Acupressure & Weight Loss Programs

Acupressure & Weight Loss Programs
Photo Credit ear image by Connfetti from Fotolia.com

Some weight loss programs integrate holistic modalities such as acupressure to assist with appetite control while dieting. Acupressure, or acupoint massage, is an ancient Chinese healing art that uses self-applied pressure with your fingers to specific points on the body. This therapeutic stimulation is believed to release the body's natural healing abilities. For weight loss, the manual pressure is mainly applied to the ear, where the appetite control trigger point is located. It is important to consult with your physician before starting any weight loss program or alternative medicine treatments.

Acupressure Weight Loss Program

The Acupressure Weight Loss program is a holistic approach to losing weight that focuses on rebalancing the body. The holistic approach to weight loss is outlined in a 26-page booklet written by Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D. According to acupressure.com, the program covers five main categories, including teaching eight weight loss acupressure points techniques. In addition to four appetite suppressing trigger points located in your ear, Dr. Gach teaches yoga poses and therapeutic exercises designed to address hunger and stress. Calorie awareness, weight loss environment, lifestyle habits and stress management round out the program.

PressPoint Acupressure System

The PressPoint Acupressure Weight Loss System is a natural weight loss program designed by Dr. Junzo Kokubo, an acupuncture physician. Instead of stimulating the ear trigger points with your own fingers, the PressPoint program uses tiny silver acupressure balls that are placed in your ear with transparent adhesive tape. Directions for the system instruct you to press and hold the ball for about 10 seconds whenever you crave food. The stimulation is believed to signal your brain that you are full and chase the hunger feelings away immediately. Controlling the overeating impulse is the goal of the PressPoint weight loss strategy.

Self Directed Acupressure

Holisticonline.com outlines instructions on how to curb your appetite and lose weight by applying pressure on specific points on your ear. Four trigger points are the focus, and the directions are to apply pressure for three minutes to each trigger point. In addition to acupressure points to stave off hunger, other points are highlighted that support weight loss, such as the digestive system just above the ankle, the stomach below the kneecap, and the liver trigger point on the top of the foot for combating stress.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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