This time of year we are getting more patients wanting to lose weight. Here is an overview of how acupuncture can help with this: 1. often a sluggish metabolism is a factor in weight gain. We use methods to boost the metabolism causing the body to burn more calories. 2.overeating and cravings are essentially addictions, acupuncture can help break the cycle of cravings and overeating. 3. acupuncture balances the hormones, which is often a factor when weight loss is stubborn. 4. acupuncture is used to balance and strengthen the digestive system causing the body to eliminate excess fluids. 5. stress is often a factor in the body retaining weight. Acupuncture naturally reduces the effects of stress on the body. 6. it is often necessary to modify the diet to promote sustained and permanent weight loss. We combine our knowledge of eastern and western dietary theory into a effective and sustainable weight loss plan. We also often prescribe a Chinese herbal formula that we have had great success with in helping to lose weight.  We currently are offering a weight loss package at a discounted rate. Click here for info on that package. 

I used to be certified in a type of exercise for pain issues called the Egoscue Method. I don’t do it anymore with my patients just because it’s quite a commitment and I just couldn’t get my patients to do it regularly. But it really works. Anyway, I mention it because when you call an Egoscue clinic they don’t say ‘goodbye’ before hanging up, they say ‘keep moving’. I wish I could remember to say this to my patients every time they leave. They might think I am weird, but it’s very important to just keep moving. Several recent studies have shown that the healthiest people are the ones who rarely sit still; conversely the most unhealthy people are the ones who just kind of sit through the day at every opportunity. And one study showed (for some reason) that this is even more important for women to do (keep moving that is). So if you come see me for a treatment and I say ‘keep moving’ when you are leaving, I am not trying to hurry you out the door. I am just reminding you to stay healthy by moving as much as possible. Of course if it hurts to move than that needs to be addressed, but remember we were born, designed to move. There is a book about weight loss called 'Move a Little, Lose A Lot', which is basically saying that we can lose weight by increasing the calories we burn by moving more. This movement, called non-exercise activity thermodynamics, can be increased by looking for the worst parking space, taking the stairs, and getting up from our desk and taking a walk. I even had a patient that, after reading this book, would stand up to write her check. So, keep moving.