If you struggle with your weight, you're not alone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that there are more than 1 billion overweight adults, and there are at least 300 million clinically obese individuals.  

Overweight people spend billions of dollars annually on weight loss products, but obesity is still on the rise. People are turning to diet pills, extreme fasting, fad diets or even drastic measures such as surgery in an attempt to manage their weight.

Unfortunately, excess weight is not just a cosmetic issue. Being overweight is a risk factor for many conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. The good news is that maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk and it's never too late to get started. People seeking to address their weight concerns are turning to acupuncture as a natural and effective way to approach weight loss.  

A traditional approach to healing. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) take a holistic, or whole-body approach, to health. This ancient form of healthcare works to restore the balance and flow of the body's Qi (pronounced "chee"), or vital energy. According to TCM, the reasons why people gain weight, or find it difficult to lose weight, are numerous. Your acupuncturist can perform diagnostic exams to uncover the root cause(s) or imbalances that have affected your weight. 

Your acupuncturist will also take into consideration other factors that may have led to weight gain, including your lifestyle, as well as your emotional and mental well-being. By taking your whole self into account, you and your acupuncturist can get to the root of your health concerns, rather than just treating the symptoms. 

What will my acupuncturist do?

During your first visit, your acupuncturist will take an extensive health history and perform various diagnostic exams. At the completion of your first visit, your acupuncturist will provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and an explanation of your treatment plan.

Your treatments will focus on correcting any underlying imbalances in your body and will help to support you in reaching your weight loss goals. 

Based on your unique symptoms, your acupuncturist will choose to concentrate on acupuncture points related to specific organs. For example, restoring balance to the flow of Qi in the Stomach can help promote good digestion and suppress an overactive appetite. Emotional issues, such as anxiety and stress, both of which can lead to overeating, can be addressed by balancing the Liver. 

A partnership for better health. It is important to remember that acupuncture is not a quick fix. By working with your acupuncturist, and committing to long-term goals, you will experience positive changes in your overall health, including maintaining a healthy body weight. In addition to acupuncture treatments, your practitioner may also recommend other lifestyle changes. 

Whether you want to lose a few pounds or a significant amount of weight, consider acupuncture as a natural and effective way to approach weight loss. By working together with your practitioner, you can help your body regain its natural balance-and start taking steps toward true health and vitality. 

Snuggling in winter may be fun (and I'm not going to say you shouldn't snuggle) but your kids need something more. In fact, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), kids need at least 1 hour of physical activity-every day. And depending on your children's school program and sports activities, they may not even get close.

There are many benefits. Exercise helps kids feel less stressed, have higher self-esteem, focus at school, sleep better and maintain a healthy weight. You've probably noticed that parenting children who get enough exercise is also easier than parenting those who don't.

Winter is a time for yin activities. It's healthy to be introspective and quiet. However, children need physical activity-even in the winter.

But on a cold, dark day, how do you get your kids to exercise?

Indoor Exercise

The first strategy is to get physical activity at home.

• Walk the dog or shovel the snow. 
• Race around the house. 
• Go outside and play snowball basketball.

Young children may enjoy creative home exercise. 

• Try playing "rock, paper, scissors" with your legs. 
• Do sun salutations together. See who can walk upstairs  backward the fastest.

 When you spend time at home, keep moving. 

• Take breaks every hour and do jumping jacks. 
• Play exercise workout games, like Dance Dance Revolution. 
• Do push-ups, sit-ups and squats. 
• Use commercial breaks to challenge each other to a dance   contest. 
• Even jump-roping in the basement is a good exercise option.

• Sledding, skiing, skating are just a few options.
• Try making the same activities interesting by changing them slightly. Sled down a hill on an inner tube or cafeteria tray instead of a sled. 
• Go skating on a lake instead of at a rink.