Urban Acupuncture

CHICAGO, IL, January 07, 2011 (Press-News.org) The New Year's resolution. We all make the same top three promises: "I'm going to quit smoking." "I'm going to reduce stress." "I'm going to lose weight."

So what can you do differently this coming year, to ensure that you will stick to your resolution? Consider the ancient treatment, acupuncture! Known for its curative powers dating back more than 8,000 years, acupuncture reduces stress, helps people quit smoking and lose weight.

"From what I have personally seen, acupuncture curbs cravings and irritability that come along with dieting, ultimately helping with correcting food choices," says licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.), Kyla Boles of Urban Acupuncture (3020 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago; (773) 727-5042).

It is important to understand how the tiny needles are inserted into the body and how they can help with weight-loss. "People are nervous at the thought of acupuncture needles," says Kyla. "Acupuncture needles will not send you out of the room screaming." They are virtually painless, feeling like a slight pinch to 'I didn't even know you started.' Compared to the hollow, hypodermic needles used by doctors, acupuncture needles are very, very thin. In fact, 40 acupuncture needles can fit into the tip of a standard hypodermic needle.

Acupuncture steals the show when it comes to stress relief. When the hair-thin needles are inserted into specific points of the body, endorphins are released. Acupuncture creates a calming, relaxing effect, making it easier to deal with everyday stress that is often associated with weight gain. Additionally, those endorphins affect the organ systems related to metabolism and can aid in metabolic and hormonal issues.

Of course acupuncture is not the answer alone. Acupuncture should be combined with a committed lifestyle change including healthy eating and a moderate exercise regimen.

Urban Acupuncture uses not only acupuncture but also other forms of Oriental Medicine to treat a variety of conditions.

Consider yourself in good hands. Kyla's training in acupuncture and Chinese herbology is impressive. She is a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine (Dipl.OM.) and has received a Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) from one of the most prominent colleges training Oriental Medicine practitioners in the U.S., Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.

During the first visit, a thorough health history is taken to get a better understanding of the person. Oriental Medicine focuses on treating the person as a whole rather than just the specific problem. Typical appointments last one hour and should be scheduled weekly for best results.

Don't make another dreading New Year's resolution that you won't keep. Turn the "I'm going to get in shape," to "I am in shape and I feel wonderful!"

For more information, visit the Urban Acupuncture at http://www.urbanacupuncturechicago.com or call (773) 727-5042.

Consider a healthy fig-sesame jam recipe to help ease digestion.

Fig-Sesame Jam Recipe

Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
¾ cup water
2 lbs firm-ripe fresh figs, trimmed and quartered
2 (3-by-1-inch) strips from fresh lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ cup sesame seeds, toasted

Instructions:
Simmer sugar and water in a heavy saucepan; stir until sugar is dissolved. Gently stir in figs, zest and lemon juice. Simmer uncovered until thick and syrupy (1 ¾ to 2 hours). Gently add toasted sesame seeds.

Recipe adapted from Gourmet Magazine, August 2001.

Source: Komada, J. L.Ac. (2010). How to lose the weight and keep it off with acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Acupuncture Referral Service. Retrieved from http://www.acufinder.com

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