Discovering the Ancient Art of Acupressure–for Weight Loss?
Hey there weight loss warriors! In the realm of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupressure is a time-honored practice. It’s a non-invasive therapy that’s revered for its ability to harmonize the body’s energy flow and promote overall well-being. But can you use acupressure for weight loss? Well, among its many applications, in this post, we’ll examine the potential of acupressure for appetite control and weight loss support. We’ll delve into the fundamentals of acupressure. And we’ll identify and discuss the top acupressure points for appetite control according to TCM philosophy. Finally, we’ll endeavor to answer the question, can acupressure help you lose weight? Let’s find out.
Acupressure is a gentle yet powerful way to access the body’s energy and promote health.
– Daniel Hsu
Understanding Acupressure
At its core, acupressure is a therapeutic method rooted in the principles of TCM, which views the body as a network of interconnected channels through which vital energy, or Qi, flows. By applying pressure to specific points along these channels, known as acupoints, acupressure aims to restore the balance of Qi and promote healing.
Fascinating Food Fact!
Did you know? Acupressure on the “Pericardium 6” point (located on the inner forearm, three finger widths below the wrist) can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are often linked to emotional eating and weight gain.
Spice Up Your Comments!
Try massaging the Pericardium 6 point
a couple of time a day, and before bed.
After a few days, let us know in the comments
if it’s helped you sleep better & feel more relaxed!
The Role of Acupressure for Appetite Control
In TCM philosophy, appetite is intricately linked to the proper functioning of the digestive system and the harmonious flow of Qi throughout the body. When Qi becomes stagnant or imbalanced, it can manifest as cravings, overeating, or other disruptions in appetite regulation. Massaging key acupressure points a few minutes per day can help balance the Qi and clear this stagnation. A number of research studies on acupressure and appetite control seem to suggest that acupressure can indeed, be an effective tool in helping curb appetite for improved weight loss. Listed below, are several of the top pressure points for appetite control and weight loss support.
Key Acupressure Points for Weight Loss
Stomach Point – Conception Vessel 12 (CV12): This point is on the midline of the abdomen, approximately four finger widths above the belly button. CV12 promotes digestion and alleviates feelings of fullness by regulating the Qi (vital energy) of the Stomach and Spleen, harmonizing the digestive functions, alleviating indigestion, bloating, and abdominal discomfort, and promoting overall gastrointestinal health.
Hunger Point – Large Intestine 4 (LI4): Located on the back of the hand, between the thumb and the index finger. Specifically, it is found in the fleshy webbing at the highest point of the muscle when the thumb and index finger are brought together. Applying firm pressure to LI4 helps reduce cravings and curb excessive hunger by promoting the free flow of Qi and blood along the Large Intestine meridian.
Appetite Control Point – Stomach 36 (ST36): Situated below the knee, on the outside of the lower leg, approximately four finger widths down from the bottom of the kneecap, and one finger width towards the outside of the leg. It is found in a slight depression between the tibia bone and the shin muscle. ST36 regulates appetite and promotes digestive function by tonifying the Qi and blood, harmonizing the Stomach and Spleen meridians, and strengthening the body’s overall vitality.
Appetite Control Point – Shen Men (HX5): Located on the upper part of the triangular fossa of the outer ear. This point helps regulate appetite and promote a sense of balance. It is often the primary focus for appetite suppression techniques in TCM and auriculotherapy practices.
Practical Tips for Acupressure Practice
- Identify Acupressure Points: Familiarize yourself with the location of key acupressure points related to appetite control.
- Apply Gentle Pressure: Use your fingertips to apply steady, firm pressure to each acupressure point for 1-2 minutes, gradually increasing or decreasing pressure as needed.
- Practice Regularly: Incorporate acupressure into your daily routine, aim for consistency to reap the full benefits over time.
Important Takeaways
So there you have it, weight loss warriors. You now know the key acupressure points for appetite control. Stimulating these points daily can leverage the body’s innate healing mechanisms to promote balance and well-being. Understanding and applying the principles of acupressure for weight loss, can empower you to take charge of your appetite and better support your journey towards optimal health and vitality.
We hope you found this information helpful. Did it inspire you to kickstart your own healthy weight loss journey? For a full range of effective natural weight loss methods see our post, The Ultimate Guide to Natural Weight Loss Methods. Here’s to a journey filled with balance, vitality, and success!
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References
Huang CF, Guo SE, Chou FH. Auricular acupressure for overweight and obese individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Jun;98(26):e16144. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000016144. PMID: 31261540; PMCID: PMC6617497. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6617497
Hsieh CH. The effects of auricular acupressure on weight loss and serum lipid levels in overweight adolescents. Am J Chin Med. 2010;38(4):675-82. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X10008147. PMID:20626053.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20626053
Liping Chen, Junpeng Yao, Zhihan Chen, Xiaoyu Hu, Zijiao Liu, Jing Xu, Yulan Ren, The efficacy and safety of auriculotherapy for weight loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis, European Journal of Integrative Medicine,Volume 49, 2022,101402, ISSN 1876-3820, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2021.101402.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876382021001207)
Cho SH, Lee JS, Thabane L, Lee J. Acupuncture for obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Obes (Lond). 2009 Feb;33(2):183-96. doi: 10.1038/ijo.2008.269. Epub 2009 Jan 13. Review. PubMed PMID: 19139756.
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