If you’re looking to lose weight, acupressure could potentially be an effective weight loss aid.
Acupressure is a practice intraditional Chinese medicinethat involves applying manual pressure on specific points on the body.
While there is little research to confirm this benefit, some studies are showing promising results.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
Verywell / Jessica Olah
What Is Acupressure?
Acupressure is part of the ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine.
Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine believe the human body has 361 acupressure points connected by pathways known asmeridians.
An energy flow calledqifollows these pathways through the body, which is responsible for overall health.
Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease.
By applying acupressure to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow ofqiand therefore health.
These include the governor vessel meridian and conception vessel meridian.
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe that gaining weight is resulting from an energy imbalance within the body.
Recent research has found that there may be some truth to these claims.
4 Pressure Points for Weight Loss
Acupressure therapy is something that can be done at home.
Its important to find the pressure point and press down until there is resistance without pain.
While pressing down, make a circular motion with your thumb using even pressure throughout.
The point is located on the inner ankles, about three inches above the ankle bone.
For the best results, do the same thing on both the right and left sides.
It is located on the front of the leg below the knee.
It is found on the stomach meridian.
This could help aid in weight loss by improving digestion.
Tian Shu (Celestial Pivot)
This pressure point can also be found along the stomach meridian.
It is located midway between the outer border of the abdominal muscle and the umbilicus line.
It is thought to help with gastrointestinal issues such asconstipation,diarrhea, anddysentery.
It can aid in weight loss by helping to regulate the intestines.
Find the point on your abdomen and apply a firm level of pressure.
Massage the point in a small and circular motion for two to three minutes, repeating on both sides.
It is thought that this pressure point aids in digestion by influencing the organs in the upper abdomen.
Who Should Avoid Acupressure?
Some recent research has shown that it could also potentially be an effective weight loss aid.
They can let you know whether its safe for you to use acupressure.
A successful weight loss plan always includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.
