It is that time of the year- the dreaded New Year’s Resolution to lose those extra holiday pounds. Patients are often asking me how acupuncture can assist with weight loss….essentially acupuncture helps by regulating your metabolism, decreasing stress (stress causes an increase in cortisol= belly fat) and it helps curb your appetite and cravings. It can definitely help you with your weight loss goals if you find you are plateauing. However, a healthy diet and exercise always play a key role in weight loss!

Click here to read an article in Shape magazine about how a new mom was able to lose those extra pounds with the help of acupuncture.

People have been raving about the health benefits of green tea for years but recently there has been mega research which backs some of these claims. I didn’t used to be a big green tea fan but with all the options these days such as green tea with blueberry or pomegranate, I’m now making it my beverage of choice. Green tea does contain a good amount of caffeine so it makes a great coffee substitute. If you are sensitive to caffeine or need to reduce your intake, switch to decaf green tea. While the jury is still out on exactly how much tea to consume each day, most of the research states about one to two 8 oz cups of green tea per day. Drinking green tea is found to be more effective than taking a supplement. Here are some reasons why you should incorporate green tea into your diet:

1. Green tea intake lowers LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). The NIH recently published a controlled study that found green tea is indeed effective at lowering cholesterol.
2. Loaded with antioxidants, called catechins, green tea has potential to fight cancer and heart disease. A particular catechin in green tea inhibits cancer growth and kills cells that are growing inappropriately.
3. Green tea and its extract have been shown to fight obesity. In a Dutch study, participants who drank caffeinated green tea lost more weight but even those who typically drank the decaf variety saw a decrease in their waistlines and body weight.
4. Studies have suggested that green tea is helpful for diabetes, stress, dental cavities, protection against UV radiation and viral infection.                                                                                                                                

If you have given every weight loss diet or fad a try with no results don’t give up hope. Acupuncture can help with your weight loss goals. It isn’t a miracle worker but it can help boost your metabolism and increase circulation in the body (better blood and oxygen keeps the body healthy). Acupuncture effects every major system of our body and can even lower insulin and lipid levels in the blood. I utilize a balance method on patients trying to lose weight. Patients will find their cravings for sweets and carbs are reduced and even notice a decrease in their appetite. I will even use electrical stimulation on the abdomen to help tighten the stomach muscles and shrink the stomach.

Although acupuncture is a wonderful option for helping with weight loss, the treatments alone will not result in permanent weight loss. Patients still need a proper diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables (limit processed foods and strive for organic) and exercise.

If you are finding your weight loss has plateaued, it might be time for your body to get a tune up. Acupuncture can help get the body functioning smoothly and help you drop those extra pounds. Call today for a consult or to set up and appointment!