One of the most common questions I get when people learn that I’m an acupuncturist is, “Can acupuncture help me lose weight?”

In short, the answer is yes, it can help.

Acupuncture can help curb the appetite… it can help reduce cravings… and it can stimulate the body’s metabolism to help with weight loss.

But what should be stated up front is that acupuncture is not a ‘silver bullet’ solution for weight control, and it should be used in conjunction with a weight loss or weight management program that is suited to your individual needs.

Most licensed acupuncturists should be able to help not only through use of the acupuncture needle, but also by providing you with informed counseling and guidance on diet and nutrition. He/she should also be able to advise on exercise and relaxation techniques designed to help you get through the physical and emotional trials of the weight loss process.

Weight loss is never easy, and successful long term weight loss is incredibly difficult for most people to achieve. Acupuncture is a perfectly natural way to boost your weight loss efforts, and there are no harmful side effects or chance of addiction, as may be encountered with certain medications.