Some people are born without the need to make the effort to regulate metabolism. This allows them to quickly digest food, absorb nutrients, burn fat, and efficiently make use of the energy produced. Others are not quite as lucky. Worse, as we all get older, our metabolism also goes on the decline—even those of the lucky ones. Usually, even having a healthy diet and living a reasonably active lifestyle are not enough. Declining metabolism can transtale to increased weight, less efficient digestive capabilities, and more hunger pangs felt throughout the day.

This natural decline of metabolism, which can also be a common occurrence in younger people, needs regulation. Those already prone to disproportionate weight gain might also come to struggle with diseases associated with it. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems.

In recent years, there has been quite a buzz surrounding acupuncture’s weight-reducing effects. Studies conducted on the subject in Australia, Germany, and Korea — just to name a few — contributed to this buzz. These have all produced results that are largely in favor of acupuncture. The studies specifically highlighted how regularly receiving the treatment over a stretch of time can help lower BMI or body mass index even without changes in diet and activity. In the studies where these factors were also included as part of the acupuncture experiments, the results were even better.

Acupuncture and weight loss — is there a connection?

But the truth of the matter is, weight loss may simply be taken as a side effect in this regard, albeit a highly desirable one. The bodily function that acupuncture truly seeks to correct is the digestive system. If it succeeds in that, we now know there are perks and other far-reaching consequences we can look forward to.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are interconnected streams throughout the entire body where “Qi” or energy is constantly flowing. At least, it should be. When blockages occur at sites within these streams, or “meridians,” the flow of energy is disrupted, and this results in the diverse health problems we experience. Acupuncture is one of the modalities that Ancient Chinese medical practitioners devised to remove such blockages and restore the proper flow of energy within a patient. Both in theory and in practice, once the flow of energy is as it should be, the body attains balance and regains the capability to put itself to rights.

A slow metabolism even in younger individuals can be due to various causes. The prime causes may include thyroid dysfunction, lifelong improper diet, and (believe it or not) over-thinking. As mentioned earlier, through the energy meridians in every conceivable part of our body, everything is interconnected. If something goes wrong with one part, you could feel the effects on another part, even those that seemingly have nothing to do with each other. For instance, stress is infamous for causing uncontrollable cravings for unhealthy food.

Learn more about how acupuncture can help manage weight.

How does acupuncture help regulate the metabolism?

As another example, one of the most common symptoms of anxiety is irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Though modern science hasn’t yet arrived at a concrete explanation as to why, they at least acknowledge that there is a correlation. According to traditional Chinese medicine, due to the amount of energy going to the mind as it thinks and thinks, it steals away the energy that should have gone to efficient digestion and nutrient absorption. Thus, even when a person does observe proper and nutritious diet, it may not be enough. Most of that effort would go to waste if the mind is also full of problems at all times.

As the first order of business, acupuncture would seek to calm the body and quiet the mind. Ideally, this would also give the patient the strength of will to enact changes in his or her life for its overall improvement. At the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic, acupuncture treatments often come hand-in-hand with herbal remedies as well as with nutritional recommendations. The acupuncturist goes deeper into the cause of the metabolic problems and tailors the acupuncture treatment accordingly to correct them. She would also guide the patient on the ways they could take to achieve and maintain a good state of health for the long term. Seeing and feeling the positive effects of the treatments almost always points them to the right choice.

About acupuncture at the Santa Barbara Herb Clinic

Tram Pham, L.Ac. is the latest owner and lead acupuncture practitioner in the renowned Santa Barbara Herb Clinic. Dr. Henry Han, who passed away in tragic circumstances, previously ran the clinic. Tram is one of the last students of Dr. Richard Tan, the Master and pioneer of the distal healing system of acupuncture known as the Balance Method, which heavily focuses on holistic healing.  This method seeks to treat not just the specific ailing parts but the body’s entirety, and this includes issues of the mind and spirit as well.

Acupuncture along with other traditional Chinese medicine’s healing modalities, including fire cupping, moxibustion, tui na (acupressure), and herbal remedies, are combined seamlessly to suit highly particular conditions. The clinic also has a Herbal Pharmacy which has an extensive stock of medicinal powders, herbs, teas, and pills. This gives an option to patients living outside the Goleta and Santa Barbara area to receive their herbal remedies through mail. Similarly for those who would like a consultation but couldn’t make a trip, the clinic offers consultations via phone or video call after setting an appointment.

References

Acupuncture Helps Boost Your Metabolism — and Your Health! | CT Acupuncture Center

Ingri Boe-Wiegaard

https://www.ctacupuncture.com/acupuncture-helps-boost-your-metabolism-and-your-health/

Stoking the Digestive fire: A Healthy Spleen and Stomach – Natural Healing & Acupuncture

Denise Wiesner

http://naturalhealingacupuncture.com/stoking-the-digestive-fire-a-healthy-spleen-and-stomach

Can Acupuncture Really Help You Lose Weight? The Answer May Surprise You

https://www.prevention.com/weight-loss/a20141511/acupuncture-for-weight-loss/