Acupuncture and Weight Loss

There are a lot of people who are overweight. For those who are obese, perhaps surgery is the best option but for those who can’t, they can try to see if acupuncture can help take out the excess weight. 

 

Acupuncture is a form of holistic healthcare that uses needles to help treat a patient. Unlike the cartoon where the balloon will pop and all the air will go out, the needles that are inserted into the vital points will stimulate the body to release endorphins thus helping the person control their appetite. 

 

But before needles are inserted, the specialist will first ask the patient some questions and perform an examination. This is needed to understand the main cause for the person to be overweight. 

 

Part of examination is to help the acupuncturist figure out where the needles will be inserted. Your pulse will give the person an idea on your general state of energy and the general health of your stomach. 

 

You will also have to open your mouth and show your tongue to check for cracks, peelings or puffiness on the stomach area as this provides clues to why you are overweight. 

 

Once he or she knows the reason, this is the time that the needles are inserted into different parts of the body. One way is called the multi-targeted approach which is designed to lower the body’s weight by increasing the output of the pituitary gland.

 

The areas where the needles will be inserted will be in the ear and in two of three body points. These areas could also include the mouth, the stomach, the lung, the endocrine, the spleen, kidney or thyroid. 

 

During the initial treatment, the “Four Gate” points would be used to circulate energy throughout the entire body. It is also possible that electro simulation will also be done to increase endorphin release and stimulate metabolism. 

 

These needles will be kept in place for 30 to 45 minutes depending on how much support is needed. These are then removed and replaced with ear tacks with adhesives to make sure they are in the same spot as the needles. 

 

These ear tacks work by applying mild pressure whenever he or she feels hungry. It causes a mild endorphin release and helps the patient relax making it possible to use their willpower and resist the temptation to eat. 

 

The patient will also have to reduce cravings on certain food by cutting down the intake. Some studies suggest that this can also lower insulin levels or lipid levels in the blood. 

 

The best part about acupuncture is that there are no harmful side effects and no chance for an addiction to occur. The patient will have to come back for regular treatment and have to pay attention to one’s diet and exercise regularly as needles can only do so much to control one’s weight.

 

The number of treatments for someone who is overweight varies depending on how many pounds they want to lose, the speed at which they want to lose it and their commitment to sticking to the plan. 

 

The average patient on the other hand who wants to lose 5 to 10 pounds will have to come for treatment every three days or twice a week then once this is attained, once every two weeks. It is up to the person until when the treatment will be done which shows that acupuncture can help you lose weight.

 

Acupuncture Can Help Treat Migraines

Acupuncture can help treat migraines. This was discovered after a comparative study was done with conventional medical care. In some cases, it even prevents it from happening which helps improve the quality of life for the patient. 

 

To understand how acupuncture helps migraine sufferers, you have to understand that in traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that an imbalance in the flow of blood and energy causes this to happen. 

 

In order to treat it, the specialist must relieve the tension by inserting needles into the body to improve the blood flow to the brain thus reducing the pain experienced during an attack.

 

The needles used helps the body balance the serotonin levels since it is a neurotransmitter that affects blood vessels and has a role to play in migraines. In fact the more frequent these sessions are the better. It may even come to a point where the specific point of contact is no longer needed but the general stimulation itself.

 

The end result of undergoing acupuncture is amazing. If you experience 15 to 20 days of agonizing pain, this may be countdown to only 8 days. You won’t even need to use that much medication anymore as before. 

 

For those who are working, this is good so that they are not absent from work that much and there won’t be that much deductions in their salary. 

 

But how well acupuncture does for one patient may vary with another. This depends on the condition of the attack and the individual.

 

The best part about acupuncture is that there are no side effects and it is painless. Skillful professionals can do this so you don’t suffer from hematoma or pneumothorax. Another disease is potentially dangerous is HIV or hepatitis which can be prevented of course as long as the needles used are properly sterilized. It will be much better if the person uses disposable needles. 

 

Acupuncture has been practiced in the United States for more than 2 decades. Although tests have shown how effective it can be to treat chronic conditions and certain addictions, more studies need to be done to see where else it can be useful. 

