5 Acupressure Points for Weight Loss

Chinese medicine is known as one of the most practiced holistic health practices in the world. In the United States, aspects of traditional medicine such as massage therapy and yoga are part of the general health and wellness culture.

Although many people still use traditional therapeutic methods to lose weight, others include holistic exercises like acupressure in their weight loss journey.

In this article, we will explore whether acupressure is beneficial for weight loss and how to add it to your weight loss process.

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Acupressure Points and Weight Loss

Like acupuncture, acupressure is a form of complementary medicine that has long been a part of TCM practice.

Acupuncture is done using needles to stimulate various pressure points around the body, acupressure is done by stimulating these points through massage therapy.

Acupressure is believed to reduce stress, increase digestive energy, and improve metabolism, all of which play a role in weight management.

Some stress points are even believed to affect appetite and blood sugar levels, making acupressure a potential adjunct to weight loss methods such as diet and exercise.

Meridian energy path

In traditional Chinese medicine, each acupressure point on the body has an energy pathway called a "meridian," which is named after different parts of the body.

The name of each acupressure point along a meridian uses the letters corresponding to that meridian, then the position of the point on the path. There are also traditional names associated with these acupressure points.

Here are some acupressure points that are believed to affect other factors related to digestion, metabolism, and weight loss.

1. Zusanli (ST36)

Located along the abdominal meridian, Zusanli is believed to affect the upper abdominal organs, the parasympathetic nervous system (which controls digestion), and the overall strength of the body.

This point is below the knee, about 3 inches below and 1 inch from the center of the body.

To massage this point:

Place two fingers on one of the Jusanli points.

Apply gentle but strong pressure to the tip with both fingers.

Use a circular motion to massage the point for 2 to 3 minutes.

Repeat the same procedure on the other side.

2. Sanyinjiao (SP6)

Located along the spleen meridian, cyanine is also believed to affect the lower abdomen and organs of the parasympathetic nervous system.

This point is about 3 inches above the inner ankle bone.

To massage this point:

Put two or two fingers on one of the cyanogen spots as well.

Apply light but strong pressure to the point with your fingers.

Use a circular motion to massage the point for 2 to 3 minutes.

Repeat the same procedure on the other side.

3. Zhongwan (CV12)

This point is located along the meridian of the vessel concept. Zhongwan is believed to affect the upper abdominal organs, as well as digestive organs such as the stomach and intestines.

This point is about four inches above the belly button.

To massage this point:

Place two fingers on the zongwan tip.

Apply gentle but strong pressure to the tip with both fingers. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to this sensitive area.

Use a circular motion to massage the point for 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Renzhong (GV26)

Located along the ruling meridian, rezoning is believed to have an effect on weight, especially obesity.

This point is located on the filter, less than 1 inch below where the nose meets.

To massage this point:

Place a finger on the renzhong point.

Apply light but strong pressure to the point with your finger.

Use a circular motion to massage the point for 2 to 3 minutes.

5. Xuehai (SP10)

Located along the spleen meridian, jiuhai is thought to have an effect on blood sugar levels, especially in the context of diabetes.

This point is located above the knee, about two inches from the center of the body below the thigh muscles.

To massage this point:

Place two fingers on the xuehai point.

Apply gentle but strong pressure to the tip with both fingers.

Use a circular motion to massage the point for 2 to 3 minutes.

Repeat the same procedure on the other side.

Are acupressure points effective for weight loss?

Research on acupressure and weight loss is limited. However, the current literature suggests that acupressure may be effective in helping obese people lose weight.

In the 2019 Small Trusted Sources Systematic Review, seven studies were analyzed to determine the potential effects of auricular acupressure on weight loss results.

Auricular acupressure is a specific type of acupressure that stimulates pressure points in the ear. The studies included in the analysis compare the use of acupressure alone (or with other interventions) to other experimental treatments or to any treatment.

The authors found that participants in the study of oricular acupressure were effective in reducing both body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI).

Whether acupressure was administered alone or with diet and exercise these results were stable. They also found that longer acupressure treatment time was associated with greater effects in reducing body weight and BMI.

What about acupuncture for weight loss?

As with acupressure research, the literature on the use of acupuncture as a weight-loss tool is limited. Nevertheless, similar results suggest that acupuncture may be effective in helping you lose weight.

In a larger systematic review from 2018, the authors included 21 studies for analysis, with a total of 1,389 study participants.

Studies in this analysis compare the use of acupuncture alone with other interventions such as medication, diet, exercise, or placebo. The researchers also examined classical acupuncture, as well as other types of laser acupuncture and oricular acupressure.

The authors find mixed results in the study; Some studies have shown more effective weight loss with acupuncture and others have shown no obvious difference between the interventions.

However, research suggests that acupuncture may have some effect on appetite and metabolism of appetite-related hormones.

Nevertheless, more research is needed on the use of acupuncture and acupuncture as a weight loss intervention.

When to see a doctor

When you go on a weight loss journey, it can help you get a variety of tools and options at your fingertips, such as:

Dietary Interference Fad Diet can do more harm than good. A licensed dietitian can help you explore dietary options to help you stay physically and mentally healthy during your weight loss journey.

Lifestyle intervention Staying active is not only important for weight loss. Exercise and other physical activities help keep your body and mind strong. Consider exploring various physical activities until you find the ones you really enjoy.

Holistic interventions can be used in weight loss as well as the Western approach to overall health. Although more research is still needed on the effectiveness of acupressure, it should be tried.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healthy weight loss, so working with a doctor or other healthcare professional can help you find out what works for you.

BOTTOM LINE:

Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine that is believed to have many positive health benefits, including weight loss.

Although little research has been done on acupressure for weight loss, the current literature suggests that both acupressure and acupuncture may be effective weight loss interventions.

Before diving into the use of acupressure for weight loss, consult a healthcare professional about how you can best incorporate this exercise with this trip.

Article source healthline.com