There are a lot of reading materials regarding dieting which you can find in your local bookstore.  There are so many systems to dieting and finding one which is the best for you can be a bit challenging.  However, the only thing you need to remember is if you take in fewer calories than you use up or burn everyday, then you are going to lose weight.  Sounds pretty simple but doing it is an entirely different story.  Factors such as a slow metabolism, a larger appetite, poor digestion, emotions and cravings can make it incredibly hard to accomplish this.  Even if you manage to lower your weight, you have to deal daily with a more austere intake of food that makes life less enjoyable than before.

No system exists that will miraculously make you lose weight instantly.  There has to be some effective plan in place and you really are willing to make some sacrifices.  Acupuncture and herbal medicines can assist you to lose weight but how much weight you desire to lose is up to you.  These two modalities make it easier for you to increase metabolism, lessen your appetite, enhance your digestive function, soothe your emotions and control your cravings.  The use of acupuncture and herbals helps you get closer to your desire of attaining your desired weight.

The most important aspect in losing weight is in selecting the foods you eat.  Regimens that are bereft of foods that leave you still a little bit hungry can make you lose weight; however, this system is very hard to do daily and oftentimes do not last.  These kinds of regimens may make you hungrier by the day till you reach a point that you cannot help yourself gorging on foods you know are off-limits in your dieting.  After this, you may have gained weight more than when you had when you first embarked on this kind of regimen.  This kind of dieting or regimen is what is called as yo-yo dieting; a bad plan that causes adrenal fatigue and lowers the body metabolism.  A good regimen can consist of a few carbohydrates and rich consumption.  Add acupuncture and herbals with this king of diet can better your metabolism, soothe your “diet anxiety” and greatly improve your digestive function.

Traditional Chinese medicine sees various reasons why an individual gains weight and has difficulty in losing it.  One common reason is energy deficiency of the spleen.  This deficiency causes poor breakdown function of nutrients as well as causes inefficient delivery of nutrients throughout the body.  The lack of energy of the spleen causes lethargy and poor metabolism. Another common reason is low energy in the kidneys because of overwork, overstress and aging.  With the help of acupuncture and herbals, hormones can be regulated and balanced hormones can assist you physically and mentally on your endeavor to achieve your desired weight.

Tammi A. Jones is a licensed acupuncturist in Palm Harbor, FL with advanced training in modern acupuncture techniques and traditional Asian therapies.