 

Although one test has proven that acupuncture can help migraines, other tests will also have to be done to prove if this is true. Until such time that other results are published, patients will have to rely on conventional medicine that is prescribed by a doctor. 

 

But you don’t have to wait for the results to come out. If you think it is worth a try, go for it. Just ask for a referral from your doctor as there are many practitioners who have accepted the fact that alternative forms of medicine can also help a patient. 

 

You can also find someone online. You can be sure they are certified if they are recognized by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. 

 

Aside from that, you should also make some lifestyle changes as there are trigger factors that have been known to cause migraines. Stress is number one on the list so you get enough rest and exercise as well as a balanced diet. 

 

Patients who are suffering from migraine should also check if acupuncture is covered by their HMO. Most insurance providers and HMO’s these days cover all or part of the cost but there are restrictions so you should check what is covered by your policy.

 

Acupuncture Can Help You Quit Smoking

Smoking is one hard habit to break. If nicotine patches and gum doesn’t work, perhaps you should try something else like an alternative form of healthcare like acupuncture. 

 

Acupuncture is an ancient practice involving the use of needles. This instrument is inserted into the skin to allow you energy or Qi to start flowing freely around your body and thus help you quit smoking. 

 

When you go visit an acupuncturist for the first time and tell him or her that you want to quit smoking, after answering some questions, the specialist will carry out an examination of your ears and search for areas where the energy is low. 

 

Once these spots are identified, these sharp needles are then inserted. Usually 5 needles are placed in various acupoints. 

 

The treatment is finished after an hour and when the needles are removed, you are advised to wear ear magnets so your session continues even when you leave the clinic. While acupuncture itself is a painless procedure, some smokers have claimed that they felt a prick or get sleepy. 

 

Most smokers will have to come to the clinic 4 to 6 times before seeing any significant results. Just to give you an idea, one study shows that the respondents reported a decrease in the number of cravings to smoke just after one or two sessions. Seven out of 10 of the respondents were able to kick the habit after 5 or 6 sessions. 

 

Because the number of test subjects is small, there are some who doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture. This is because although there are positive signs with regards to the short term effects of this technique, its effects were not sustained. This is why some medical journals have stated that it is unclear what acupuncture can do in smoking cessation. 

 

But you have to remember that acupuncture is not permanent. It merely starts something that you have to finish on your own. Some smokers who go 2 or 3 times a week to the clinic will need to come back for follow up sessions in the future. 

 

At the same time, you have to find ways to prevent yourself from picking up a cigarette. You can do this by staying away from people who smoke since you will be tempted to ask for a stick. You can create your own personal mantra which you repeat to yourself every time you have an urge. 

 

Remember that this craving is only short term and will last only for a few minutes. You have worked so hard to leave this behind so stick to the path and stay smoke free.

 

Acupuncture treatment for smokers should only be done by a license professional. You can do some research online to find out if they are accredited by the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, ask how long they have been in the profession, find out how many smokers they have helped and how much will they charge.

 

Once you have found one, you have to commit yourself to the program because both you and the acupuncturist have to work together to give up this habit.

 

Acupuncture can help smokers in the same way that it has helped addicts and alcoholics quit their addictions. You just have to try it even if you may not believe in it. 

 

Acupuncture Closely Revealed

The foundation of acupuncture rests on the relevance of an individual’s chi in maintaining bodily and mental health. It is believed that chi is present in every living creature, and flows through specific pathways in the body. Health problems arise when the flow of chi on the body is blocked. As a result, a person may feel persistent headaches, muscle pain, fever, weakness, or in the worst case, becomes afflicted with more serious health conditions.

 

A Deeper Explanation of Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture has its origins in ancient Chinese philosophy and practice. More than ten thousand years ago, during the Old Stone Age of China, stones were fashioned into knives for medical purposes. After several years, during the New Stone Age, these stones were eventually made into needles intended for the same therapeutic end. These accounts are further evidenced by unearthed stone needles found to be of the same types used during the New Stone Age. 

