Acupuncture, Facts for Figures
The Facts
The bad news
The average American today is over weight. Clothing sizes have been modified to hide this fact. The more expensive shops and boutiques have been doing this for years, flattering their wealthy customers into believing their weight was not effecting their clothing size. (Or their health)
Advertising is quite skilled in the art of deception. Beware of phrases that don't always mean what they appear to mean.
"Light" or "Lite" may indicate the product has been whipped to be made fluffy and lighter in weight.
"Fat free" or "zero fat" usually means a lot of sugar has been added to make the product taste good.
Diet sweeteners are chemicals that when heated during cooking, storage, or digestion can become formaldehyde in the body. They can also increase sugar cravings.
Low carb high fat and protein diets are just another passing craze that has health risks involving several body systems including high cholesterol (liver), kidney stones (kidneys), and high blood pressure (circulatory).
The good news
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs...
- can help stave off cravings for sugar.
- can help the body naturally shed fat.
- treat the root of the problem in order to correct it permanently, rather than masking or ignoring the problem altogether.
Acupuncture and You
Acupuncture can be an effective part of your weight control program along with proper diet and exercise.
Not every person who has put on a few extra pounds or who is obese eats too much.
When the human body doesn't get enough of the right nutrients, it starts a hormonal reaction that increases the amount of fat that is stored and actually slows down the metabolism so that fat won't be broken down into energy too quickly.
Usually this means that there may be more than just poor diet or overeating to consider, there may be a digestive issue or food allergies preventing the body from getting the nutrition that it needs, therefore, causing it to store whatever it can as fat, so it will be prepared in the event of a dietary or digestive emergency.
Health depends upon balance. When there is no balance, health weakens, leaving the body vulnerable to illness.
Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbs can be one of the healthiest ways to regain that balance so the body will become strong enough to let go of the unnecessary fat when it is safe to do so.
What to expect
Acupuncture works with your body to help it regain its own state of balance. You may not see huge results immediately because the body must work at the cellular level to rebuild and restore itself. Give the body time, the weight didn't get there overnight and it won't go away that way either.
For every pound of body fat, the body must create two miles of vessels to nourish it. Allow the body time to break down and recycle the tissue that is no longer needed.
Keep things in perspective
The movie stars and fashion models we see splashed all over the media have make up artists and hair stylists to keep them looking their best for the camera. They hire only the best photographers money can buy. Airbrush artists then doctor the photos, touching up blemishes and brushing in filler to augment what is lacking.
Often these stars spend at least 2-4 hours per day in their personal gym with a one-on-one personal trainer to help them shape and sculpt their bodies.
In the event that there is still a slight blemish or imperfection, there is always a plastic surgeon on hand for the right price.
The average American does not have these resources available. It is unrealistic to expect to look as good as the movie stars and fashion models that make up only 1% of the population.
Remember, those stars pay a lot of money to cover the lumps, bumps and impurities. If they were food, they would contain so many additives they wouldn't be edible!
Healthy Life Choices
Your body is your identity and your means of getting from place to place. It is best to make healthy choices to keep your body and self-image strong.
Eat several small meals throughout the day. "Super sizing" is only in the best interest of the franchise. Drink plenty of fluids (avoid caffeine and sugar when you can).
Eat plenty of foods high in fiber Salads aren't for everyone. You may need to eat your vegetables steamed, stir fried or in soups rather than cold and raw.
You burn calories all day long. The more muscle mass you have, the more quickly you burn calories. A person with a strong body can burn up to 400 calories per night just by sleeping.
Studies show that as weight increases, sleep time decreases.
Eating three 6-oz servings of dairy products/day decreases belly fat. (You can substitute other foods high in calcium as well.)
Experts recommend 45 minutes of exercise 5 days/week. The exercise must be brisk but still allows you to chat. (walking, cycling, rowing, elliptical, stair stepper.)
10 Activities that burn 100 calories each:
- 10 minutes steady cycling (with your kids?)
- 10-15 minute fitness video (with a friend?)
- 15 minute brisk walk (dog walking?)
- 20 minutes of house work (+music=dance?)
- 25-30 minutes of gardening
- 20 minutes of dancing (with your sweetie?)
- 30-40 minutes of grocery shopping (after meals)
- 15-20 minutes pushing a lawn mower
- 20-30 minutes washing and waxing your car
- 15-20 minutes stair climbing (skip the elevator)
Keep It Real
Making goals for yourself is a great way to make positive changes in your life.
Keep your goals realistic:
You can't succeed if your goals are too far out of reach. Sometimes it is best at first to make tiny goals that are easily met so you can taste success.
Reward yourself:
Celebrate! Avoid food and purchasing toys or clothing as reinforcement, but treat yourself to a fun activity or anything healthy that is meaningful to you.
Do it for life:
Develop healthy habits that you can follow for a lifetime. Short-term diets or fad diets seldom have long-term results.Once done and forgotten is not the answer either. The work out isn't over after you've hit the showers, make healthy choices all day everyday. Take the elevator instead of the stairs. Park further out and walk to the office if it is safe to do so. Take breaks from work to get out and walk. Take a co-worker and share the fun.
