As an acupuncturist, I am constantly asked if acupuncture can help someone to lose weight.To be honest, there is no simple answer to that question.  Yes, I have had success in helping patients to lose weight.  Acupuncture serves to balance the body’s energy, address hormonal imbalances and metabolism, and even reduces cravings.  But many times, the weight comes back on after the acupuncture treatments are stopped.

     However, for most people who struggle with their weight, there is an additional struggle with food.  It’s easy to buy healthy foods, exercise, drink the obligatory eight glasses of water, and even get acupuncture.  It’s not easy to change our behaviors around food, though.  Many of us are programmed to turn to food when we are stressed out, tired, sad, angry, bored, or anxious.  

     Food just makes us feel better.  Especially sweet, creamy, rich, salty, or crunchy foods.  Foods that are fat or sugar laden.  If we’re depressed, a nice bowl of ice-cream, or a piece of chocolate cake can perk us right up. 

    And that is what we learn.  We can count on a brownie to make us feel better.  

    In my acupuncture practice, I am aware that emotional overeating is such a major component of weight issues.  Energetically, we can balance the body so that sugar cravings are reduced, and the metabolism is increased.  We can also help to reduce anxiety, depression, stress and tension.  

     But, one important component is to change our behaviors.  We will always experience stressful situations, and it’s important to be aware of our tendencies to turn to junk food when times get tough.  We may not even be craving potato chips, but something like an argument with your spouse, or a check not coming in the mail on time can trigger an eating binge.  It’s important to be prepared ahead of time.  

     In my acupuncture treatments, we not only address the physical imbalances in the body, we also work on reducing the emotional imbalances as well.  The third component is to learn specific ways to change your behaviors, and your tendency to us overeat due to emotional factors.  

     If you are in the Los Angeles area, and you are tired of yo-yo dieting, binge eating or gaining weight, try an acupuncture session to not only change your body, but your mind as well!