alexandravives, auteur sur Chinese Medicine and Osteopathy in Aix-en-Provence and Cadenet

19 September 202229 September 2026

Weight loss and acupuncture

Weight loss and Chinese medicine: what the science says:
Some studies suggest that acupuncture can help regulate two appetite hormones: leptin and ghrelin. By stimulating these 2 hormones, acupuncture can help control appetite and sweet or salty cravings, improve digestion and stimulate the metabolism.
It also plays a role in stress management by releasing endorphins. These are responsible for the feeling of well-being and have a relaxing effect, which counterbalances eating out of frustration, anxiety or tension.

Some conditions and medicines can slow down weight loss, such as a thyroid disorder, diabetes or depression.

Acupuncture stimulates areas linked to meridians that correspond to organs. The therapist supports the patient’s general health and well-being through a personalised assessment.

The role of acupuncture in weight loss

Stimulates the metabolism;
May help to regulate appetite (eating too much, eating badly, or not enough, which is counterproductive), sugar cravings;
May improve the management of stress and emotions (anxiety, frustration, anger);
May help to improve sleep;
May encourage better bowel movements and good digestion (constipation, bloating);
May reduce the feeling of fatigue

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28 February 202229 September 2026

Assisted reproduction (ART) and Acupuncture

Assisted reproduction
IVF
acupuncture session
embryo transfer

When should you come for an acupuncture session during assisted reproduction?

Patients undergoing assisted reproduction often turn to acupuncture, alongside the care of their medical team. Some studies suggest that it may increase their chances of success.

Depending on the patient, preparatory work over several months is needed. Only a personalised assessment makes it possible to tailor the support. Patients who come for a consultation just before an egg retrieval or a transfer receive shorter support.

As I specialise in fertility, to optimise it naturally or during assisted reproduction, you can consult with complete confidence at the practice. Here are the issues and goals of the patients I support at my practice:

Maximising the chances before and after transfer during IVF
Repeated IVF failure
Implantation failure
Recurrent miscarriage
Egg donation
Endometrial thickness
Optimising the quality and quantity of eggs and sperm
Reducing the negative effects of medication during IVF
Restoring hormonal balance
Regulating the immune system
Improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
Increasing uterine receptivity and implantation
Reducing the negative effects of stress and negative emotions
Regulating inflammation

assisted reproduction, book an appointment, egg retrieval, transfer

There are then several options; you can have:

A session before: from a few days to 24 hours before egg retrieval and/or;
A session before: from a few days to 24 hours before the transfer and/or;
A session on the same day after the transfer or the following day and/or;
A session one week after the transfer.

Please note that acupuncture sessions can provide support in the first trimester of pregnancy, alongside medical care.

If a cycle fails, it is recommended to wait at least 2 months before a new attempt.

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13 October 202129 September 2026

Cancer and acupuncture

acupuncture breast cancer, Pink October — acupuncture and cancer

Acupuncture is widely used in cases of cancer, particularly during radiotherapy and chemotherapy, alongside care from the medical team. It is thought to stimulate the nervous system to release immune system cells and natural painkillers.

Some studies suggest acupuncture may be worthwhile for fatigue, hot flushes, nausea, vomiting and pain.

The most interesting study on acupuncture and breast cancer was published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” in 2000. In the study, 104 women on high-dose chemotherapy were suffering from nausea. In the group treated with acupuncture, the study reportedly observed either a complete absence of nausea or very minor episodes.

Another study carried out in 2002 at Duke University (United States) compared the effectiveness of acupuncture with anti-nausea medication before breast cancer surgery. The results were reportedly in favour of acupuncture over the medication.

Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help to relieve pain, alongside care from the medical team.

In a 2004 study at the Memorial Sloan Kettering centre, acupuncture reportedly improved episodes of fatigue by 31% across various types of cancer. In 2005, another study carried out in Sweden reportedly observed hot flushes reduced by half.

Keywords: Pink October, acupuncture, acupuncturist, screening, chemotherapy

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19 August 202129 September 2026

Fatigue and Acupuncture

fatigue acupuncture lack of sleep — Acupuncture and fatigue

Acupuncture offers many benefits and may be helpful for fatigue, whether recent or chronic. The patient may feel tired or lacking in drive.

The different types of fatigue

Lack of energy and lethargy have different causes, and there are different types of fatigue: mental, emotional, physical, adrenal, post-covid (long covid).

The causes

In Chinese medicine, we always look for the origin of the symptoms. For example, fatigue may come from a deficiency in vitamins or minerals such as iron or vitamin B12, a thyroid problem, a cortisol problem, a blood sugar problem, a cardiovascular condition, taking certain medicines, a lack of physical activity or, on the contrary, too much physical activity

Emotional stress can also lead to a lack of drive, even more so in people who are empathetic.