 

There are basically 14 pathways throughout the body where chi flows continuously. These are called the meridian points. In order for chi to course through the body unobstructed, there has to be a balance between the strengths of yin and yang. In ancient Chinese philosophy, yin and yang represent the forces of the universe- yin is for feminine, while yang is for masculine. Every single thing in the universe is believed to contain both yin and yang for harmony.

 

When the yin and yang are not balanced, chi cannot stream through the body liberally. Therefore, the meridian points through which chi courses through need to be stimulated. This is done by the insertion of hair-thin, disposable needles in specific areas on a person’s body to induce bodily harmony and bring about healing.

 

A certified and trained acupuncturist will be able to carry out an excellent therapy session for the patient. Trainings for acupuncturists are given in order for them to obtain their licenses. A poor practitioner may not be proficient enough with the practice and could end up jeopardizing the results of the entire procedure. Nowadays, it is wise to verify on a practitioner’s credentials to ensure a safe and effective acupuncture treatment. 

 

What This Ancient Method Does

 

One of the foremost effects of acupuncture on the body is relaxation. Stress is frequently pinpointed as the main precursor for a host of physical ailments. There are particular points all over the body that direct the flow of harmony and relaxation and when these are enthused, the patient becomes more at ease.

 

Another positive effect of this alternative therapy is increased pain control. During a session, a patient will usually feel very minimal pain as the thin needles are being inserted gradually. However, the needles are deliberately placed in varying depths, depending on the health requirements of the patient. When the needles reach the right depth, the patient will feel deeper pain, although the entire procedure is not necessarily painful. 

 

It is also recommended for relief from chemotherapy fatigue as well as chemotherapy-related nausea. It has also been found to be largely effective for back pains, migraines, menstrual cramps, and as a pain controller for patients after undergoing surgical operations. 

 

Variations of Conventional Acupuncture

 

Auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture is one of the variations of conventional acupuncture. In this practice, it is believed that the ear provides a map for all the major bodily organs. A specific area or point on the ear corresponds to a particular organ, such as the heart, kidneys, or liver. Thus, the needles are placed in particular points around the ear and on the ear cartilage. 

 

Staplepuncture is a method used in smoking cessation, wherein staples are placed for a certain period anywhere on the ear area to provide stimulation. 

 

Indeed there is growing evidence that this traditional Oriental practice can rival any modern forms of treatment. If you are one of the many people who are looking for a widely recognized and time honored therapeutic practice, acupuncture may just be the alternative treatment for you.

Acupuncture is an Example of Holistic Healthcare

Holistic healthcare by definition is being able to cure an illness through the use alternative means. This means no medication is given to the patient and an instrument like a bunch of needles could do the trick. 

 

Acupuncture has been around for than 2000 years. It is only recently that this holistic form of healthcare has reached the US. Studies have shown that it can treat minor problems and prevent some from happening. 

 

The needles used in acupuncture are very thin but thicker than the human hair. This makes it smaller than those used on hypodermic needles. 

 

Most patients that undergo acupuncture will not feel any significant change after one session which is why a few sessions are needed. Best of all, it is painless so your body will not feel sore afterwards.

 

Several studies have been conducted about acupuncture and there have been positive results. For instance in the UK, 400 participants who were suffering from migraines claimed they felt better after 3 month’s worth of sessions. 

 

In the US, acupuncture has also proven to be effective in helping people deal with arthritis because the needles help the body fight against this chronic illness that is much cheaper and more effective than conventional medicine.

 

Acupuncture can do more than just helping patients deal with arthritis or migraine. Clinical tests have shown that it can help obese people lose weight and those who are suffering from insomnia. 

 

In some countries, acupuncture has even been used to replace chemical anaesthesia prior to surgery as there are some patients who are not able to tolerate regular anaesthesia. 

 

Another field which acupuncture has proven to be effective is helping patients deal with their addictions such as alcohol, drugs and smoking. One study of smokers revealed that the average patient will cut down by half the number of cigarettes they consume after just one treatment. Just imagine the potential after a few more sessions!

 

This has resulted in the establishment of clinics nationwide that only use acupuncture as the means of rehabilitation.

