KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasNeedles, Herbs, Hypnosis, and Electrodes for Weight Loss

Needles, Herbs, Hypnosis, and Electrodes for Weight Loss

(Aug. 1) -- Weight loss can be a challenging goal for anyone. Some people turn to alternative methods to enhance the weight loss process. We are taking a look at some ancient methods.

Las Vegas doctor of Oriental medicine, Damon Yang, began studying acupuncture techniques decades ago in China. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help alleviate various problems -- including weight gain. The premise is based on the theory that energy or chi, in the body must be channeled properly for the body's organs to work efficiently.

Dr. Yang says, "You check pulse. You check organs. Which organs have circulation that is slow? Acupuncture will make this part correct."

The acupuncture points are junctures of the channels that carry the chi. It's believed, the long, familiar needles help to tap into the chi and bring the body into balance. Dr. Yang says that different points lead to different channels. And needle placement depends on where the fat deposits are a problem.

Dr. Yang also specializes in the use of Chinese herbs. Herbs and vitamins are widely used today to enhance weight loss programs and new products are coming out almost daily.

One such product is called Phase 2, an extract from the white kidney bean. It's supposed to absorb starch calories and allow a person to consume carbohydrates without fear of gaining weight.

For more information on supplements, we paid a visit to the National Vitamin Company in Las Vegas where visitors observe first-hand the pill making process. Staff pharmacist Dennis Okwuadigbo says there are supplements available that can increase energy and suppress the appetite. But, he says, a balanced weight loss program should include 3 elements: exercise, nutritional supplements, and some common sense when it comes to your diet.

Dr. Okwuadigbo says, "People overindulge, that's why. If you do moderation, exercise, and take specific nutrition that we may recommend, you'll be in good shape to lose weight and you lose it without jeopardizing you health."

Therapist Debora Nohrden, with Clear View Counseling & Wellness Center in Las Vegas, uses hypnotherapy to help clients with weight loss management. She guides them into a relaxed state of mind and then back to the past. She says that by reflecting deeply on one's life, a person is able to explore the true nature of a problem.

Nohrden says,  "When we do hypnosis, you go back as a child. And you feel everything again as the child. And you can really feel how you made that decision to use food to distract from the pain. Jette says that like everything, some people will find success with hypnotherapy, while others will not.

The problem of overeating can have some very deep roots and one must be willing to wade through some powerful emotions -- including anger, fear, sadness and frustration.

Nohrden says, "So now what you do is you go back and you feel all of that and think of your old decision and then you come up with a new decision and you bring that back. And then in your daily life you start looking at things, what's happening. You keep implementing the new decision, like a post-hypnotic suggestion now. And you keep using that until it becomes internalized."

Contrary to popular notions about hypnosis, Nohrden says her clients are fully awake during the sessions and will remember everything that was said.

We found another interesting weight loss enhancement method at the Sterling Club in Las Vegas. It's electrotherapy, and according to former showgirl Katherine Arnold, it's helpful in restoring muscle tone.

Arnold says, "Let's say you diet and just lose weight, your body's just going to hang there. It's going to maintain the shape of the extra weight. With the electro therapy, my muscles are being stimulated. And women have problem areas. Ria's able to work on those problem areas. Specifically for my body type. So I think it's kind-a sculpting my body where I need it to be sculpted."

Therapist Ria Taute, with Madame et Monsieur, says that electrotherapy re-educates withered muscles and improves circulation. The energy waves that pulsate through the muscles tighten and tone the body.

Taute says, "For inch losses, to strengthen the body, to actually tone and tighten muscles. It is very relaxing. It's safe. Especially for obese people who cannot go into the gym and work out."

This form of therapy is also useful for men who want a firmer body. But Taute says good nutrition is essential in the overall process.

Taute says, "We don't make any false claims that the machine is going to make them thin. Because your input and your output has to balance. Your nutrition has to change in order to burn some body fat. So we put them on a diet for the actual weight loss. The electrotherapy we've used over the years from body improvement. To have more tone, to have more definition. Better circulation. With more blood to the cells, you get rejuvenation of tissue."