Acupuncture is a popular natural therapy that is utilised to treat a wide range of conditions, including anorexia nervosa. Natural treatments such as acupuncture are now viewed as an alternative or complement to conventional medical treatments - and in many cases offer superior therapeutic effects and help patients to recuperate safely and rapidly.
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Anorexia is an eating disorder which sees sufferers develop an unhealthy obsession with their weight, avoiding food and dieting compulsively. This is all with the objective of losing weight and being as thin as possible, though this ideal is often unhealthy for the individual concerned. Most anorexia sufferers tend to be adolescents of both sexes, though adult anorexia has also recently been identified as a serious issue. Anorexia has the potential to have significant impacts on a sufferer’s long term health, largely as a result of the dramatic reduction in critical nutrients. This can impact on cardiac health, fertility and bone health; amongst other aspects.
Anorexia Symptoms
The most common physical symptoms of anorexia are related to malnutrition, and include:
- A pronounced jaw line
- Absence of a menstrual period in females
- Dry skin
- Low blood pressure
- Low body weight
- Swollen hands and feet
- Thinning hair
Psychological symptoms include having a distorted body image, overexercising, avoiding food and mealtimes; as well as a persistent fear of putting on weight. Conventional medical treatment typically involves hospitalisation and counselling, with additional dietary advice and monitoring.
Acupuncture for Anorexia Nervosa
Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the ancient healing tradition of that nation, which also incorporates herbal medicine and massage; amongst other treatments. Acupuncture makes use of specially designed microscopic needles which are inserted at predetermined locations in the patient’s skin. These points are designed to release the flow of energy or chi in the body, and are viewed as critical to the ongoing health of an individual under TCM.
Acupuncture can assist anorexia sufferers restore the functioning of vital organs and other essential bodily functions, which are often impacted by the condition. It can also help to relieve other common symptoms of anorexia such as anxiety and depression.
To learn more, contact an acupuncturist in your area today.
Find out about other natural treatments for anorexia nervosa.
Originally published on Aug 30, 2010