 

Acupuncturists in the US charge from $75 to $150 per session. This usually gets lower in the succeeding treatments. The person will probably have to undergo 10 to 15 treatments 2 to 3 times a week but this really depends on the condition of the patient. 

 

Before you go to one, you should check if this is covered by your insurance. If it isn’t, perhaps you should suggest that it should be included as it is much cheaper than having to undergo surgery.

 

Although there are risks if you decide to go undergo acupuncture, these can be avoided as long as the one doing it is a licensed professional who makes sure that the needles used are sterilized before they are inserted into the body. 

 

These days, a lot of people in the medical field have accepted the fact that alternative medicine such as this can also help the patient which is why they may refer someone when it is needed.

 

So, if you are tired of experiencing the side effects of conventional medicine and want to try a holistic form of healthcare, why don’t you see what acupuncture can do for you? It is painless and cost effective. In fact, it is just one of many you can try to help treat a chronic condition.

 

Awareness in Self-Mastery

Consciousness is one’s responsiveness, or ability to recognize something. The brain has three levels of networks, which comprise of the cognizant, sub conscious and unconscious mind. The cognizant or conscious mind encloses information in which it travels to the short and long-term memory. The long-term memory is segments of one’s memory that retains experiences permanently, whereas the short-term memory only stores memory temporary in parts of the mind. 

 

The subliminal or sub conscious mind contains all the information we have obtained throughout our lifespan. All that we see, hear, smell, touch, learn, or experience is retained in this vicinity of the brain. This quarter of the brain contains undisclosed messages in which it will expose when a memory starts to develop in fragments. The unconscious (automatic) mind is where our self, individuality works instinctively. Some theorists deem the unconscious mind as the inadvertent mind. This is because some behaviors we display are unintentionally acted upon by signals we receive from the unconscious mind. Behaviors are physical actions, such as reacting to some thought. For instance, you may think of buying a bathtub, yet until you have purchased the tub, you have not shown any behavioral reactions from your thoughts. 

 

Self-mastery is a process that requires that we use all areas of the mind to obtain our goal in building mental, physical, and emotional strength. Consciousness brings us to realization. It relates to the physical body, simply because when some force whether seen or unseen triggers the emotions, thus mental processes develop, which reflect on one’s behaviors. 

 

Because our mind works in several ways, one must wonder if it transcends any physical reactions of the body by receiving signals from the nervous system. Along these lines, an entity would have to appreciate that the brain and nervous system works in harmony. Learning about the anatomy is a great way to decide how the mind works with the nervous system, and how it can help you expand self-mastery skills. 

 

The Anatomical Framework 

 

The neuron, or nerve cells have a shared purposeful element in which consist of cell bodies, such as dendrites (The branched extensions of nerve cells), axon (Extensions of nerve cells), and these cell bodies border myelin sheath, or the nerve-insulated layers of myelin. The neurons conduct impulses in which these impulses feed and transmit to the synapse (gap amid nerve endings) and then to the muscles, glands and the organs. 

 

Our anatomy makes up neurotransmitters. These transmitters act to produce serotonin, (chemicals that derive from amino acid tryptophan and distributes widely to the tissues) which also helps to constrict blood vessels at the injury sites, and can affect the emotional state. This is important if you are working on self-mastery skills, since self-mastery is the process of taking control of your emotions. Our anatomy makes up acetylcholine, (Transmitters of nerve impulses) dopamine, (Chemical compound in the brain) endorphins, norepinephrine, gamma aminobutyric acid, etc. It helps to conduct the impulses from corner to corner to the synapse. 

 

The CNS (Central Nervous System) links to the brain and the spinal cord in which the nervous system controls our frontal, parietal, temporal, and the occipital lobes at the front of the brain. Each of these lobes serve to signal and cause reactions to either allocate one to perform mentally, exploit motor skills, feel, hear, smell, taste, and so forth. 

 

Descartes supposed, ‘That the mind could have a direct influence on the body.’ He pointed out that our decisions ‘to improve our health causes us to exercise.’ If you think about it, the mind will also draw up negativity to encourage you to find every reason why you shouldn’t exercise. Descartes stated, ‘The body could have a direct influence on the mind.’

