DOES IT WORK? Acupuncture, developed thousands of years ago in China, has been documented as a therapeutic pain reliever and helpful in many medical conditions and ailments. Today, acupuncture is being increasingly used for weight loss and smoking cessation. It may seem curious that utilizing acupuncture points can curb or help control overeating, but understanding how acupuncture works does shed light on why it may be useful in weight control.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles, acupressure or use of a laser through or on the skin at specific points on the body. There is no injection of any substance and the treatment itself causes minimal to no discomfort. Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called 'Endorphins' These chemicals mimic other substances by attaching to receptor sites in the brain and body, which act to soothe the person and relieve pain, among many other physiological functions. Endorphins transmit a signal to sensory nerves found throughout the nervous system. Endorphins also help to block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain, resulting in relief of pain, general relaxation and biochemical restoration of the body's internal regulation systems.
    Interestingly, enough, the act of, or function of, eating triggers and is recorded on the brain very close to the brain's receptor area for the sensation of physical well-being and the sensation of physical well-being and the sensation of physical pleasure. Eating becomes a pleasurable reward and is felt by the body as a pleasant experience. When an individual smokes, the nicotine binds to certain places in the body similar to the receptor sites mentioned above. The body adapts to circulating nicotine levels and requires a constant level of nicotine be supplied to these sites with nicotine addiction to achieve a sense of well being to the body.
    Acupuncture, in managing weight control and smoking cessation, act to give the patient this sense of well-being that is achieved through eating. Acupuncture can not give an individual will power, but it has been objectively shown to cause physiological changes in the body that can help control this urge to overeat or smoke by increasing the patient's sense of well-being and general health.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL IT TAKE? Acupuncture for weight loss or smoking will take a minimum of three consecutive sessions within a week time span. It is suggested that an individual plan six treatments within two weeks for an optimum experience. For weight control, it is suggested that the patient also consult a dietician, their physician and a weight reduction group like Weight Watchers for added reinforcement of behavioral changes. As regards stopping smoking; there are now oral prescription medicines that your physician can sugges. Nicotine patches, gum and herbal remedies are available now "over the counter" and can be discussed with your pharmacist. Stopping smoking and controlling overeating or losing weight are difficult tasks and require a person's firm conviction and self-control to achieve.