Unlocking the Secret: Can Acupressure Really Help You Shed Pounds?

On a global scale, people can achieve weight loss through different methods. Some people prefer supplementation, while some opt for traditional approaches to lose weight. When you go for conventional methods, you have less chance of having adverse side effects due to the natural elements in those weight loss practices. Acupressure is one such traditional Chinese practice that can help with weight loss. The technique is easy to follow and has been found to be effective in many people.

While there is less evidence behind the weight loss benefits of acupressure, some systematic reviews support the effects of acupressure on weight loss. Acupressure works in a similar way to acupuncture, but the difference lies in the way it stimulates meridians.

Acupuncture uses needles to stimulate energy pathways, while acupressure utilizes massage therapy to activate pressure points. Both these practices have been beneficial in relieving pain and improving digestion for years. We’ll examine acupressure methods and how they can aid in weight loss in this article.

What Is Acupressure?

Acupressure is an ancient healing practice that involves stimulating pressure points in the body to relieve various ailments. As per this practice, your body contains many energy pathways that connect to different organs in the body. These energy channels are supposed to contain pressure spots that, if activated, could treat a variety of medical issues.

When there are disruptions in energy flow, your body is likely to have health conditions like anxiety, nausea, headaches, and chronic pain. Applying pressure in specific meridians, where acupressure points exist, can restore the energy flow and support your overall health. Since it does not involve the insertion of needles like acupuncture, you can follow it without much concern in your home.

There are nearly hundreds of acupressure points in the body, as per claims. Activating these points can help relieve pain in various parts of your body. The heart meridian, spleen meridian, intestinal meridian, lung meridian, bladder meridian, liver meridian, stomach meridian, and gallbladder meridian are some of the principal meridians where acupressure points are situated. Applying pressure on these meridians through massage therapy can improve digestion, boost immune function, and reduce inflammation.

Can Acupressure Help with Weight Loss?

According to traditional Chinese medicine, various ailments in the body are associated with disruptions in energy flow. There are numerous meridians in the body that connect to multiple organs and have a variety of effects on your health.

According to some claims, when energy flow is interrupted, there may be an increased chance of sickness. Applying pressure on these acupressure points restores the energy flow and provides your body with various health benefits.

Acupressure works to activate specific pressure points to enhance your metabolism and improve digestion. Your digestive health is essential for managing your weight. When you suffer from digestive issues, your body can have problems with absorbing and digesting foods, resulting in weight gain. Acupressure improves your digestion and supports weight loss.

Having a fast metabolism is essential for weight loss. When you have a slow metabolism, your body’s ability to burn calories lowers, leading to fat storage. Acupressure stimulates pressure points in some meridians or energy pathways to improve metabolism.

When your metabolism is improved, your body can burn calories at a steady rate, which can promote weight loss. According to a 2019 systemic review, auricular acupressure reduced body weight and body mass index in a 12-week period.

Acupressure Points for Weight Loss

Though there are many acupressure points in the body, four primary meridians are linked to organs that can aid in weight loss. We’ll examine some of the key meridians for losing weight and the methods for stimulating these pressure points.

Lower Leg

There is a pressure point called zusanli located in your lower abdomen. This point might affect the upper abdominal organs and parasympathetic nervous system because it is located along the stomach meridian. To apply pressure to this area, place two fingers in it and press lightly yet firmly.

Then, for up to three minutes, massage the point in a circular manner with your two fingers. You may do the same thing with the opposite leg. Applying pressure to the points below the kneecap can improve your digestion and support weight loss.

Upper Abdomen

The front median line of the upper abdomen contains the pressure point known as Zhongwan. This point, which may be found along the conception vessel meridian, has an effect on the stomach and intestines. Place two fingers in this location, press firmly yet gently, and massage the area for two to three minutes. Studies suggest that applying pressure to this point can help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic people. Having control over blood sugar levels is beneficial for weight loss.

Above Ankle

Sanyinjiao is a pressure point along the spleen meridian, which can improve blood circulation and enhance metabolism. This pressure point, which can have an impact on the parasympathetic nervous system and lower abdominal organs, lies three inches above the inner ankle bone. Apply gentle but firm pressure to the point with your two fingers and massage the area in a circular motion for two to three minutes.

Upper lip

On the philtrum, there is a pressure point called renzhong. Renzhong, which is found along the governing meridian, can promote weight loss by helping with hunger control. For two to three minutes, you will have to use your finger to massage this point in a circular motion.

Below Earlobe

Under the earlobe, there is a pressure point that can aid in controlling appetite. For one to two minutes, gently yet firmly press this point with your forefinger. This process helps to curb your cravings and support weight loss.

Upper Kneecap

Xuehai is a pressure point located along the spleen meridian. The xuehai point needs to be pressed with two fingers in a gentle but firm manner. The area should then be massaged for two to three minutes in a circular motion. Applying pressure to this point can help regulate blood sugar levels and support weight loss.

Thumb point

There is a pressure point at the base of your thumb. If you apply light but firm pressure to this area for two to three minutes each day, your thyroid gland will be stimulated, and your metabolism will speed up. A fast metabolism helps you lose weight by assisting your body in burning more calories steadily.

Inner Elbow

On the inner elbow, there is a pressure point known as LI11. For two to three minutes, you need to use your finger to provide gentle yet firm pressure on this point. Applying pressure to this location on a daily basis can increase gut activity and enhance digestion.

Benefits of Acupressure

Acupressure can assist your body in a number of ways beyond helping you lose weight. When you use acupressure as directed, you can reap the following health benefits:

• Improves mood
• Stimulates blood circulation
• Improves sleep
• Reduces headaches and migraines
• Relieves digestive issues
• Relaxes muscles and joints
• Improves skin and hair

This technique helps promote your overall health in addition to weight loss.

Can Acupuncture Help with Weight Loss?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing practice that uses thin needles to apply pressure to specific pressure points and supports overall health. This technique aids in losing weight by treating water retention, increasing metabolism, and balancing blood glucose levels. Insertion of thin needles in specific pressure points can suppress appetite, improve digestion, and boost metabolism.

Even though there isn’t much evidence supporting the effects of acupuncture on weight loss, some research suggests that acupuncture can regulate the production of hunger-related hormones and reduce appetite.

Precaution

Acupressure has a number of positive effects on your health. But in some cases, it must be used with caution. Acupressure should be used with caution by pregnant women since some pressure points can trigger labor-inducing uterine contractions.

If you are taking medication for a chronic health condition, you should consult your doctor before using acupressure. To minimize potential health risks, you should undergo acupuncture conducted by licensed, qualified professionals. Common side effects associated with acupuncture are soreness and fatigue.

The Bottom Line

Acupressure is a traditional healing practice that can aid in losing weight. This technique is easy to follow and can be effective in improving digestion, enhancing metabolism, regulating appetite, and modulating blood sugar levels.

While acupressure can help shed some pounds, it is best to adopt a balanced diet and a regular exercise plan for long-term weight loss results. Both acupressure and acupuncture focus on stimulating pressure points in the meridians to restore energy flow and support weight loss.

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