Kick up your metabolism naturally

Natural medicine and acupuncture offer ways to kick up your metabolism, decrease appetite, optimize healthy weight loss and management, and help release any destructive emotional connections to food, self-image and confidence.

by Dr. Christina Kovalik — 

Obesity is a huge problem in today’s world. It is a common cause of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, inflammation, arthritis, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Obesity affects 40 percent of the population, and 50 percent of people in the United States are overweight due to poor lifestyle choices, diet, stress, and environmental and emotional toxins.

Some people looking for fast ways to lose weight may become discouraged by fad or restrictive diets. Some are interested only in taking pills or supplements, without making the necessary lifestyle changes that may have led to their weight problems to begin with.

Other underlying causes for obesity can be culprits, such as hormone imbalances, inflammation, food allergies and low adrenal/thyroid function, which should be investigated. It is important to identify the root cause (emotional, physical, mental or spiritual) and to be in the right mindset in order to create a successful weight-loss program.

Natural medicine and acupuncture offer ways to kick up your metabolism, decrease appetite, optimize healthy weight loss and management, and help release any destructive emotional connections to food, self-image and confidence.

Acupuncture is very successful in boosting the metabolism by increasing the free flow of qi (energy) into the meridians or channels in the body, as well as balancing hormones by acting at the hypothalamus pituitary axis. This healing modality can also stimulate or balance the adrenals and thyroid, promote weight loss and help decrease food cravings and appetite.

Acupuncture can balance mood by helping to stimulate the release of natural endorphins (the “feel-good” hormones), which increase seratonin and oxytocin. It can be used along with an organic whole-food diet, exercise, self-reflection and journaling to help emotionally clear old patterns and beliefs. These are all a part of a successful weight-loss program.

Holding yourself accountable or finding an accountability partner (someone going through the same program or weight-loss plan) is essential. It is also important to be mentally prepared by journaling, setting empowering affirmations, and creating a new routine to honor yourself and your transformation throughout this process.

Monitoring your thoughts and surrounding yourself with like-minded people can transform your life. Now is the time to make changes that will optimize your health and vitality, naturally, for long-term benefits. Start your weight-loss program today so that you can live a better tomorrow.

Dr. Christina Kovalik is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist in Scottsdale, Ariz. She is also the director of the AMCH Fertility Clinic in Phoenix and a founding member of the Blended Healthcare Consortium. www.drkovalik.com or 602-434-7922.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 29, Number 4, Aug/Sept 2010.