Obesity is the biggest health epidemic in the United States. On average, 1 in every 3 Americans are overweight; this ratio continues to climb at an alarming rate and is expected to increase to 2 in every 3 Americans in the next decade. Obesity is a major contributing factor in heart disease, elevated cholesterol, cancer, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure
Our unique approach to this crisis combines medical acupuncture to target cravings, eliminate toxins and speed weight loss with a multidisciplinary intervention that examines and addresses the causes – dietary, endocrine, metabolic and behavioral, involved in excess body weight.
Acupuncture can be a valuable tool in addressing addictions and cravings. It has a long history of success in the treatment of severe addictions to such substances as heroin, cocaine and other drugs. Food can be an addiction as well and the pattern of eating when we aren't really hungry, eating to excess and eating foods we know are damaging our health bears striking similarities to other types of substance abuse. Acupuncture can be extremely helpful in curbing cravings and helping you stick with a successful plan. Acupuncture treatments are performed by Dr. MacDonnell and Dr. Alagna who are both Medical Doctors and Certified Acupuncturists.
Graduates of our highly successful Program find that not only did the Program help them take the weight off but to keep it off as well. Our Program has such a record of success over the years that area physicians refer their patients to us for participation in our Weight Management Program.
Our Weight Management Program consists of five initial visits and begins with a private consultation with Dr. MacDonnell. This visit addresses any and all factors which may have impacted on previous weight loss attempts. These factors include but are not limited to, personal and family medical history, social history, endocrine health, toxic exposures, exercise and fitness status, and such factors as anxiety or depression. We attempt to identify factors in the past, present and future that may contribute to excess weight gain and the inability to lose weight or keep weight off.
Laboratory testing is often ordered at this visit as frequently identifiable culprits such as food allergies or sensitivities or metabolic issues which may be contributing to the problem can be found and fixed. The patient is usually started on an elimination diet or other food plan at the first visit. Acupuncture is performed if the patient chooses. Food journaling is helpful and is encouraged and we review the journal together on subsequent visits.
Your visits continue weekly and at your next visit any lab results will be reviewed and addressed and your food journal and progress assessed. Again, acupuncture is highly recommended and can be performed at this session.
The cost for the program is $600. Check with your insurance company as they will sometimes cover this type of service if it is medically indicated.
