Acupressure points for weight loss

How will pressure points help you lose weight?

A weight loss program with acupressure involves massaging the pressure point area and then applying pressure for specified time on that point. Acupressure will help the digestive system to function properly by -

• Reducing craving for food
• Achieving a balanced appetite
• Increasing body awareness for conscious eating

To see results, you need to practice the given techniques for half an hour every day. 

• First, massage the pressure point area.Find the same pressure point and massage it on the other side too (wherever required).
• Then, apply pressure on these areas for the mentioned time.
• End it with another light massage on the same area.

Before starting acupressure therapy for weight loss, you must consult your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of acupressure and whether your body will be able to handle and respond to the therapy.

Acupressure pressure points for weight loss

Here are the key pressure points that will help you lose weight.

1. Ear point: It is also called auricular pressure point. To find the point, place your finger against your jaw on both sides, move your jaw up and down, and shift your fingers till you find the point where the jaw has maximum movement. Apply pressure for one minute (or up to 3 minutes).

Benefits –

• Controls appetite, helps stop overeating

Research has however shown that although auricular acupressure does reduce your BMI, you could reduce more by using vaccaria seeds on the ear points. What you do here is tape the seeds to the ear point and apply pressure.

Another study published in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine: BMJ, found that auricular acupressure combined with a low-calorie diet significantly reduced leptin (uncontrolled food intake hormone) levels. But they were not sure about the mechanism of this reduction.

2. Abdomen point: This is situated 3cm below your belly button. Use two fingers to massage the area (move your fingers up and down gently). Press the pressure point for 2 minutes. Massage again. Do this twice a day.

Benefits –

• Enhances digestive system functioning
• Reduces constipation

3. Abdominal sorrow point: This pressure point is situated in line with the ear lobe under the last rib of the ribcage in front of your body. Massage gently and then curve your fingers and apply pressure to the point for 5 minutes every day.

Benefits –

• Relieves indigestion, ulcers, and pain in the ribs
• Balances appetite

4. Knee point: This is the pressure point for the stomach. It is located 5cm below the knee cap on the outer side of the leg. To find the pressure point, place your fingers one-hand-width down. Then move towards the outside of your leg, 1-finger-width off the shin bone. You know you’ve found the correct spot if you flex your foot up and down and can feel the muscle move beneath your finger. Apply pressure for 1 to 2 minutes.

Benefits –

• Improves digestion in the stomach
• Decreases hunger
• Nourishes the blood

5. Ankle point: This is the pressure point for the spleen, an organ that aids digestion. The point is located on the inner side of the leg, 5cm (one hand width) above your ankle. Massage the area and apply pressure on the point with your knuckle or thumb for 1 minute. Release slowly.  It is safer not to use this pressure point if you are pregnant.

Benefits –

• Strengthens your digestive system for better functioning.
• Helps elimination of wastes.

6. Elbow point: This is the pressure point for stimulating the function of the large intestine. To locate the pressure point move a thumb-width distance from your elbow joint to the inside crease of your elbow. Keep your hand close to your chest. Apply pressure for 1 minute. Repeat with the other arm.

Benefits –

• Removes excess heat and waste water from the body.

7. Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT): Although this acupressure technique is used to release /remove trauma and fear, studies have shown that it could help with weight loss and more so with weight loss maintenance. The technique is as follows –

• With your thumb and fourth finger, lightly press the soft portion of the inner corner of each eye.
• With the middle finger of the same hand, lightly touch your third eye (directly above the nose and half-inch above the eyebrow level).
• Place your other hand at the back of your head, the palm cradling the occiput (area where the head sits on the neck) and the thumb pointing down.
• Focus on a series of affirmations / statements, reducing weight in this case, while holding the TAT pose.
• Practice this every day. You can do it for 20 to 30 minutes at a time or use it throughout the day.

Acupressure does help with weight loss, but to really see the difference you need to exercise and consume a healthy and balanced diet as well. Combine acupressure with healthy eating habits and moderate exercise, and see yourself lose weight!

Reference:

• http://www.acupressure.com/
• http://theamt.com/meridian_chart_and_map_of_meridians_meridian_points_acupoints.htm
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20626053
• http://aim.bmj.com/content/30/3/208.long
• http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/12/19

Photo source: Getty images, www.TheAMT.com

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• What is the right way to lose weight?

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