Diet can also be an area to investigate. In Chinese medicine, overeating or a diet poor in nutrients and vitamins creates a Spleen deficiency, which leads to exhaustion.

During the session, dietary and lifestyle advice is given to improve quality of life. Regular sessions help you regain energy.

Acupuncture takes the patient as a whole into account, and aims in particular to:

Improve the quality and quantity of sleep
Reduce stress and anxiety
Increase the ability to concentrate
Ease headaches or migraines
Stimulate the immune system
Reduce premenstrual syndrome

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18 May 202129 September 2026

Losing weight with acupuncture

Acupuncture gives a boost to weight loss.

Several closely spaced sessions at the start, in the form of a course of treatment, are sometimes needed to trigger this boosting effect on the metabolism.

After that, more widely spaced sessions help to maintain the benefits.

A personalised assessment makes it possible to work on different areas such as sleep, emotions (stress, anxiety…), sugar cravings or snacking, or digestive problems (constipation, bloating).

Eating too much, not eating enough, too much exercise, not enough exercise are all factors that prevent weight loss. Note that strength training gives better results than cardio, which, as its name suggests, works the cardiovascular system. Cardio does not make you lose weight. Too much cardio will increase the level of cortisol, the stress hormone. Result: you eat more.

foods that help you lose weight — weight loss and acupuncture

Advice on Chinese dietetics and herbal medicine is also given during the consultation, depending on the person’s type, whether more yin or yang…

Some food supplements, such as guarana or green tea, are of interest. Spices such as ginger and turmeric, as well as lemon and cider vinegar, are used as part of an adapted diet.

A breakfast based on oat flakes is perfect, rather than skipping this essential meal.

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8 March 202129 September 2026

Menopause and acupuncture

menopause signs symptoms natural treatment — menopause and acupuncture

The menopause is not an illness but rather a period of transition. Some women have no symptoms, while others need treatment or support depending on the symptoms they experience. Acupuncture may help to relieve hot flushes, mood swings, night sweats, etc.

The menopause is reached when menstruation stops completely, moving from a state of fertility towards a passage to greater creativity. The average age of the menopause is between 48 and 55; before 36, it is called premature menopause. Premenopause and perimenopause can last from 6 to 12 months, and for some women from 2 to 5 years.

The age of the menopause depends on various factors: state of health, smoking, obesity, kidney essence (Chinese medicine), emotional stress, too many pregnancies close together, or a hysterectomy. In Chinese medicine, during this period the yin and yang of the kidneys are depleted.

The Symptoms

The main symptoms are: hot flushes, night sweats, dizziness, tinnitus, red cheeks, dry skin, intense thirst, constipation, insomnia, fatigue, ankle oedema, depression, cold extremities, irritability, diarrhoea, weight gain, anxiety, palpitations, chest tightness, high blood pressure.

menopause hot flushes — Hot flushes and acupuncture

Dietary advice

Avoid alcohol, coffee and spicy food, and eat slowly.

Spirulina, yam and chasteberry are of interest as food supplements.

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10 December 202029 September 2026

Fertility and acupuncture

According to Chinese medicine, conception depends on good balance in the woman but also in the man.

The role of acupuncture in fertility

-regulating periods;
-regulating hormones, sometimes specific blood tests are needed;
-support during ART, IVF, egg donation;
-nourishing and moving the “Blood” after stopping contraception ( 2 to 6 months);
-advice on lifestyle.

The patient should track her cycles and the length of her periods, using certain apps for example, as well as her temperature curve, which should drop slightly before ovulation and then peak during the 2 days of ovulation.

Some causes of female infertility

–Ovarian imbalance: polycystic ovary syndrome, excessively intense physical exercise, eating disorder, tumour

-Uterine malformations, damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis

-Low ovarian reserve

-Adhesions following surgery: abdomen, appendicitis, uterus…

-Thyroid problems

-Cancer

-Other problems: amenorrhoea, coeliac disease, Cushing’s disease, kidney disease, diabetes.

-Certain medicines.

Some causes of male infertility

-abnormal sperm function or production

-malformed or slow sperm

-overexposure to chemicals or toxins

-damage linked to cancers or certain treatments.

Other causes of infertility

-overwork, excessive sporting activity

-diet

-physical trauma

-emotional imbalance (stress, fear, anxiety, frustration, anger): this can lead to infertility, irregular periods and miscarriages.

acupuncture migraine — acupuncture and fertility

Acupuncture sessions and fertility

it is important to determine the aim of the sessions: natural conception, ART support, IVF, egg donation, miscarriage prevention.

Depending on the aims, it takes on average 3 months, sometimes more, to obtain results.

