In this day and age, it seems as if women are always looking for the latest and greatest magic weight loss secret. From a holistic health perspective, a healthy lifestyle is the only way to a healthy waistline.
However, Fabrizio Mancini, doctor of chiropractic and president of Parker University, revealed some creative and alternative techniques that he has seen work wonders in his own patients to help keep excessive pounds at bay.
Acupuncture:
This is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice in which needles are inserted at specific “acupoints,” along a network of energy channels throughout the body.
This venerable practice has been shown to reduce appetite and cravings, as well as improve weight loss and reduce weight gain, according to a study in the International Journal of Obesity.
The decreased stress and anxiety attributed to acupuncture treatments can help stimulate beneficial hormones, increasing the efficiency of a healthy diet and exercise.
Chiropractic Treatments:
Mancini explained that “the nervous system, which lives within the spinal cord, controls and affects all aspects of the body,” and that chiropractic care can improve functions of metabolism, digestive system, brain, organs, and more.
Receiving consistent spinal adjustments may correct misalignments, decrease nerve pressure, increase flexibility, and remove spinal chord pressure. This removes the strain and pain, enabling you to exercise and push yourself harder.
Massage:
Need another excuse? Massage has been shown to lower stress, improve circulation, speed physical recovery, and improve mobility, among other benefits.
Cortisol, a hormone that is increased by stress, is often associated with excess fat deposits in the belly, as well as an increased appetite.
Massage is linked to a decrease in stress levels, thus a decrease in cortisol, and any cortisol-related weight gain. Massage can promote a more positive mental and emotional outlook, thus improving overall wellbeing, to boot!
Good Posture:
Good posture is critical for core strength, improved breathing, and spinal alignment. Maintaining proper posture not only helps to strengthen your core, it also does wonders in creating a more slimming look. Improving your posture is an easy exercise you can work on every day.
So keep that spine straight and those shoulders back! And remember, prevention is the best medicine. You never know which new healthy habit could be your next weight loss weapon.
Sources:
Email interview with Fabrizio Mancini. June 18, 2012.
Benefits of Massage - The Physiological Benefits. (n.d.). Discover Massage Therapy. Retrieved June 17, 2012, from
http://www.discover-massage-therapy.com/benefits-of-massage-physiologica...
Joswick, D. (n.d.). Study Shows Acupuncture Effective for Weight Loss . www.acufinder.com. Retrieved June 18, 2012, from
https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+News/Study+Shows+Acupuncture+Effec...
Lacey, J., Tershakovec, A., & Foster, G. (2003). Acupuncture for the treatment of obesity: a review of the evidence. International Journal of Obesity, 27. Retrieved June 18, 2012, from
http://www.nature.com/ijo/journal/v27/n4/full/0802254a.html
Stress Cortisol Connection. (n.d.).UNM - New Mexico's Flagship University | The University of New Mexico. Retrieved June 17, 2012, from
http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/stresscortisol.html
Reviewed June 26, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith