Alternative Therapies for Weight Loss

Alternative Therapies for Weight Loss

·         By Charlotte Libov | Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPH

Acupuncture for Weight Loss

What it is: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing method based on teachings that “qi,” or energy, circulates through the body along 14 meridians, which roughly correspond to the body’s organs. Acupuncture’s underlying theory is that blockages in this energy flow cause imbalances that materialize as health problems such as obesity. Acupuncture seeks to restore balance.

How it’s performed: Acupuncture practitioners insert thin metal needles into the skin at strategic points to stimulate the tissues and break up blockages in the energy flow.

Does it work? It’s recognized as an effective therapy for many ills, including pain relief, headache, stroke rehabilitation, and even addiction, but little has been published on acupuncture and weight loss. Thanks to acupuncture, some people can experience reduced hunger and weight loss, a meta-analysis of seven studies that was published in the journal Obesity. But the authors point out that none of the studies conformed to the gold standards for accuracy, so more research is needed before acupuncture can be deemed effective. Daisy Merey, MD, PhD, a weight-loss specialist and the author of several books, including Beyond Diet and Exercise and The Merey Way to Healthy Weight, says of acupuncture: “I know it’s good for pain relief, but I haven’t seen any good results [for dieting].”

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Acupressure for Weight Loss

What it is: Acupressure is similar to acupuncture but without needles.

How it's performed: In acupressure, strategic points on the body are stimulated with finger pressure.

Does it work? As with acupuncture, the majority of research done on acupressure has been on its ability to relieve chronic pain, but evidence regarding weight loss is scant. One study, reported in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, found that, after six months, participants receiving acupressure treatment lost 2.5 pounds more than those who went to a support group, but the general consensus is more research is needed to evaluate acupressure’s effectiveness

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Ayurveda for Weight Loss

What it is: Ayurvedic medicine, or simply Ayurveda, is one of the world’s oldest medical systems, having originated in India thousands of years ago. Its goal is to integrate and balance the body, mind, and spirit.

How it’s performed: No single procedure or product defines Ayurvedic medicine. Rather, Ayurveda is considered a holistic approach tailored to the individual, with a wide range of therapies including specialized diets, massage, and herbs.

Does it work? As with most alternative therapies for weight loss, clinical research is lacking, but Aryurveda has staunch supporters like Denise Baron of New Mexico, who was so impressed with her nearly 25-pound drop that she became an Ayurveda wellness coach. “Aryuveda addresses the entire nervous system with diet, lifestyle, and self-massage," Baron says. "Methods may include drinking hot water and lemon over the course of the day to stimulate digestion, meditation, breathing exercises, a few gentle yoga poses, and we might even recommend herbs from the kitchen or the health food store.”