Are you looking for a way to lose weight without dieting? What if I told you that you can lose weight through pressing certain points on your body?
Acupressure is a natural remedy that helps with weight loss. In fact, research shows that acupressure can help obesity and reduce body fat.
In this article, we'll look at why acupressure works, how you can use it to lose weight naturally, its effectiveness and the risks involved.
What is Acupressure and How Does It Work for Weight Loss
Acupressure is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is similar to acupuncture, except that acupressure doesn't use thin needles.
According to TCM, our bodies are made up of energy channels called meridians. These meridians flow throughout our bodies to connect different organs and affect how our body functions. When these channels get blocked or become congested, they cause us pain and discomfort. This is where acupressure comes in.
Applying pressure to specific points along the meridian channels relieves blockages and stimulates the organ associated with the channel. The theory behind acupressure for weight loss is that by stimulating the meridian channels, you can improve blood circulation and boost the flow of energy called qi.
Different pressure points on the body improve different aspects of health. The application of pressure to different points can relieve nausea, anxiety, headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, digestive issues, and more.
How Does Acupressure Work for Weight Loss?
Weight gain is believed to be caused by an imbalance of energy in the body. By applying pressure to specific points in the body, you can stimulate the flow of qi that regulates appetite and metabolism, and restores the balance of energy.
Reducing appetite and increasing metabolism are two of the ways that acupressure can restore balance and help the body burn off fat naturally.
6 Pressure Points for Weight Loss
Here are some of the acupressure points that will help to increase metabolism, improve digestion, and curb hunger.
1. Stomach 36 (ST 36) - Zusanli
The ST 36 pressure point helps to improve digestion by influencing the upper abdomen organs and the parasympathetic nervous system.
This pressure point is found 3 finger widths (3 inches) below the kneecap and 1 inch to the outside. To stimulate this point:
- Sit comfortably in a chair.
- Place your thumb on the ST 36 point.
- Apply firm pressure and hold for 5 seconds.
- Gently massage using a circular motion for 2 minutes.
- Repeat the pressure on your other leg.
If you have trouble getting leverage with your thumbs to apply pressure and massage, you can use your index and middle fingers together instead.
2. Spleen 6 (SP 6) - Sanyinjiao
The SP 6 pressure point influences the lower abdomen and parasympathetic nervous system to improve digestion and gastrointestinal conditions.
Find this point 3 finger widths (3 inches) above the inside of the ankle. To stimulate this point:
- Sit in a chair.
- Place your thumb (or other finger) on the SP 6 point.
- Apply firm pressure and hold for 5 seconds.
- Gently massage using a circular motion for 2 minutes.
- Repeat on your other leg.
3. Conception Vessel 12 (CV 12) - Zhongwan
The CV 12 acupressure point helps to strengthen the stomach and intestines to improve digestion.
Locate this point 4 finger widths (4 inches) above your navel. This is a more sensitive area, so don't apply too much pressure here.
- Place your index and middle fingers on the CV 12 point.
- Apply firm, but gentle pressure and hold for 5 seconds.
- Gently massage in a circular motion for 2 minutes.
4. Governing Vessel 26 (GV 26) - Renzhong
The GV 26 pressure point is used to help control your appetite to influence weight loss.
Find this point in the area between your nose and upper lip. The crease in that area is called the philtrum.
- Place your index finger on the GV 26 point.
- Apply firm, gentle pressure for 5 seconds.
- Gently massage in a circular motion for 2 minutes.
5. Spleen 10 (SP 10) - Xuehai
The SP 10 pressure point helps to treat blood conditions, especially for blood sugar levels in regard to diabetes.
Find this point 2 finger widths (2 inches) above the kneecap when the knee is bent. To stimulate this point:
- Place your thumb on the SP 10 point.
- Apply firm pressure for 5 seconds.
- Gently massage in a circular motion for 2 minutes.
- Repeat on the other leg.
6. Stomach 25 (ST 25) - Tianshu
The ST 25 pressure point helps aid weight loss by promoting proper intestinal functions and digestion of food. It will also help with gastrointestinal issues like constipation and diarrhea.
Locate this point 3 finger widths laterally to your belly button. It is located on both sides of the navel. To stimulate these points:
- Place a finger on the ST 25 point.
- Apply firm pressure for 5 seconds.
- Gently massage in a circular motion for 2 minutes.
- Repeat on the other side of the navel.
Is Acupressure for Weight Loss Effective?
There haven't been enough scientific studies to definitively prove whether acupressure is effective for weight loss. But there have been studies to show positive results using acupressure or acupuncture for losing weight and curbing appetites.
One study showed a significant reduction in body weight and waist circumference in 18-20 year olds after 8 weeks of auricular acupressure on weight reduction.
In a review of 21 different acupuncture studies, it was concluded that acupuncture was an effective treatment for obesity.
Are There Any Risks to Acupressure for Weight Loss?
While there are no major risks associated with applying acupressure, you should be aware of any potential adverse effects before trying it.
If you experience nausea, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, muscle soreness, or pain while doing acupressure, stop immediately. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition such as heart disease or cancer.
There are also precautions that should be taken before considering acupressure or acupuncture. If you're pregnant, you should avoid acupressure because applying pressure to the points may inadvertently stimulate contractions and induce labor.
If you have other medical conditions, or any that involve muscle or joint problems, consult your doctor before performing acupressure. Some people who have had surgery or injuries may not be able to use acupressure safely.
Acupressure for Weight Loss Final Thoughts
Acupressure can be a great complement to other weight loss methods. You'll find that it's easy to do at home, and you don't need much time or equipment to get started on your weight loss journey.
It's important to note that acupressure isn't a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise. While it might help you lose some weight, it won't make up for poor eating habits or lack of physical activity.
You should always speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about certain health conditions.They can recommend safe ways to apply acupressure and how to best incorporate it.
Acupressure for Weight Loss FAQs
How to Use an Acupressure Mat for Weight Loss?
The most common way to use an acupressure mat for weight loss is to place the mat on the floor and lay face down on it with your stomach area on the mat.
The Kanjo Memory Foam Acupressure Mat has plastic stimulators that will apply firm pressure to the pressure points located around the stomach. This allows you to stimulate multiple points at one time to aid in improving digestion, intestinal functions, and weight loss.
The acupressure mat can also help relieve stress and back pain to keep your overall body healthy. When energy pathways flow efficiently through your entire system, you'll feel better both physically and mentally. That will help improve your bodily functions and increase overall metabolism.
How Fast Will I Lose Weight with Acupressure?
Some people see weight loss results within two months after starting acupressure. Results can depend on what kind of lifestyle changes you make and whether or not you continue using acupressure.
For example, if you start exercising regularly and eat healthier foods, you'll likely see faster results than someone who doesn't change their lifestyle.
However, even if you don't see immediate results, you'll still benefit from acupressure over time. It's been proven to reduce stress, which helps you stay calm and relaxed, so you're less likely to overeat or binge-eat.
Sources
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Very Well Health: https://www.verywellhealth.com/acupressure-weight-loss-5115110
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Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/acupressure-points-for-weight-loss
- HealthifyMe: https://www.healthifyme.com/blog/acupressure-pressure-points-weight-loss-and-benefits
- National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21598412/
- National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6022277/