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Can Acupuncture Help With Weight Loss?

Acupuncture is a substitute therapy that involves inserting needles into targeted areas in the body. It is a key practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is used in the treatment of various types of physical and mental conditions. It has been a study case for many years because of its ability to manage pain mainly for knee, headache, back, and osteoarthritis pain. With that, there have been many questions regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture in helping with weight loss. The answer to that is vague. This article gives details to see if this practice actually helps with weight loss.

Acupuncture For Weight Loss

Practitioners of acupuncture claim that the practice can help relieve stress and increase feelings of happiness.

acupuncture in the stomach
It may stimulate the release of chemicals in the body like endorphins, usually referred to as feel-good hormones. Due to those moods, it is said that you may be able to effectively go after your goals and pursue your weight loss journey. With reduced stress, it is possible, especially for people who eat a lot when stressed.

Traditional Chinese medicine works better with modern medicine and can help treat an ailment that hinders weight loss efforts. Due to that improvement, people will be disposed to make better choices when it comes to eating. In addition, it will help reduce pain in the joints and inflammation that leads to improved performance and desire to do exercise.

While still using acupuncture for weight loss, others incorporate practices like acupressure into their journey. Acupressure together with acupuncture will facilitate weight loss in the body. While acupuncture uses needles to stimulate various targeted areas in the body, acupressure is conducted through the stimulation of these points through massage. Some of the pressure points even influence appetite and blood sugar level, making acupressure a potential method for traditional weight loss.

The Meridian Energy Pathway and Their Relation to Weight Loss

In Chinese traditional medicine, each pressure point in the body exists on a specific energy pathway known as the meridian. It is named according to the many organs in the body. Each pressure point along a meridian uses letters that follow that meridian, followed by the location on the pathway. Below are some of the acupressure points that are believed to influence weight loss.

  • Zu Sanli (ST36)

It is located along the stomach meridian and is believed to impact organs of the upper abdomen and the parasympathetic nervous system that controls digestion. The point is located below the kneecap, 1 inch away from the center of the body and 3 inches below. To massage that point, place two fingers on one of the zusanli points, apply gentle but firm pressure with both fingers using a circular motion for about 2-3 minutes.

  • Zhongwan (CV12)

The point is located in the conception vessel meridian. It is believed to influence organs in the upper abdomen together with those related to digestion such as the stomach and intestines. The point is four inches above the navel. To massage this point, place two fingers on the point, apply pressure with both fingers in a circular motion to massage the area. However, you should be careful with this area. Do not not to apply too much pressure, as it is a sensitive point.

  • Renzhong (GV26)

It is located along the governing meridian, which influences obesity. The specified point is on the philtrum, less than an inch below where the nostrils meet. To massage this area, place one finger on the point, and apply firm pressure in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes.

  • Xuehai (SP10)

Xuehai is located along the spleen meridian. It is believed to affect the blood sugar levels, mostly in the context of diabetes. The point is located above the kneecap, two inches away from the body’s center. To massage this area, place two fingers on the point, apply gentle firm pressure with both fingers for 2-3 minutes in a circular motion, and then repeat for the other side.

  • Sanyinjiao (SP6)

It is believed to affect the organs on the lower abdomen and the parasympathetic nervous system.  Sanyinjiao is located along the spleen meridian. The specific point is located 3 inches above the inner ankle point. To massage this point, place two fingers on the points, apply gentle but firm pressure, and in circular motion massage for 2-3 minutes. Repeat for the other side.

As you have seen in this article, acupuncture can help with weight loss. However, you should not rely on it alone. Try combining other weight loss methods like dieting and working out for the best possible results.