Acupressure, spinal manipulation, and hand and foot acupressure for weight loss

***How ​​Women Can Use Acupressure Massage for Weight Loss***

Acupressure massage for weight loss requires familiarity with meridians and acupoints. To use this method, it should be performed by a massage therapist or under the guidance of an acupuncturist or massage therapist. Acupressure massage for weight loss involves three steps.

Lower back: First, repeatedly rub the first lateral line of the Bladder Meridian from top to bottom, focusing on massaging the Spleen Shu, Liver Shu, Large Intestine Shu, and Kidney Shu points. Then, rub horizontally between the shoulder blades until the skin feels warm. Next, rub horizontally along the lumbosacral region until the skin feels warm.

Lower limbs: Along the pathways of the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian and the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian in the lower limbs, from top to bottom, use your fingers to rub and push 5 times each. Then, press and stimulate the Sanyinjiao acupoint with your thumb 5 times each, for 10 to 30 seconds each time.

Abdomen: Centering on the Zhongwan and Shenque acupoints, massage rapidly and continuously in a clockwise direction from top to bottom for 5 to 10 minutes, until bowel sounds are heard and bloating is relieved.

Acupressure massage for weight loss is best performed on an empty stomach. The pressure applied varies depending on the area being massaged, and should generally be tolerable and painless for the individual. This method, through massaging acupoints along meridians, can relax muscles and improve blood circulation. It also nourishes the spleen and kidneys, making it suitable for middle-aged and elderly obese women with spleen and kidney deficiency.

***How ​​women can perform spinal manipulation for weight loss***

During the spinal pinching procedure, obese individuals should lie prone with their backs straight and relaxed. Infants and young children can lie on an adult's lap to stabilize their lower limbs for easier manipulation. The operator should make a semi-fist shape with the middle, ring, and little fingers of both hands, the index fingers slightly bent, and the thumbs extended. The thumb's crease should be aligned with the radial side of the second interphalangeal joint of the index finger, maintaining a certain distance between the two thumbs. With the web of the thumb facing forward, starting from the Changqiang acupoint on the coccyx, pinch the skin, keeping the index fingernails close together, and push and pinch upwards along the spine to the Dazhui acupoint, repeating 3-5 times. Then, use both thumbs to massage the Shenshu acupoints 30 times.

The pressure and speed of pinching the skin should be moderate, taking about 1.5 minutes per session. The best time for spinal pinching is in the morning or on an empty stomach. If you have just eaten, rest for half an hour before proceeding. Generally, pinch once a day for 10 days as one course of treatment. After 2-3 courses, rest for a few days before resuming. The room temperature should be comfortable during spinal pinching to prevent catching a cold.

The spine, located in the center of the back, is the pathway of the Governing Vessel (Du Mai), which governs the body's Yang energy. The Bladder Meridian (Zu Taiyang Mai) runs along both sides of the spine, containing acupoints related to various internal organs. The Hua Tuo Jiaji acupoints along the sides of the spine also regulate visceral function. Pinching the spine stimulates these acupoints, adjusting the body's Yin-Yang balance, regulating organ function, clearing the meridians, and promoting blood circulation, thus achieving weight loss. This method is suitable for obese children.

***How ​​women can use acupressure on their hands for weight loss***

According to traditional Chinese medicine theory and modern bio-holographic theory, it has been proven that the palms of the hands are closely connected to the whole body, and pressing certain specific points on the palms can regulate the function of internal organs. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that obesity is a manifestation of internal organ dysfunction; therefore, pressing hand acupoints can be used to aid weight loss. Hand acupressure is safe, convenient, and unrestricted, requiring no dedicated time and can be performed by oneself. Therefore, it can be a weight loss method for busy women. The main pressing points are the chest and abdomen area (located in the center of the back of the hand; stimulating this point can inhibit lymphatic secretion and improve obese physique) and the spleen, stomach, and large intestine area (located on the thenar eminence near the palm; stimulating this area can consume excess body fat and control appetite). There is no time limit for pressing, but a certain amount of pressure should be applied. Do not gently stroke; press firmly. You can use your fingers to pinch or use a toothpick to press. When you feel significant pain, it can inhibit gastrointestinal function and control appetite. Gentle stroking can promote gastrointestinal function and increase appetite. Therefore, the strength of the stimulation directly affects the weight loss effect of hand acupoints.

How women can use foot massage for weight loss

Foot massage for weight loss should begin by locating the acupoints according to a foot acupoint chart. Commonly used acupoints for weight loss include those for the liver, spleen, stomach, small intestine, and brain. You can use your fingers to pinch, press, knead, or rub these points. You can also use a small round stick to massage the area until you feel a slight soreness or pain. Each area should be massaged for 5-10 minutes, 1-2 times daily.

Foot acupoints can treat systemic diseases, so while losing weight, they can also lower blood pressure and blood sugar, making them suitable for obese individuals with hypertension and diabetes. Since this method has no side effects and can be self-massaged, it can be used long-term.

Can women lose weight by wearing small shoes?

Japanese medical researchers have discovered that wearing pointed, narrow shoes for extended periods can reduce appetite. This theory has sparked interest among many women, and manufacturers have capitalized on this by launching shoes specifically designed for weight loss. Many people have experienced the discomfort of wearing small shoes, especially those who walk a lot daily, making it difficult to maintain a consistent routine. However, it's not necessary to wear small shoes all the time. Wearing them for 8-10 hours daily (not necessarily consecutively), ideally during periods of less walking, can effectively control appetite. Furthermore, this method should be used as a supplementary weight loss method; once your weight is within a normal range, you can discontinue its use.