If you
struggle with your weight, you’re not alone. In fact,
more than 30% of all U.S. adults meet the criteria for
being obese. Unfortunately obesity is not just a cosmetic
issue. Being overweight is a risk factor for many
conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart
disease. The good news is that maintaining a health
weight can reduce your risk and it’s never too late to
get started. People seeking to address their weight
concerns are turning to acupuncture as a natural and
effective way to approach weight loss.
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A
Traditional approach to healing |
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Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) take
a whole body approach to health. This ancient form of
healthcare works to restore the balance and flow of the
body’s Qi or vital energy. According to TCM, the
reasons why people gain weight, or find it difficult to
lose weight, are numerous. It is important to
determine the root cause or imbalances that have
affected weight gain.
There are other
factors to consider that may have lead to weight gain, including your
lifestyle, dietary choices, emotion and mental well-being.
The patient and the doctor needs to work together to
find the root cause of their health
concerns, rather than just treating the symptoms.
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A Variety of Reasons:
Acupuncture works to control weight on
various levels. |
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Release Endorphins – With diet changes,
many people experience cravings, which can
lead to binge eating. Cravings in the body
are often due to lack of endorphins.
Acupuncture can help to balance out the
cravings by helping the body to release
endorphins. |
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Reduce Stress – An increase in the
“stress hormone” cortisol can alter the
metabolism. Through the release of
endorphins, the “stress hormone” can also be
neutralized. |
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Support Digestion – Acupuncture can
support the body to generate an efficient
digestive process. |
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What will
my Acupuncture Physician do? |
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During
your first visit, Dr. Nguyen will take an
extensive health history and perform various exams. At
the completion of your first visit, the doctor will provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and an
explanation of your treatment plan. Your treatments
will focus on correcting any underlying imbalances in
your body, and will also help to support you in reaching
you weight loss goals.
Based on
your unique symptoms, Dr. Nguyen will choose to
concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific
organs. For example, restoring balance to the flow of Qi in the Stomach can help promote good digestion and
suppress an overactive appetite. Emotional issues, such
as anxiety and stress, both of which can lead to
overeating, can be addressed by balancing the Liver.
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A
partnership for better health |
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It is
important to remember that acupuncture is not a “quick
fix”. By working with your acupuncturist, and
committing to long-term goals, you will experience
positive changes in your overall health, including
maintaining a healthy body weight. In
addition to acupuncture treatments, your practitioner
may also recommend other lifestyle changes. Whether you
want to lose a few pounds or a significant amount,
people are turning to acupuncture as a natural and
effective way to approach weight loss. By working
together with your practitioner, you can help your body
regain its natural balance and start taking steps toward
true health and vitality.
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Other ways to
support your path toward a happier, leaner
you! |
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Exercise is an
important component of any weight loss
program. Adding aerobic exercise,
weight training, pilates, yoga, qigong
or other types of
exercise to your daily routine, will
have a positive effect on your weight
and general health.
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Diet is another
important issue to consider. In
general, a healthy diet is made up of
unprocessed, organic foods, including a
wide variety of whole grains, and
vegetables. Dr. Nguyen may
offer nutritional counseling designed
for your specific needs.
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Stress relief may
also be a part of your treatment. By
learning to lower stress and anxiety
through techniques such as breathing
exercises, meditation, or gentle
exercise, you may lose weight more
easily, and possibly stop destructive
habits such as overeating.
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