Millions of Americans understand the struggle of weight loss. Statistics show over 30 percent of adults in the United States are overweight, and nearly 10 percent suffer from severe obesity. Diet and exercise help, but these methods are not always enough. Desperate patients often choose traditional medical solutions like prescription drugs and weight loss surgery. The choices may help people lose weight, but they have many risks. Acupuncture, a respected and effective health treatment for many concerns, also promotes weight loss.
Chinese and Japanese-style acupuncture are the two main types taught and used. Variations from these have developed that offer slightly different methods. Some specialists may add items like cupping, heat, or magnets. Some other forms use one of the two main types as the basic guideline and adapt it slightly for a specific purpose.
Acupuncture uses thin needles placed in specific areas of the body. The acupuncturist may insert them in the body and leave them for a few minutes, rotate them while in place, or use other movements or methods to achieve the goal.
The location of the needles boosts energy and blood flow in the areas needing treatment. Specialists who perform weight loss treatments frequently focus on the area around the ears. The location makes this a form of auricular acupuncture. The acupuncturist may also apply the needles in other places on the body during the session.