Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, aims to improve the flow of "chi," often translated as vital energy, throughout the body. This practice involves inserting thin, solid needles into the skin to stimulate sensory nerves. These nerves can be further activated through electrical stimulation or gentle movements. While commonly used to relieve pain and treat conditions like arthritis, headaches, and menstrual cramps, acupuncture is also explored for weight loss.
The Fundamentals of Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe that disruptions in the body's energy flow can lead to disease. Acupuncture seeks to correct these imbalances. The procedure should be performed by a qualified and licensed practitioner experienced in acupuncture. This technique uses hair-thin steel needles inserted into specific points, or acupoints, on the body to release natural chemicals that can alleviate symptoms, promote relaxation, and release energy, or "chi."
How Acupuncture May Aid Weight Loss
Acupuncture practitioners and advocates believe that acupuncture can help regulate the flow of energy, or "qi," to help regain balance and reverse the biological mechanisms that lead to obesity. Acupuncture uses thin needles inserted at specific sites on the body to stimulate nerves and organs that regulate energy and metabolism, including the endocrine system and thyroid glands. This may affect a person’s weight and aid weight loss.
Obesity occurs because of problems in energy metabolism and appetite regulation. Clinical studies suggest that acupuncture may help regulate the endocrine system, modulate metabolism, promote digestion, and attenuate oxidative stress. Acupuncture therapy for obesity involves targeting the neural circuits of the hypothalamus, the region that controls the body’s energy homeostasis and appetite.
Types of Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Ear Acupuncture
Ear acupuncture, or auricular acupuncture, shows promise as a complementary weight-loss treatment. Studies indicate that auricular acupuncture, especially when combined with a restricted diet, can lead to weight reduction, lower body mass index (BMI), and decreased body fat percentage. Auricular acupuncture helps regulate the neuro system and accelerate glucose metabolism, contributing to appetite reduction and weight management. Auricular acupressure, a non-invasive form of ear acupuncture, has also been effective in promoting weight loss.
Read also: Cost of Red Mountain Weight Loss
Abdominal Acupuncture
Abdominal acupuncture is emerging as a potential therapy for weight loss. Studies have shown that acupuncture therapy can significantly reduce BMI and abdominal adipose tissue, leading to weight loss. This approach targets specific acupoints on the abdomen, aiming to stimulate metabolism and regulate hormonal imbalances, aiding in weight management.
Does Acupuncture for Weight Loss Work?
Acupuncture shows promising results for weight loss, especially when combined with other weight management strategies such as diet and exercise. Research suggests that acupuncture can help reduce body weight and BMI. Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture, especially when combined with dietary restrictions, can effectively aid in weight loss and reduce inflammatory reactions.
A small study studied the effects of massage and manual acupuncture on participants and found that both manual acupuncture and massage can reduce body weight and body mass index (BMI) significantly. Another study found that acupuncture on the ear area effectively caused changes in active levels of ghrelin, a hormone produced in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that can increase hunger levels. Study participants in the acupuncture group experienced a reduction in body weight compared to the control group.
A review and meta-analysis on acupuncture for weight loss in Asians found that acupuncture effectively reduced waist circumference and BMI but only reduced weight when combined with diet and exercise. A review comparing the effects of acupuncture with so-called “sham acupuncture” for simple obesity showed that acupuncture significantly reduced body weight and BMI compared to sham acupuncture. A meta-analysis reported that acupuncture, whether alone or with lifestyle interventions, significantly reduced BMI.
What to Expect During Treatment
During an initial consultation, a professional will discuss your needs or conditions to examine your body and assess the areas that will react to the acupuncture treatment. After your treatment, you may feel very relaxed as acupuncture has a calming effect. It is often recommended to have someone take you to and from your appointment or take at least 10 minutes to rest before you drive. Treatment can be on the front and back side of the body, or in a group setting with affordable services. A calm, relaxing, and restful treatment in a comfortable recliner. Treatment is usually on the front side of the body, mainly extremities.
