2 Key Benefits of Acupuncture for Boosting Metabolism

Do you notice that it is harder to loose weight?

Feeling sluggish, even though you get enough sleep?

These are indicators that your metabolism might be running a bit slow.

Simply stated, metabolism refers to the chemical reactions in your body’s cells that convert food into energy. It’s not something that most people consciously think about. It just happens and we automatically assume it will happen, regardless of what we do on a daily basis. But when your metabolism starts to slow down, we often can start to feel its effects.

What causes metabolism to change?

Some people are born with genetic defects that can mess with their metabolism. Others develop metabolic disorders over time from not taking proper care of themselves. Metabolic disorders can also be trauma induced. Common metabolic disorders are: diabetes, liver cirrhosis, and even metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is grouping of conditions that all occur together commonly high blood pressure, high sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol and lipid levels.

As with most health issues, conventional medicine typically treats metabolic issues with pharmaceuticals. For some this works very well. But there are always side effects with pharmaceuticals and the body can also develop a resistance to them over time. So when it comes to metabolic disorders, a natural approach is usually a better long term choice. This is where acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can be very beneficial.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), all disease occurs in the body due to either a lack, excess or blockage of energy. TCM treats these energy imbalances using a host of modalities, but acupuncture is the most commonly known and used. Most metabolic diseases are a result of an imbalance of hormones such as insulin, glucose and thyroid hormones. These three components are key to keeping the body functioning properly and can easily be thrown off. Too much stress, poor dietary habits and lack of exercise are all reasons why the body’s metabolism may not be functioning correctly.

How can acupuncture help with boosting metabolism?

#1: Acupuncture can help to regulate lipid and glucose metabolism

The first key benefit of acupuncture boosting metabolism has been found in a recent study that showed acupuncture can help to regulate lipid and glucose metabolism in those suffering from metabolic syndrome.

This study was published by The National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health and followed 76 metabolic syndrome patients over a period of time and divided them into two groups. The first group received only conventional medical treatments/pharmaceuticals, while the second group received conventional medical treatments plus regular acupuncture treatments. The body mass index (BMI), blood lipid, blood glucose and comprehensive therapeutic effects were compared before and after treatment in both groups. The results revealed the group that received acupuncture plus conventional medical treatments had superior improvement over the group that only received conventional medical treatments. The subjects showed improvement in BMI, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting insulin and insulin resistance index. This study provides strong evidence that acupuncture can greatly improve the health of patients suffering from metabolic disorders, when coupled with conventional medical treatments.

#2: Acupuncture can reduce inflammation and fight oxidative stress

The second key benefit of acupuncture for boosting metabolism is cutting inflammation. One of the contributors to poor metabolism is free radial production, and oxidative stress. Acupuncture has been found to help reduce inflammation and promote neuroprotective effects, even helping to regulate the endocrine system.

Read Dr. Ellie’s previous post on how acupuncture helps reduce inflammation

In simple terms, acupuncture has been shown to balance hormones when accompanied by lifestyle modifications. Acupuncture help by controlling food cravings, boosting metabolism, improving digestion and helping the liver function optimally. The liver produces chemicals that help break down fat, while filtering out toxins that can slow our body’s ability to digest and regulate. Excess stress can lead to a slower metabolism, an increase in body fat and poor sleep. Regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce stress.

Therefore, if you’re feeling tired or sluggish, put on some weight, or are dealing with stress and depression, acupuncture can definitely help.

At Starting Point Acupuncture, we take a comprehensive and holistic approach to care. If you struggle with chronic fatigue, slow metabolism, or chronic pain, reach out we can help! Give our office a call at (425) 686-4498 to schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help your case.

Sources:

Uptodate.com

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6378065/