might be prone to overeating or skipping a daily walk.
Body Image is also a crucial factor when considering weight loss. Many patients don’t like the body they have or feel inadequate when compared to models and actors on T.V. In fact, a Psychology Today survey found that 56% of the women and about 40% of the men who responded to their survey in 1997 were dissatisfied with their overall appearance. We can not all fit into the heroine sheik ideals of fashion magazines or get those bronzed (airbrushed) abs of the fitness magazines but it is possible through simple good habits and daily practice to achieve a lean healthy body that we feel comfortable in and that will be healthy, attractive and functional for a long time.
Sustain Community Acupuncture offers wellness for all, naturally. Located in San Diego between the Hillcrest and North park Neighborhoods, Sustain Community Acupuncture offers affordable Acupuncture, Herbal Therapy and Medical Massage. For questions about this article or for a consultation please call 619.358.9508 or contact us here.
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