Acupressure, which is comparable to acupuncture, is an ancient Chinese wellness technique. This health technique employs a variety of target sites around the body to which pressure is delivered. Simply put, acupressure is needle-free acupuncture.
For generations, acupressure has been used to treat a variety of ailments, relax the body, and relieve aches and pains. Acupressure has also been discovered to be incredibly effective in improving metabolism in the body and assisting people in staying fit and active.
What is the mechanism of acupressure?
Acupressure seeks to use the understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat the body in a variety of ways. Acupuncture and acupressure both use various locations throughout the body’s 12 meridians. These are said to be energy conduits that convey ‘qi’ or ‘chi,’ which are both names for ‘life energy.'[1]
People believe that illness is produced and spread by various obstructions in the ‘qi,’ which prevents energy from flowing in the body. Acupressure and acupuncture try to restore the ‘qi’ by employing pressure and needles to unclog these energy routes and restore the flow of energy, respectively.
Many individuals are unaware of why some people acquire weight quickly while others remain lean. The metabolic rate of a person determines their body type. A person with a high metabolic rate can burn fat and calories more quickly, even when the body is at rest.
A poor metabolic rate, on the other hand, does not use the calories for energy and instead stores them as excess fat in the body. Acupressure is proven to enhance metabolism and hence aid in weight loss by stimulating energy flow in the body.
Traditional Chinese Medicine promotes weight loss by allowing excess heat and moisture to be removed from the body and by supporting the organs responsible for proper digestion.
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Heat and wetness are employed to describe an energy imbalance rather than a physical state of the organism. Acupressure practitioners employ these ancient techniques to centre the body, regulate the energy, and enable the body to burn fat naturally and effectively.
What are the various acupressure points?
Acupressure entails applying pressure to various locations on the body in order to balance the flow of energy.
Ear point
Begin by putting your thumb directly in front of the triangular flap at the front of your ear. You can also locate the ear point by resting your finger against your jaw and opening and closing your mouth to determine the area with the most movement. The thumb point is also recommended because it covers the bulk of the surface area.
Once you’ve found it, apply medium to high pressure to the ear point for three minutes straight. In acupressure, the points around the ear are known as SI19, TW21, and GB2.
These points operate together to promote energy flow, which helps to reduce appetite and hunger and improve digestion in the body. The ear point concentrates three or more pressure points in one location, making it extremely effective.
The upper lip
The GV26 acupressure point is placed between the upper lip and the nose. This point can be found by tracing the natural furrow or depression on the upper lip known as the philtrum.
Once found, apply medium pressure to the affected area for five minutes at a time, and repeat twice a day. For greater impact, use the thumb point. The upper lip point is also known to suppress appetite and aid with hunger control.
Inner elbow
The inner elbow point (LI11) is located on the inside side of the elbow crease, near to the outer section of the elbow. This location is strongly related to the digestive function of the body.
Every day, apply pressure to the thumb spot for one full minute. Applying pressure on the inner elbow stimulates intestine function, removes excess heat and moisture from the body, and rebalances energy to promote digestive activity.
Other considerations
Aside from these three main pressure points, other pressure points on the body can be found at the knee, below the belly button, around the ankles, and near the ribs.
Can Acupressure Aid in Weight Loss?
Although acupressure has been shown to be useful for a variety of diseases, the judgement is still out on its effectiveness for weight loss.
Weight gain, according to traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, is caused by an energy imbalance within the body. Because acupressure is intended to restore this equilibrium, it is thought that it can aid in the reduction of total weight in those who are overweight or obese and are attempting to lose weight in other methods.
According to recent study, these statements may have some validity. Acupressure areas that regulate digestion, metabolism, and stress reduction have all been discovered to have an important part in the use of acupressure for weight loss.
One systematic review analysed data from seven research and discovered that employing pressure sites on the ear, known as auricular acupoints, improved in total weight loss during a 12-week period.
4 Weight Loss Pressure Points
Acupressure therapy is something that may be done in the comfort of one’s own home. If done correctly, it may also have health benefits and be a cost-effective and feasible supplemental treatment option for those who are already trying to lose weight.
Aside from the auricular acupoint, there are four pressure areas that may help with weight loss. However, this is a developing field of study, and many of the benefits are still being researched.
Technique Suggestions
The correct technique must be used for the therapy to be effective. It is critical to locate the pressure spot and press down until there is resistance but no discomfort. While pressing down, use your thumb to form a circular motion with even pressure all the way around.
San Yin Jiao (Three Yin Intersection)
On the spleen meridian, the SP6 pressure point can be discovered. It is known to have a significant impact on the organs in the lower abdomen as well as the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls all bodily activities when the body is at rest.
The point is roughly three inches above the ankle bone on the inner ankles. Use one or two fingers to apply strong pressure to the site and massage in a circular manner for two to three minutes. Do the same technique on both the right and left sides for the greatest results.
Zu San Li (Leg Three Mile)
This place is named after the fact that stimulating it would allow farmers to walk an additional three kilometres. It’s on the front of the leg, just below the knee. It is found on the meridian of the stomach.
By improving digestion, this could aid in weight loss. Apply strong pressure to this point and massage in a small circular motion for two to three minutes, repeating on both sides.
Tian Shu (Celestial Pivot)
This pressure point can also be found along the meridian of the stomach. It is situated in the middle of the abdominal muscle’s outer border and the umbilicus line. It is supposed to aid in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, diarrhoea, and dysentery. It can help with weight loss by regulating the intestines.
Locate the place on your abdomen and apply hard pressure. Massage the point for two to three minutes in a tiny, circular motion, repeating on both sides.
Zhong Wan (Central Stomach)
This place is on the conception vessel meridian, not one of the 12 main meridians. This pressure point is supposed to aid digestion by influencing the organs in the upper belly.
Apply firm pressure and massage in a circular motion for up to three minutes to activate this pressure point.
Who Isn’t a Candidate for Acupressure?
Although acupressure is deemed safe, it should not be used as a first-line treatment for any ailment or by everyone.
If you are pregnant, you should exercise extreme caution because certain locations might produce uterine contractions and possibly induce birth.
Acupressure should be avoided before consulting with a healthcare physician if you have a chronic health problem that involves joint or muscle pain.
Conclusion
Acupressure is an ancient Chinese health technique with no harmful side effects and is perfectly safe to incorporate into your everyday routine.
While some people may see significant weight loss, others may benefit from improved gut health, stress relaxation, and a more controlled appetite. Acupressure benefits differ from person to person, although it is recognised to be useful to all.
Acupressure should be used in conjunction with a good diet and exercise routine. The fuel we supply to our bodies comes from the food we eat, and it is always best to avoid foods that make us feel sluggish and unhappy.
Remember to stay active and exercise a few times per week to keep your muscles, joints, and bones in good working order.