Competency and Self-Mastery

A level of competency is necessary to develop when one is working on self-mastery abilities and skills. Having the know how is developed on experience, events, and knowledge. By gathering information, you can build on knowledge by discovering the facts. Information gathering will, in time help you build skill, recognition, and self-mastery skills. 

 

Self-mastery is becoming one of the major requirements for employees and employers in the business world. Because of the many problems, businesses are placing greater emphasis on education and learning. Some of the changes in business have led to major changes and expectations. Businesses are supposed to be a place where people exchange ideas without conflicts. Many of the conflicts that take place in the businesses and real world are due to lack of professionalism. The world is moving rapidly toward Internet business whereas many companies are selling products, services, and so forth online. E-mails are being sent each day, which has posed issues. Many businesses are expecting employees to write professional electronic mails to promote their services or products. The problem with this is that the employee must learn proper marketing strategies, writing, and other skilled tasks to ensure that the connections are meet without complications. Internet providers will bar those that send emails in spam form, so company employees must learn to prevent, act, and respond to emails without violating the Internet providers’ rules and policies. 

 

Therefore, new training is underway and employees and employers are encouraged to advance their professional growth by using their self-insight. Other issues are present that is causing a crisis, which is inspiring businesses to encourage employees and employers to adapt to professional attitudes. For example, Mexico’s financial system during 1995 was on the brinks of being completely in receivership. Mexico’s financial system was one-step away from complete bankruptcy because of its default on payments, which reached to billions of dollars. 

 

One of the high officials, President Leon had no other recourse but to turn to communities internationally and to the United States, thus asking for assistance. This led to a treaty, which was signed amid the USA and Mexico. The USA issued a $20-billion-dollar check, to help Mexico recover. 

 

What caused this disaster was related to lack of professionalism. It was clear that Mexico’s prominent leader was instable. Because of the lack of structure in the financial system, major investors began withdrawing their funds. Mexican leaders attempted to reduce the sum of the peso, yet when they made this attempt, more disaster hit the financial system. The leaders had thought that the reduction of the peso’s worth would increase sales. This problem alone led to many other problems, which leaders of the economy created error-packed policies for nomic that lead corruption and poverty, as well as familiar issues. The problem expanded, which led the country and the USA into facing major crime issues, such as trafficking, and political assassinations. 

 

We see then that if these people were professionals that these problems could have been avoided. The unprofessional took a great toll on the country, which immediately after the Chiapas revolt. During this revolt, the Chiapas stood against authorities who were clearly corrupted. Immediately after, the massive corruption in the political sector erupted. One of the most prominent leaders in the country during 1994 died from a gun wound. Murrieta was announced dead at the scene of the crime. The young Martinez, a factory employee was later arrested. Vazquez later was also convicted. 

 

Later that year another high politic leader was annihilated. Had there been professional growth in this scene, perhaps murder and other crimes would have been kept at bay. It is logical then to see that we need to develop professional growth in order to avoid such problems in the future.

 

Discovering Fears in Self-Mastery

Discover your fears and doubts. Sometimes we have fears and doubts in our mind that we don’t realize are there. These fears and doubts will hinder people each time from developing self-mastery skills that enable them to take control of their life. 

 

The common human tendency is to suppress fears or stressful situations rather than to face them head on. Many of the fears that develop in our mind often occur in our childhood, yet most people find it hard to understand this because they believe that the problems arise from current situations. 

 

The subliminal mind stores negative things such as fear or grief sending biofeedback messages through the subconscious mind when we least expect it. Sometimes fearful things crop up in the mind and often people do not know where it comes from unless they have self-mastery skills developed to a large extent. The flash back could be reminding you of the fear as a child because you were never able to let it out.

 

Learn to practice by putting your body and mind in balance by discovering your loss of memory as a child to relieve this stress. Start out by exploring your mind to find what is stored by blocking it out at one time. 

 

Build your mental and physical ease and supremacy by digging into your subliminal mind to find the cause of stress that is trying to take control. Stress will build up and cause you many problems; even loss of memory when you try to forget.

