Acupressure: Losing Weight without Exercising
Acupressure is a part of Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries by the Chinese. Today, the West too understands the significance of this form of treatment as more and more people are shunning away from painkillers and harsh medication that cause serious consequences in the long run.
The Chinese believe in a concept called Qi or Chi. Chi is the air or the breath or the life force that flows in everyone. When your chi is good, you are healthy, happy and well.
On the other hand, when the flow of chi is obstructed, it results in health problems.
Acupuncture and acupressure correct these flaws in chi, thereby restoring the balance of yin and yang, the two opposing components of qi. As a result, disorders are corrected and a healthy and well life is possible. Acupressure has been used for many years to treat fatigue, tiredness, and pain and to increase immunity. Today, acupressure is becoming a very popular method to help manage obesity.
In this article, we will specifically discuss acupressure massage to lose weight, how it works, pressure points that you can use at the comfort of your home, as well as whether or not this treatment actually works.
The acupressure weight loss connection
According to the concept of Qi, the life force travels in certain paths in the body called meridians, and the points on this path are called acu points or pressure points. Activating these points by massaging and stimulating them, helps correct problems in the Qi, resulting in a restored pathway without problems. Further, each point on the meridian or path of the life force is responsible for certain actions, stimulating each point will ensure that the Qi flows unblocked, removing any ailments or illnesses.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there are certain points in the body that can help suppress appetite, help clean out the digestive system, regulate metabolism of water, and regulate the intestines. Stimulating these pressure points through acupressure will help suppress food cravings, improve metabolism, and as a result promote weight loss.
Where to apply the pressure?
Listed below are some of the pressure points that you can access to help control appetite and promote weight loss.
- Suppressing appetite: Flap of the ear right in front of the ear canal, inside of the top of the ear, and area right next to the flap of the ear in front of the ear canal.
- Tightening the digestive system: Near the ankle bone.
- Nourishing the digestive system: Between the kneecap and the shin.
- Regulate water metabolism: On the leg, next to the shin bone.
These pressure points are just approximate, and you will need to locate the exact spot and put pressure on that spot for between one and three minutes in order to obtain the weight reducing benefits of acupressure. While most of these can be done at home, you will need to consult with a specialist to help you locate the points correctly and apply the right amount of pressure to the area.
So, does acupressure weight loss actually work?
According to medical research, acupuncture does indeed work for weight loss, with people losing up to 5% of weight in just three months of trying out this form of treatment. While there is not as much research gone into proving the impact of acupressure on weight loss, it is safe to say that as it has the same concepts as acupuncture, there is no reason why these should not work as well for weight loss.
With weight loss being the number one problem of the 21st century, acupressure may be one of the options to combat it.
References
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