Acupuncture for Weight Control: A Holistic Approach

Acupuncture for Weight Control

Acupuncture for weight control has become an increasingly popular method for achieving weight loss. Weight loss has been a major concern in the 21st century, especially over the last 30 years. From low-fat diets to protein diets, paleo diets, vegan diets, and even breatharianism, the quest for weight loss has seen many trends. However, the root of the weight gain issue often lies with large food conglomerates.

The Role of Acupuncture for Weight Control

Companies like Kraft, General Mills, and Gordon Food Center sell food lacking nutritional value, filled with harmful fillers that exacerbate weight gain. These companies use natural flavors (MSG) to create food addictions, leading consumers to eat more.

When you buy more of these products due to addiction, these companies profit at the expense of your waistline and health. Nutrient-deficient food will eventually make you sick. We need to consume a variety of foods to get all the vitamins and minerals necessary for a fully functional body. Relying on packaged or fast food for nutrients not only leads to weight gain but also poses serious health risks.

In Chinese medicine, we view healthy eating as crucial, but our approach to weight loss differs from that of Western nutritionists or doctors. As practitioners, we ask many questions about your overall health, then check your tongue and pulses to diagnose your body. Often, weight gain is diagnosed as “Spleen Qi” deficiency, meaning weak digestion and poor nutrient absorption.

Symptoms of Spleen Qi deficiency include fatigue, gas or bloating, loose stools, weak limbs, a weak voice, easily bruised skin, hemorrhoid issues, sugar cravings, allergies, obesity, pale complexion, weak immunity, and possible irregular periods. Not all symptoms need to be present for this diagnosis.

Sugar cravings are a key indicator of a weak spleen. If the body isn’t getting enough energy from food, sugar provides a quick boost but is harmful long-term. Proper spleen function eliminates sugar cravings.

Another common pattern is damp or phlegm blocking the spleen, presenting as reduced appetite, chest congestion, profuse saliva or mucus, a heavy or sluggish body, and diarrhea. This pattern often leads to cravings for greasy, fatty, and sugary foods like ice cream. Dairy products worsen this condition, so reducing intake can improve symptoms.

After identifying the major patterns of weight gain, we tailor a plan to the patient’s specific pattern. Instead of starting a fad diet, we recommend regular acupuncture for weight control and herbal formulas to strengthen the spleen. During acupuncture sessions, we develop a plan to eliminate foods that cause weight gain and add foods that provide proper nutrients and strengthen the spleen.

Foods that strengthen the spleen include amaranth, millet, bitter greens, cooked celery, turnips, asparagus, yams, pumpkin, garlic, cooked carrots, and sunflower seeds. Drinking warm or room temperature water is also beneficial, as iced water hinders spleen function and digestion. Avoid raw vegetables initially, as they are harder to digest. Raw foods are better in summer when the body is warm, while cooked vegetables are easier to digest.

Exercise is the final element of weight loss. Start with at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, such as walking, which is low impact. Gradually increase to higher impact activities as you feel comfortable. Adding positive habits to your life will boost your energy and help you stay motivated toward your goal.

Remember, losing weight is a process. It may take months or years to reach your goal weight, but learning to be healthy is a lifelong practice. The beginning is the hardest part, but it gets easier as you progress.