What to Know When Your Doctor Suggests Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Weight loss is an issue that many people face in the United States and across the world. In some cases, the issue of being overweight can be so severe it leads to being unable to work. This can lead to health issues and many complications with just the simple aspects of daily living. When you see your doctor or health care clinic regarding your weight issue, one of the things they may consider is an acupuncture option. If this is the case, your doctor will likely write a referral to a health care clinic that specializes in acupuncture therapy. Before you go to your appointment, there are a few things about acupuncture for weight loss that you should consider.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
With acupuncture for weight loss consultations, you will be dealing with several aspects of your weight loss journey. You will likely be asked what you have tried. This can include methods, diet changes, lifestyle changes, and medications. The main purpose is to try and determine what is directly linked to your weight loss issues. You may be wondering why this is important. What this does is allow the acupuncturist to focus on specific issues and locations or pressure points on your body that will help with the hurdles you are having with weight loss. For example if you find that you are binge eating or feeling hungry all the time, they may focus on pressure points that help suppress your cravings.
What to Expect During Your Session
Your first session will be around 45 minutes to an hour and a half long. This is due to preparation and getting you adjusted to the techniques being used. It will take longer if you have never had acupuncture before and if you need to be walked through some of the procedures. This can take a bit longer than your other appointments will. Also, you should be prepared for multiple pressure points being utilized during the session. Whereas with most doctors, the focus is on individual areas one at a time, an acupuncturist will focus on all the areas at once.
There are no medications, so you don't have to worry about having an interaction with a medication designed for one area and not another. You can expect to feel a sense of lightweightness or a calming effect after the procedure. This is very normal as the acupuncture will give you a bit of a rush. You may also notice a reduced desires to snack, have sugars, or salts.
What to Know about Ongoing Treatment Plans
Weight loss is not something that is cured overnight. You will likely need routine acupuncture to help you with different issues you are having. One of the most common issues that people find they have during the course of their weight loss journey is depression. This symptom can be focused on through acupuncture as well.
With something like weight loss, acupuncture is only one of the keys to success. Your doctor will still want to see you and touch base with you thorugh the treatment plan. They may also offer advice and optoins related to possible surgeries or other treatment plans that may help as well. Keep in mind you will need to make sure you are sticking to a healthy eating plan as well as working out and getting in some cardio. It is not a fix all, but it is something that can help you with the issues associated with weight loss that may be holding you back.