 

When an entity slows the progress of self-development and self-mastery, often they fall back into the slumps. This could cause you to become depressed and angry at yourself. Using guides to help you overcome stress to relieve your negative feelings such as making constructive changes in the way you live.

 

Use meditation as a guide to help you change your attitude to find a happy home for the lost puppy. Relieving stress will give you guidance to change your attitude by making it positive.

 

Meditation will help you to focus and relax letting you feel better about fears and grief that haunt you. Sometimes we have to relax and let the stress go. Realizing that something’s you do not have the power to control is a great start to developing self-mastery skills. 

 

When we are stressed and feeling down; let meditation guide you to relaxation for a better night of sleep. When you feel rested, it makes it possible to think clearly. When you have too many stressors building up in your life, it is often difficult to make good decisions. Learn to focus for making decisions more effective and successful.

 

Learn the skills of meditation to guide you by joining a Yoga class. Yoga will guide you to relax the brain to explore for the mental and physical ease and supremacy. Let Yoga help you overcome fear and grief with relaxation by meditating. 

 

Learn ways to sit stand and move in different positions to relieve the stress that is causing you to slump your shoulders or lay in a chair. You’ll love the feeling that meditating with Yoga skills will guide you to.

 

Exercise is a good physical stress reliever to guide you in changing your attitude about yourself and life. Turn the lost puppy into a happy one with confidence and a great attitude with exercise.

 

Exercise will help you build the body, relieve stress, increase memory, and improve your self-mastery skills. Getting stronger helps not only the joints it will help to relieve stress in restoring the memory process. Relieving stress with exercise will give your memory room for holding new positive thoughts. 

 

Feel like a new person with a guide for mental and physical ease and supremacy.

 

Fractional Therapy for Self-Mastery

Overview

 

Fractional relaxing helps you to contract and relax the muscles naturally while you focus on something. For instance, you may wander into a peaceful world mentally and interact with nature while you relax and contract your muscles. This is a continuous practice one can use to build self-mastery skills. 

 

Fractional therapy comprises of three words that takes you into a self-hypnosis induction that helps you to prepare for relaxation. There are three sets of scripts that guide you all the way through the processes of fractional repose. Through the first script, you will subconsciously wander into selected events. You will select the events that make you feel the most comfortable. 

 

Propulsion or forward motion systems are what people are using these days in order to guide the self to self-mastery. By using self-mastery techniques one can guide the self into a progressive state of development. The therapy will improve perceptive ways of thinking, which is part of the solution. 

 

This type of therapy takes you into a mantra, which is a step-in yoga. The person tenses the muscles and then relaxes them at the start of the technique. The technique can improve your work skills. It also boosts your metabolism so that you are encouraged to join healthy activities. 

In the second step, you will continue into the relaxation therapy by using variations of words to induce hypnotism. At this stage, you greet the subconscious mind, which guides you to self-mastery. During the meditative phase, you will sort through events and choose the best one to apply to your actions. 

 

In the next step you will employ the same tactics, yet you will focus on your behavioral patterns and drift into the subconscious mind to explore your past knowledge and experiences. This stage helps you to improve your behaviors. You can expand the mind by using variations of techniques, such as trance-formation, fraction therapy and so on. It is best to find the technique that works best for you. 

 

Most of the techniques are similar to meditation. Meditation is the process of empowering the body and mind to relax and make discoveries. Meditation is something that we should all try to learn. This is a self-relaxing skill that requires your mind to get clear of all things that may be in the way of learning or being able to get control on your life and the things that are around you. When this happens, you will be able to get a hold of your thoughts making getting in control a lot easier for you to deal with. You will notice that once you are in control you will feel so much better about yourself and other as well.

 

How would you go about learning how to learn meditation?

 

Meditation is really easy to get information on it. All you have to do is go to your local library to do some research on it, if you find that you are not able to find what you want then you might want to then go to other resources like the internet or to your local support group. You can find out information you your local support groups by getting a hold of your family doctor or your local library. There should have all the information that you may need to get started.

How do you learn to use meditation?

 

When learning to use meditation you have to remember that this is a self-teaching skill that you are able to teach yourself. This way you’re able to learn as fast as you want or as slow as you relaxing.