Read also: Comprehensive Guide to Ivím Health
The Cost of Acupuncture
The cost of acupuncture treatment is determined by the location of the clinic, your health concerns, and which area of the body will be treated. Typically, the fees for your first session of acupuncture, which includes a medical examination and treatment, will cost a little more than additional visits. For issues such as back and muscle pain, smoking, or general treatment, you can expect a cost of anywhere between $70 to $1,200 per session but up to $350 per session for treatments to aid fertility and cosmetic acupuncture.
The cost of acupuncture for weight loss varies depending on the clinic and the type of treatment. In Austin, rates generally range from $20 to $90 per session, with weight loss treatment falling within this range as well. However, prices may differ based on factors like practitioner experience, session duration, and any additional services provided. In Portland, the cost of acupuncture varies greatly, starting at around 25 dollars for recurring appointments in a group or community setting, and can go up to 300 dollars. The consultation fees can start as low as 40 dollars and go up to 300 dollars as well. The type and location of treatment can change the cost, as can the type of professional performing the procedure.
Many acupuncturists offer discounts for larger treatment plans and if a patient pays for treatments at time of service. Sometimes you can find discounts for seniors, students, children, and the military, but these are never guaranteed.
Insurance Coverage and Payment Options
Many insurance companies cover acupuncture depending on the condition, while others do not cover the treatment. Check with your insurance company to find out if acupuncture is covered and, if so, for what conditions. Once you have insurance helping out, you may still need to pay a co-pay for each session, and this varies depending on your insurance plan. Out of pocket, you should expect to spend at least $200 or more for the entire process. Some clinics will offer payment plans and may even have sliding scales for patients who do not have insurance to help cover the costs. Keep in mind insurance probably will not cover the cost of herbs, supplements or other treatments.
Some of the companies that cover treatment include Aetna, Banner Health, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Health Net, Humana, and United Healthcare. Check with your insurance company as they may only cover the cost for specific ailments. You may need a referral from your primary care physician or another doctor to help cover the costs. Check your insurance to find out if you need a referral before finding an acupuncturist. Also, make sure the acupuncturist accepts your insurance.
Read also: Is CoreLife Right for You?
We accept most insurance policies. We accept FSA (Flex spending) and HSA (Health Savings Accounts). All plans are different and some have restrictions or deductibles that must be met before coverage begins.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Acupuncture carries low-risk side effects and may be combined with other treatments to help with targeting several health concerns at once. Acupuncture is generally safe when a qualified and licensed practitioner performs it. People may prefer it because they experience fewer side effects than they do taking medication.
Common side effects include:
- Needle site pain or tenderness
- Needle site bruising or bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Fainting
- Drowsiness
Serious side effects are uncommon in acupuncture. Below are rare complications associated with the treatment:
- Pneumothorax, or collapsed lung
- Central nervous system injury
- Peripheral nerve injury
- Organ injury
- Other tissue injuries
To ensure safety, a person should research and look for a trained practitioner who has a license to practice in their state. Most practitioners do not recommend people undergo acupuncture if they have:
- Active infections
- Severe neutropenia
- Psychosis
- Pacemakers
Treatment Plans and Duration
Depending on the area of the body you are treating can impact the number of treatments you will need. For the most part, treatments are between 30 to 90 minutes long, and typically patients will need about six to eight treatments, but the number can vary greatly from clinic to clinic. After the initial set of appointments, you may need to do maintenance treatments every few weeks or months to maintain the area you are treating. Your acupuncturist will recommend a plan and work with you for your budget, schedule, and needs.
Like other weight loss methods, a person typically needs several sessions to see changes. To eliminate 10-15 pounds, one would need frequent treatments over an extended period of time - up to 8 weeks with multiple visits per week. The program largely depends on the acupuncturist, but most will taper off visits as the program progresses.
Alternatives to Acupuncture
A person may want to talk with their doctor if lifestyle changes, exercise, and diet do not work in reaching their weight loss goals. Their doctor may recommend medicines that can help. In some cases, a doctor may also recommend bariatric surgery.
The qualifications for bariatric surgery include:
- Having a BMI over 35
- Having a BMI over 30 for people with type 2 diabetes
- Having a BMI of between 30-34.9 for those who do not find substantial weight loss or comorbidity improvement using nonsurgical methods
It is also essential to talk with a doctor before trying alternative and nonconventional treatments for weight loss.
tags: #acupuncture #for #weight #loss #cost