To book an appointment on Doctolib

Keywords: acupuncture point, acupuncture session, acupuncture Aix-en-Provence, fertility acupuncture, stimulation, ovarian follicle, contraception, ovarian cyst, osteopathy, ovary, pregnant, fertility, woman, acupuncture.

14 August 202029 September 2026

Acupuncture

Acupuncture (sometimes spelt “acuponcture” in French) is a very old therapeutic method, born in China 5,000 years ago, which regulates the body by means of needles placed in the skin at precise acupuncture points.

Acupuncture is based on the concept of vital energy and the theory of yin and yang. A state of balance defines good health.

Sometimes, internal or external aggressions disturb this balance, such as climatic changes (cold, heat, wind, dryness, trauma, infection) or eating too little or too much, dietary mistakes, excess or lack of emotions (anger, fear, sadness).

The imbalance may be temporary if the body has good immunity or if the pathogen is eliminated. Otherwise, the imbalance leads to the dysfunction of an organ, which in turn leads to the onset of an illness.

First and foremost preventive, acupuncture’s role is to maintain good health. It is also curative as soon as symptoms appear. It is advisable to have a session every 4 months, that is, at each change of season. This makes it possible to anticipate certain symptoms, such as allergies for example, or to prevent certain illnesses by boosting immunity.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, vital energy depends on the quantity and quality of the air we breathe, on diet, on managing emotions as well as on mental and sexual stimulation and on solar radiation.

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13 August 202029 September 2026

Weight loss

Weight loss through acupuncture is a major reason for consultation. Many patients wonder how to lose weight, slim down or tone their thighs or stomach. As each patient is unique, the protocol will be personalised according to various factors.

Eating disorders, stress, sleep problems, fatigue disrupt your energy and so lead to excess weight. The menopause and thyroid disorders are also factors that can alter your vitality in Chinese medicine. Some treatments or medications also contribute to weight gain.

nutrition weight loss — Nutritional advice for weight loss

By working on certain organs such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, stomach and kidneys, the patient may regain fitness and energy naturally. Nutritional advice complements the session.

During a session, the practitioner gives advice such as acupressure. The aim is to encourage relaxation and regulate appetite, sugar cravings, sleep, stress, etc. For example, yoga, breathing techniques and hiking are excellent activities.

Other symptoms can be supported at the same time, such as neck pain, low back pain, water retention, cellulite and abdominal pain.

It should be noted that no scientific evidence has shown the effectiveness of the acupuncture pen.

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7 August 202029 September 2026

The autumn season in Chinese medicine

In Chinese medicine, the autumn season corresponds to the Metal element. It begins on 7 August and ends on 19 October. Energy moves from Yang towards Yin, from expansion towards contraction, so it is important to be structured and organised during this period. This applies to the outside world but also to our inner world. As the leaves fall from the trees, we should remember how pleasant it is to let go. Your breathing is a balance between breathing in and breathing out. Breathing out is necessary to get rid of what we no longer need and to be able to fill up again.

acupuncture Aix-en-Provence constipation digestion sinusitis

It is also the season for getting rid of what we no longer need, which can create stress, confusion or a feeling of being overwhelmed. Cleaning, tidying, sorting and throwing away allow Qi to flow freely and bring more clarity to our choices and decisions. When you are aligned with what is essential, you can connect with your intentions.

The Lung and Large Intestine meridians can be where imbalances appear during this season. The most common symptoms I see in my patients are: breathing problems, allergies, sinus congestion, sore throat, cough, colds, flu, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, sadness, grief, depression, stress, mental confusion, having no purpose in life, a need for control, and difficulty letting go.

Here are some tips for balancing the Metal element during autumn:

Tidy up and simplify. This is a good time to sort out your wardrobes and cupboards. A good way to do this is to get rid of things you have not worn or used for more than a year. Clean, tidy, give away, sell or throw away whatever is surplus.
Get organised and set up a routine. Plan the tasks to be done for work and at home. It helps to have regular times for each task, such as preparing meals, sleeping, exercising and taking care of yourself.
Check your alignment. Review your priorities, resources and activities, and check which ones are aligned with who you are today.
Let go. Take time to discern what has value for you and what no longer serves you. You can ask yourself what you need to let go of from the past in order to move towards the future. This may mean letting go of old thoughts, old emotions, emotions such as shame or guilt, old relationships, old habits.
Allow yourself to feel sadness or grief. Make sure you listen to your emotions, and avoid judging or burying them. Instead, give thanks for the lessons received. Free yourself from judgement and forgive yourself and others. Have the courage to feel the emptiness created and to consider the space this creates.

I practise acupuncture in a traditional way and take into account every aspect of well-being: physical, psychological, emotional, mental and spiritual.

Book an appointment on Doctolib if you would like support to regain balance and alignment. It is beneficial to have a session at each change of season to help the body adapt to its environment.