Acupressure for Weight Loss

Acupressure is an ancient technique of traditional Chinese medicine. It can be termed as a variation of acupuncture, as both the processes are based on the same principles. The only difference lies in the fact that in acupuncture, needles are used to put pressure on the pressure points, while in acupressure, needles are replaced with fingers or elbows, and some special devices like acupressure balls and mats.

Though there is no scientific basis for the presence of pressure points in the human body, Chinese traditional practices like acupuncture and acupressure not only believe in their existence, but maintain that if stimulated in the right way, they can improve our body's response to several health conditions.

With obesity becoming a major health concern across the world, the popularity of acupressure has increased significantly for the belief that it can help reduce body weight. The entire process is centered around controlling appetite, and improving digestion and metabolism by stimulating certain specific pressure points located in the body.

Additionally, the technique aims at reducing or eliminating stress and other negative emotions like depression. In acupressure, such negative emotions are regarded as negative energies, which if not reduced can affect metabolism and the over well-being of an individual, besides contributing towards the accumulation of excess fats in the body.

While using acupressure for weight loss, it is important to identify the specific pressure points. After identification, these pressure points need to be stimulated by massaging or applying pressure on them.

There are more than thousand acupressure points on our body, for which it is very important to carefully locate those associated with weight loss. The beginners can refer to the reflexology map to get familiar with the various pressure points that are related to weight loss.

The pressure points that are usually stimulated for weight loss are, appetite control point (located behind the ears), spleen 6 or Sp 6, spleen 9 or Sp 9, stomach 36 or St 36, liver 3 or Lv 3, and large intestine 11 or Li 11. The appetite control point is located behind the ear, just at the point where the earlobe is connected to the ear. Stimulation of this point can help control hunger.

The next important point is the spleen 6, which is located on the inside of the ankle, about four fingers' width above the ankle bone. This point is believed to regulate water metabolism, stimulate digestion, aid absorption of nutrients, and help the body relax. Spleen 9, on the other hand, is located in the groove behind the shin bone, and its stimulation may help prevent fluid or water retention.

The pressure point, stomach 36 can be found about four fingers' width below the lower edge of the kneecap, or one finger's width outside the shin bone. Stimulation of this point can improve digestion, and reduce fatigue.

The large intestine 11 point, on the other hand, is associated with lowering blood pressure, and can be found at the end of the elbow crease on the inside of the arm. The liver 3 point is important due to its role in reducing the level of stress, which is one of the important causes of excessive weight gain.

The process usually begins with the application of pressure on the appetite control point. After that, the other points like the spleen 6, stomach 36, spleen 9, large intestine 11, and liver 3 points are stimulated. Initially, the pressure points are pressed or massaged for a few seconds. After 5 to 10 seconds, the pressure applied on them is released for a while, and then applied again.

In this way, the entire process for each pressure point is repeated for five times. Finally, the appetite control point on both the ear is stimulated again before ending the session. To carry out the entire session safely, one needs to be familiar with the pressure points. So, it is advisable to take the help of an expert in this field, especially if you are a beginner.

Acupressure can help you maintain an ideal body weight. However, it alone cannot ensure weight loss. Obesity is usually caused by a sedentary lifestyle and wrong eating habits, and therefore, its solution lies in adopting a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet. If acupressure is practiced along with these measures, then it may help accelerate the process of losing weight.

Disclaimer: This Story is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.