According to the Weight-Control Information Network, two-third of adults in the United States are obese. The practice of acupressure, an ancient treatment that originated in China, may be beneficial if you are trying to lose weight, due to its ability to suppress the appetite and maintain regular digestive functions in your body.
About Acupressure
A form of traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure is a type of treatment that helps control the flow of energy in the body. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but acupressure does not involve needles. Rather, practitioners use their fingers or knuckles to stimulate pressure points on the body. Acupressure may be useful in treating a variety of health conditions, including nausea and vomiting, pneumonia, hypertension, headaches and fatigue, according to the Stanford School of Medicine.
About Obesity
Obesity is a condition associated with a high body mass index and excess weight. Being obese carries certain health risks, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some types of cancer. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, are physical inactive, overeat or eat a diet high in fat, have family members who are obese or overweight, or take certain prescription medications, you may be at risk of obesity.
Acupressure for Weight Management
The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that acupuncture and acupressure may be helpful to obese individuals who are trying to lose weight. Acupressure's weight reduction benefits lie in its ability to increase levels of serotonin, a chemical that boosts feelings of well-being and also regulates appetite. According to Acupuncture.com, acupuncture and acupressure are associated with positive effects on the nervous system, the endocrine system, digestion and energy metabolism, which all play a role in appetite management.
Auricular Acupressure
An acupressure treatment program for obesity may involve auricular acupressure, or acupressure performed on the ear. Pressure points in the ear relate to different organs in the body associated with digestion and appetite, including the stomach, pancreas and spleen. According to a study published in "Medical Acupressure," a group of overweight and obese young adults receiving ear acupressure showed a significant decrease in their BMIs after eight weeks.
Method
Auricular acupressure uses small beads to stimulate pressure points in the outer ear. Your acupressure practitioner will adhere the beads to the appropriate points on your ear with a small bandage. You can leave the beads in place for several days and apply pressure whenever you feel the need. According to the Natural Healing Center, this type of acupressure is well suited to the treatment of cravings such as those associated with overeating, as you can stimulate the pressure points yourself whenever you feel the urge to eat.
Member Comments