Acupressure & Obesity

According to traditional Chinese medicine, emotion, diet, habit and individual constitution work together in a complex fashion to create the shape of your body. Acupressure---an ancient TCM technique that massages specific points to create a healing effect---is one tool you can use to help moderate the underlying causes of obesity. For optimal results, combine acupressure with emotional self-care and some simple dietary changes.

Research

While studies of the impact of acupressure on obesity are not widely available as of 2010, acupressure's sister discipline, acupuncture, may be moderately effective for helping obese patients to lose weight, according to a 2009 research review published in the "International Journal of Obesity." In 31 trials, involving 3013 individual patients, acupuncture helped people to lose an average of 3.4 lb., and had minimal adverse effects. Study authors S.H. Cho and colleagues of the Hospital of Korean Medicine noted that many of the trials they reviewed were poorly designed, and called for longer-term studies that were better executed.

Theory

Traditional Chinese medicine, relates obesity to the dysfunction of the spleen, according to Bob Flaws, fellow and former governor of the National Academy of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine, and author of "The Tao of Healthy Eating." In addition to acupressure, it's of vital importance to give your body foods that are easily digestible if you're fighting any weight issues, according to Chinese dietary theory. Unlike Western diet plans that often advocate plentiful raw vegetables, TCM recommends warming foods, like soups, stews, and warm beverages, that don't challenge the digestive system too much, in order to help the spleen recover.

Considerations

One of the main culprits behind excessive appetite is emotional imbalance, especially feelings of deprivation, notes Michael Reed Gach, founder of the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California. In his book "Acupressure for Emotional Healing," Gach notes that unresolved feelings can cause you to crave any foods that you perceive as a source of comfort. Including acupressure points that help with emotional healing in your pressure point massage routine will help you balance your emotions.

Method

You'll know you've found a pressure point when you locate a spot that is more tender than the surrounding tissue. To stimulate the point, press firmly and massage it in tight, circular motions, advises the website Eclectic Energies. This motion releases stale qi. Firm, constant pressure on the spot will you're your body draw qi into the area. Press and massage points for one or two minutes or more to reap the benefits of acupressure.

Key Points

To balance your spleen qi, place your forefinger on the inside of your leg, just above the ankle bone, advises the website Yin Yang House. Measure four finger widths up from the ankle. Probe this area with your finger until you locate a tender spot. Press and hold the point for a few seconds, then massage it using tight circular motions to clear any blocked qi. To help release emotional issues, find the Sea of Tranquility point in the center of your chest, located in line with your nipples. Alternately press this point and massage it, until you feel sensations of numbness or relaxation radiating out from the point.