I use an acupressure technique to help my patients eliminate their food cravings, and this is a great time of year to tell you about it. It’s a technique that combines self-applied acupressure with verbal statements and it is remarkably gentle, easy and effective. It can be used for any type of food craving, but is most often is used for cravings for sweets, refined carbohydrates, chocolate, and general habits of overeating.
How I came to this work
I often get asked why I’m doing acupressure to eliminate food cravings when I am an acupuncturist. It’s a really good question. Simply, I found a method that is really good, so good, that I couldn’t pass it up.
I began my career in nutrition over twenty years ago, and later added acupuncture to my skill set. This combination has helped me, and my patients tremendously and sometimes I debate about which one is more helpful, acupuncture or nutrition. The answer usually is, it depends on the patient and what they need, and often patients need both.
A few years ago, I became certified in this technique, have adapted it and added to it. After practicing for some time, I found that I could very specifically target and help my patient either eliminate their food cravings completely or diminish them considerably. The great part was that the results were lasting and sessions didn’t need to be repeated. Specific cravings are most often resolved in one session, sometimes, but rarely two.
Acupuncture is such a wonderful healing modality, it amazes me everyday, but when someone is eating a steady stream of sugar and simple carbohydrates, it can’t always compensate. When someone cuts down on these foods, their healing has the potential to take a big leap forward. Having a food craving session makes this easier to accomplish.
The Method
It has been described by patients as ‘powerful, amazing, deep, like nothing I’ve ever experienced,’ etc. What does a session look like? First, we have a conversation and figure out what is bothering you to come up with a phrase that summarizes it succinctly. I then guide you through a series of steps that targets the craving. You hold your own acupuncture points around your face and the back of your head and focus on the problem. I guide you through a very simple and gentle process and at the end, the pattern of craving has changed. It sounds like magic, but it’s not. It’s simple science. This change is brought about by holding the acupuncture points that are related to the vision centers of the brain. The neural pathways that were previously damaged by stress, which caused the cravings are replaced by new pathways. This is why behavior changes. The next time someone comes across the previously craved food, their experience is different. Some people notice the change immediately and their behavior changes just as quickly. Others take time to notice the change and have to reflect back on how it was before the session and can’t confirm a change for a few weeks. In other words, sometimes it’s subtle and sometimes it’s dramatic. The results are lasting and they don’t need to be repeated for the same issue. Many patients have their cravings resolved in one session, while others need additional sessions. It all depends on the person, and the results they want.
Who can benefit from a food craving session?
Anyone that would like a more relaxed and healthful experience with food can benefit from a session. Anyone that experiences any of the following can greatly benefit from these treatments:
· Strong cravings for specific foods
· Preoccupation with thoughts about food or eating
· Feelings of guilt around eating
· Chronic digestive concerns
· Emotional overeating
· Diabetes
If you would like to set up an appointment, please call and then use the $10.00 off coupon on your next acupuncture session. Good luck with your New Year’s resolutions!
Tags: food cravings, kara sorensen, new year's resolutions, Weight Loss