1) what's the efficacy sensitivity of acupuncture needle placement? I understand conceptually that they place needles along key points along meridians (like liver meridian, kidney meridian). But how exact must the placement be? How do the locate the meridians? Based on some body anchor point (like some joint? Or some vein?)? How do they determine exactly where to place the needle? How close does the placement need to be to the intended placement to have reasonable efficacy?

2) When one is exercising w/ intent to lose weight and build a little bulk, is it best to eat protein before exercising? After exercising? Both?

3) I'm gathering that not all protein sources are the same - absorption of protein varies depending on the source (breast milk, eggs, meat type, dairy, veg based protein, etc). Absorption from breast milk and eggs seem highest. Cow's milk and diary (cheese, yogurt and such) is considerably lower - why the difference? How do they even figure out different protein sources have different absorption rates? I may focus on eggs if this is the case but still trying to figure out what's really correct - 3-4 eggs per day is not bad for health?

I’ve been doing acupuncture monthly for about 5yrs now. Some points my therapists just sticks implying they’re easy to hit I’d suppose? Others she feels along the meridian until a tender spot is identified, she then sticks the needle on that point. Some she can tell right away, as in there’s a quick twitch or some reaction she can tell, others I provide feedback when there a ‘grabbing’ sensation. Seems as if the hands, feet, face, neck and back she just sticks. Arms/legs and down the torso are the ‘tell me when I hit a tender spot exercises. Neck and back is usually done while I have cups on as well though so that may play into things?

(No help on the protein.)

1) It is done by feel and experience. A good acupuncturist senses the meridian with their finger tips.

2) After, you're looking to replace

3) My Chiropractor who is a fitness/workout/water ski freak recommended for my daughter, who ran track, to drink any protein powder mix from Walmart/Target. He said there wasn't much difference...but to look for the lowest sugar content

You are way over-thinking the whole protein thing. Best time is after exercise, within 60-90 mins.

In order to pack on muscle mass you need to: lift as much as possible while eating as much as possible and resting as much as possible.

Dudes in prison get massive "swole" by lifting a bunch, eating a ton of "crap" calories (prison cafeteria swill supplemented by honey buns from the commissary) and sleeping 9-10hrs per day.

You don't need that much protein anyway, 1g-1.5g per lb of bodyweight is fine. Just lift weights at 75% or more of 1 rep max for high volume, sleep 8 hrs a day and eat 500 extra cals per day.

quote:

Originally posted by Strambo:
You are way over-thinking the whole protein thing. Best time is after exercise, within 60-90 mins.

In order to pack on muscle mass you need to: lift as much as possible while eating as much as possible and resting as much as possible.

Dudes in prison get massive "swole" by lifting a bunch, eating a ton of "crap" calories (prison cafeteria swill supplemented by honey buns from the commissary) and sleeping 9-10hrs per day.

You don't need that much protein anyway, 1g-1.5g per lb of bodyweight is fine. Just lift weights at 75% or more of 1 rep max for high volume, sleep 8 hrs a day and eat 500 extra cals per day.

True. Train to failure and consume protein following workout. Lots of rest and water.

I know that acupuncture students must pass a rigorous test to demonstrate their ability to find points. They use biometrics, for instance a certain point is two finger widths away from a certain joint. Like that. Also the reason they generally work both sides of the body is double the chance of hitting the applicable points at least on one side.

As far as the protein thing, that's a very controversial issue. Maybe you'll want to check out that new movie The Game Changers, which apparently blows away long-held beliefs about protein consumption for athletes. I haven't seen it yet, but it's endorsed by no other than Arnold Schwarzenegger, who appears in the documentary.

Eat real food and just up your protein intake. At least try to get 1 gram per pound of body weight. Most people don’t eat enough protein. Don’t be one of those people. Just keep it simple.