The traditional Chinese medicine is widely recognised as an extremely popular holistic health practices across the globe. Within the United States, aspects of traditional Chinese medicine, including yoga and massage therapy are part of the general health and wellness culture.
Although many still employ traditional methods to lose weight however, some people incorporate holistic techniques such as acupressure into their weight loss plan.
We’ll discuss the potential benefits of acupressure to weight loss, and how you can incorporate it in your weight loss journey.
The Acupressure Point And The Loss Of Weight
Acupressure, similar to acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine which has for a long time been part of the traditional Chinese practices of Chinese medicine.
The use of needles in acupuncture is to stimulate different pressure points throughout your body. Acupressure can be performed by stimulating these pressure points by massage therapy.
The theory behind acupuncture is that it is beneficial in reducing stress levels, increasing digestion and increasing metabolism and all of these play an important role in managing weight.
Certain pressure points are believed to affect appetite levels or blood sugar levels making acupressure an ideal supplement to other strategies for weight loss like exercise and diet.
The Energy Pathway Meridian
In traditional Chinese treatment, every one of the body’s acupressure points is located on an energy path known as”meridian. “meridian.” The meridians that are identified according to the various organs within the body.
Every acupressure point on the meridian’s path is identified by the letters that correspond to that Meridian, then the exact location of the point along the path. The acupressure points also have the same names in traditional languages.
Below, you’ll find several acupressure points that are believed to impact metabolism, digestion, as well as other aspects related to weight loss.
1. Zusanli (ST36)
It is located in the stomach meridian Zusanli is thought to affect the organs of the lower abdomen as well as the parasympathetic nerve system (which regulates digestion) and the general energy of the body.
The point is situated just below the kneecap, about 3 inches lower and one inch from the center of the body.
Massage this area:
- Two fingers should be placed in one points called zusanli.
- Apply gentle pressure but firm pressure on your area with your fingers.
- Make a circular motion to massage the area for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Repeat with the other side.
2. Sanyinjiao (SP6)
It is located in the spleen’s meridian, sanyinjiao is thought to affect the organs of the lower abdomen as well as the nerve system that controls the parasympathetic.
This is about 3 inches higher than the ankle bone.
Massage this area:
- Put one or 2 fingers onto one of the sanyinjiao’s points.
- Apply gentle pressure but firm pressure on the area with your finger(s).
- Make circular movements to massage the area for between 2 and 3 minutes.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
3. Zhongwan (CV12)
This is located on the meridian of conception. Zhongwan is believed to affect the organs that line the upper abdomen and also those that are associated with digestion, including the stomach and the intestines.
This is about four inches above the navel.
Massage this area:
- Two fingers should be placed on the Zhongwan point.
- Apply gentle, but firm pressure on the point with the fingers. Be careful not to apply excessive pressure to this delicate area.
- Make circular movements to massage the area for about 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Renzhong (GV26)
It is located along the governing meridian It is believed that renzhong may be a factor in the weight, particularly the weight gain.
The point is situated on the philtrum, which is less than 1 inch lower than the point the area where the nostrils join.
Massage this area:
- Make sure you place an index finger over the point of renzhong.
- Apply gentle, but firm pressure on the area with the fingers.
- Make a circular motion to massage the area for about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Xuehai (SP10)
It is located along the spleen meridian and xuehai has been believed to affect glucose levels in the blood, specifically when it comes to diabetes.
The point is situated just above the kneecap, about 2 inches from the middle of the body. It is located at the lower part of the thigh muscles.
Massage this area:
- Put two fingers onto the xuehai point.
- Apply firm but gentle pressure on your area with your fingers.
- Use a circular motion massage the area for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Repeat on the opposite side.
- Are acupressure points efficient in losing weight?
The literature on acupressure and weight loss is not extensive. The current research suggests that acupressure might be beneficial in aiding weight loss in people with overweight.
In a short study in 2019 seven studies were examined to assess the possible impact of auricular pressure on results of weight loss.
Auricular acupressure can be described as a kind of acupressure that works to stimulate the pressure points within the ear. The research included in the analysis compare the application of acupressure by itself (or with other interventions) with other treatments in the experimental phase or with no treatment.
The authors concluded that auricular pressure was effective in reducing body weight (BW) as well as the body mass index (BMI) for the participants of the study.
The results were the same whether the acupressure was applied in isolation in conjunction with food and exercises. The researchers also discovered that a prolonged acupressure treatment time was connected with greater impact on the reduction of BW as well as BMI.
What Are The Benefits Of Acupuncture For The Loss Of Weight?
As with acupressure studies, the studies on the use of Acupuncture as an effective tool for weight loss is not extensive. Yet, similar results have indicated that acupuncture could help in weight loss.
In a more extensive thorough review in 2018, the authors have included 21 studies for study analysis with total 1,389 participants.
The studies that comprised this analysis evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture as a single treatment with other treatments that include diet, medications exercises or placebo. Researchers studied the classical form of acupuncture together with various variations, including laser acupuncture, the auricular the acupressure.
The authors discovered diverse results across the study, with several studies suggesting the most effective weight loss using Acupuncture, while others showed there was no apparent difference between the treatments.
The studies suggest that acupuncture could affect appetite as well as the metabolism of hormones that regulate hunger.
However, more study is required on the effectiveness of both the acupuncture and acupressure as a way to lose weight.
When Is The Best Time To Visit The Doctor
If you’re embarking trying to lose weight it’s helpful to have a variety of different options and tools to choose from like:
- Dietary intervention. False diets can cause more harm than beneficial. A qualified nutritionist will guide you through a variety of diet options that can help you stay mentally and physically healthy throughout the weight-loss journey.
- Lifestyle changes. Being active isn’t only to lose weight. The exercise along with other exercises keep our bodies and minds healthy. Explore different physical exercises until you discover the ones that you truly enjoy.
- Holistic approaches. Holistic health methods are a good option to use in combination with western methods in the field of weight loss. Although more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of Acupressure, it’s something you should think about trying.
There’s no standard method to lose weight safely and it’s useful to consult with an expert doctor or health professional to determine the best solution for you.
Takeaway
Acupressure is a form that is a type of Chinese medicine believed to provide many positive health benefits, like aiding weight loss.
Although research on acupuncture to lose weight is sporadic however, current research suggest that both acupuncture as well as Acupuncture could be effective weight loss strategies.
Prior to when you dive into using acupressure for weight loss, talk to a medical professional for advice on how you can best integrate this technique into your routine.