Acupressure is an ancient Chinese wellness treatment that is very similar to acupuncture. This system of wellness makes use of different target points around the body, to which pressure is to be applied. Simply put, acupressure is acupuncture without the needles.

Acupressure has been used for centuries to treat a myriad of illnesses, relax the body, and provide relief for aches and pains. An interesting discovery has also found acupressure to be highly beneficial in boosting metabolism in the body and helping people remain fit and active.

How does acupressure work?

Acupressure aims to utilize the wisdom gathered by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to heal the body in many ways. Both acupuncture and acupressure utilize various points that run along 12 meridians in the body. These are considered to be energy pathways that carry ‘qi’ or ‘chi’, which are both terms used to describe ‘life energy’. The belief among people is that illness is caused and propagated by certain blockages in the ‘qi’, which doesn’t allow the energy to flow in the body. Acupressure and acupuncture aim to restore the ‘qi’ by using pressure and needles respectively to unblock these energy pathways and restore the flow of energy.

Many people are not aware of the reason why some people gain weight easily while others manage to stay slim. The body type of a person is determined by their metabolic rate. A person with a high metabolic rate is capable of burning fat and calories faster, even when the body is in rest. On the other hand, a low metabolic rate does not utilize the calories for energy and it is stored away and deposited as excess fat in the body. Acupressure is known to stimulate the energy flow in the body to improve metabolism, and thereby aid in weight loss.

Traditional Chinese Medicine encourages weight loss by allowing the excess heat and moisture within the body to be expelled and also supporting the organs responsible for carrying out smooth digestion. Here, heat and moisture are the words used to describe the imbalance of energy and not a physical state of the body. People who specialize in acupressure use these ancient techniques to center the body, balance the energy, and allow the body to burn fat naturally and effectively.

What are the different points of acupressure?

Acupressure requires the application of pressure across different points in the body to balance out the flow of energy.

Ear point

Start off by placing your thumb directly in front of the triangular flap found at the front of the ear. You can also find the ear point by placing the finger against the jaw and opening and closing the mouth to find the area where most movement occurs. It is also advisable to use the thumb point as it covers a majority of the surface area. 

Once located, you will need to apply medium to high pressure on the ear point for three minutes continuously. The points around the ear are known as SI19, TW21, and GB2 in acupressure. These points work together to improve energy flow in order to control appetite and hunger, as well as improve digestion in the body. The ear point holds three or more pressure points in one area, making it very effective. 

Upper lip

The acupressure point called GV26 is located in between the upper lip and the nose. You can locate this point by following the natural crease or depression on the upper lip, called the philtrum. Once located, apply medium pressure to this area for five minutes at once, and repeat twice a day. Use the thumb point for better impact. The upper lip point is also known to curb appetite and help the body control hunger. 

Inner elbow

The inner elbow point is called the LI11 and can be found on the inner side of the elbow crease, close to the outer part of the elbow. This point is closely associated with the body’s digestion process. Use the thumb point to apply pressure for one full minute, every single day. Applying pressure to the inner elbow will stimulate the function of intestine and will relieve the excess heat and moisture from the body and rebalance the energy to improve digestive activities. 

Other points

Aside from these three main points, the other pressure points around the body are located at – the knee, below the belly button, near the ankles, and close to the ribs.

Summary

Acupressure an ancient Chinese wellness treatment that has no negative side-effects and is a completely safe method to incorporate into your daily regimen. While some people may notice significant weight loss, the advantages to some others might be improved gut health, stress relief, and a more-controlled appetite. The benefits of acupressure vary from person to person, but is known to be beneficial to all.
Acupressure should also be combined with a healthy diet and exercise regimen. The nutrition we provide to our body comes from the food we eat, and it is always advisable to avoid food that causes the body to feel lethargic and uneasy. Remember to stay active and exercise a few times a week in order to keep the muscles, joints, and bones functioning in a healthy manner.