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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes a different approach to weight loss than we do in the west. Weight fluctuation is not just viewed as resulting from calorific intake. Instead it is recognised as an imbalance in the body due to a range of potential causes. Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach to understanding the causes of weight gain. It can be caused slow or sluggish digestion, hormonal imbalance, poor circulation leading to stagnation, thyroid disfunction, emotional upset, stress and more.
TCM diagnosis will aim to understand the cause of weight gain and then create a treatment plan particular to each individual to restore balance in the body (digestive, hormonal, metabolic, circulatory etc) to best facilitate weight loss.
Improve digestion
Acupuncture can improve functions of the digestive system by using key stomach and kidney acupuncture points. Bloating, constipation and gastrointestinal issues are associated with slow digestion and poor gut health. Improving digestive function will have a knock on effect on the whole body, increasing energy levels, ensuring absorption of vital nutrients, reducing fat deposition and aiding in its elimination.
Re-balance Hormones to reduce appetite
If your hormone levels are out of balance it can adversely effect normal functioning of internal systems, including digestive, metabolic, cognitive, immune etc. Acupuncture can manipulate hormone levels to benefit these systems. Ghrelin is a hormone that tells the body it is hungry, and Leptin is a hormone which tells the body that its full. Acupuncture can help to reduce your appetite and reduce your desire to overeat with unnecessary snacking.
Boosts metabolism
One of the key areas of the body relating to metabolism is the pituitary gland. Acupuncture can help to increase metabolic rate by stimulating the thyroid and endocrine glands in order to improve the body's effectiveness in burning calories during exercise and general daily activities. Affecting the endocrine system also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Correct water retention
Acupuncture can reduce excessive water retention in the body by stimulating the nerves of the kidney and endocrine systems enabling those with high levels of water retention to loose weight quickly and keep it off.
Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation in the gut, muscles and tissues can slow down the metabolism and impact digestion. Acupuncture can reduce inflammation and help to regulate the immune system.
Reduce Stress
Stress is a fundamental component often overlooked as being one of the main contributors to weight gain. Prolonged stress raises levels of cortosil, a stress hormone, which causes the body to store instead of burn fat. Reducing stress, anxiety and tension in the body can have a fundamental effect on returning balance to the body's systems and allowing them to return to a normal healthy state.
As you can see from above traditional Chinese Medicine has exceptional benefits when helping with weight loss. Balancing and strengthening the body's internal systems is paramount. When combined with other TCM treatments, like herbs, exercise tips, diet advice and auricular acupuncture, TCM will give you a gentle yet effective approach to weight loss and control.
We offer free consultations online and in our clinics so and discuss your particular concerns with one of our experienced TCM practitioners.
Care Cure are Irelands leading TCM specialists. We have clinics in Dublin 4, Dun Laoghaire.
We are open for a full range of treatments