Belly fat is not just an inconvenience that makes an unattractive bulge poke out through your clothes; it is also a significant risk factor for several health problems.
There are two things that you cannot ignore — diet and exercise for belly fat — when we talk about losing belly fat. Without a proper diet and regular exercise, you cannot lose weight and fat, including belly fat. However, if you’re consistent with those 2 things, then it’s all a matter of looking at other supporting ways to lose belly fat to further quicken the process. This blog is about one such method that may actually surprise you. It’s acupressure!
Acupressure, an ancient Chinese medicinal technique, offers a natural approach to weight loss with a focus on body energy flow. It is based on the concept of one’s vital energy flowing through various meridians in the body. By pressing certain pressure points in the body, you can clear any blockage in the meridian to gain various benefits — belly fat loss being one of them.
Today, we will discuss how acupressure can help with fat loss and look at some acupressure points for belly fat loss.
Table of Contents
- Can Acupressure Help You Lose Belly Fat?
- 5 Acupressure Points For A Flat Belly
- What Are The Benefits Of Acupressure For Belly Fat Loss?
- Dietitian’s Recommendation
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Can Acupressure Help You Lose Belly Fat?
Yes, some acupressure points can help with belly fat loss. You can also use these points as acupuncture points for belly fat loss.
However, acupressure should not be used as the only means of losing weight and fat. As a matter of fact, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to losing belly fat by addressing the root causes of fat accumulation, which are stress, hormonal imbalance, poor digestion and unbalanced metabolism.
Acupressure works on the principle that the body is connected through energy meridians. When these paths are blocked, it can lead to imbalances in the body and health problems, including weight gain. A few studies show that by exerting pressure on specific acupressure points, we may be able to restore energy flow, aid digestion, boost metabolism and reduce stress. By including acupressure in your wellness routine, you increase your chances of achieving better health and a flatter tummy.
But remember: it will only be possible if you also combine a well-rounded, calorie-deficit diet with regular exercise.
Also Read: 32 Foods That Burn Belly Fat Fast: Your Ultimate Guide to Tackling Stubborn Stomach Fat!
5 Acupressure Points For A Flat Belly
Here are the key acupressure points for belly fat loss:
1. Conception Vessel 12 (CV12): Digestive Booster
This belly fat burning acupressure point is located in the centre of the torso between the base of the breast and the navel. Stimulating CV12 increases digestion, helps one process food more efficiently and prevents unnecessary fat storage.
2. Stomach 36 (ST36): Metabolism Activator
Four fingers’ width below the kneecap and one finger’s width towards the exterior of the tibia, ST36 is a powerhouse acupressure point that helps strengthen one’s metabolism and encourages the body to burn calories faster.
Also Read: 10 Best Acupressure Points For Weight Loss And Their Function!
3. Pericardium 6 (PC6): The Stress Reliever
The PC6, which is located three fingers’ width above the wrist on the inner forearm, is helpful in reducing tension and anxiety from the mind and body, which are often the culprits behind unnecessary snacking and overeating, both of which increase belly fat.
4. Tian Shu (ST25): Celestial Pivot
This acupressure point for flat belly can be found along the stomach meridian. It is located in the middle between the outer edge of the abdominal muscle and the umbilicus line. It is believed that this acupressure point helps with gastrointestinal problems like constipation, diarrhoea and indigestion. Thus, it may help in weight loss by regulating the intestines.
Also Read: Acupressure Points For Heart Health — Simple TLC For Your Heart
5. Sanyinjiao (SP6)
Located on the inside of your lower leg, about 3 inches above your ankle, this acupressure point is linked to the spleen and digestive system. Stimulating SP6 may contribute to a flatter belly by regulating digestion and reducing bloating.
Also Read: 12 Targeted Belly Fat Burning Exercises At Home That Requires No Equipment!
What Are The Benefits Of Acupressure For Belly Fat Loss?
Here are a few proven ways in which acupressure can help you lose belly fat:
1. Increases Metabolism
By applying pressure on acupressure points for belly fat loss, you can stimulate energy flow control in the body. This activation increases the metabolic function of the body, which helps the body to burn calories more effectively and store less fat. You can also include foods that increase BMR to give it a further boost.
2. Balances Hormones
In some cases, the accumulation of abdominal fat may be due to hormonal abnormalities. Acupressure for abdominal fat can regulate hormones such as cortisol, insulin and leptin, which are essential to maintaining a healthy weight and keeping the fat away.
3. Reduces Stress
For many, stress is one of the main causes of belly fat. Being under constant stress raises cortisol levels, which helps the fat accumulate in the body, specifically around the belly. Acupressure releases the nervous system by lowering stress levels and bringing cortisol levels back to normal. This helps prevent fat accumulation,
4. Improves Digestion
Digestive problems can cause bloating and fat accumulation. Acupressure for belly fat stimulates points that control digestion and help the body process food more efficiently. This helps reduce bloating and belly fat.
Also Read: Get Fit Without Leaving Your Bed: 7 Before-Bed Exercises To Lose Belly Fat
5. Control Appetite
Acupressure helps to reduce appetite by focusing on reducing one’s hunger levels and increasing the satiated feeling. If the desire to eat is reduced, daily food intake and overeating automatically reduce as well. When the food intake is reduced, you enter a calorie deficit, which is the most important factor for losing weight and belly fat.
6. Improves Body Circulation
Our bodies have an incredible ability to burn fat. However, this ability could be hindered or slowed down when the blood flow is poor. Acupressure for belly fat loss increases blood circulation, which results in an increased oxygen and nutrient supply throughout the body. This promotes fat burn and increases vitality.
Also Read: 8 Yoga Exercises To Improve Blood Circulation In the Brain!
7. Reduces Water Retention
The retention of water usually leads to a larger belly appearance. Acupressure for belly fat reduces water retention, flatulence and swelling. It supports lymphatic drainage and removes excess fluid from the body.
8. Supports Better Sleep
Deprivation of sleep or lack of sleep can cause weight gain. In such cases, it is very common for a person to gain most weight in the form of belly fat. Acupressure points are known to promote a deeper and sounder sleep, which could go a long way in regulating one’s hormones and belly fat loss.
9. Supports Detoxification
Acupressure helps the body's natural detoxification mechanism. It also helps to remove toxins, which could otherwise lead to fat accumulation and the slowing down of metabolic function. Acupressure activates or promotes the detoxification process and improves liver and kidney function, further helping you keep the belly fat away.
10. Reduces Inflammation
Chances are your belly fat may be caused by chronic inflammation. It is known that acupressure points for belly fat loss can give anti-inflammatory benefits, which can reduce inflammation throughout the body. This reduces the chances of fat being stored around your belly in response to inflammation in the body.
11. Increases Psychological Well-being
Mental health greatly affects one’s weight and overall health. Chronic anxiety, stress and sadness lead to emotional eating and make one crave unhealthy and calorie-heavy foods. Poor mental health also leads to a reduced desire to exercise or otherwise stay active. All of this increases belly fat. However, acupressure can help reduce these negative emotions and boost one’s mental health, helping one control their eating desires and motivating them to move their body.
Dietitian’s Recommendation
I would propose integrating acupressure points for belly fat loss with a balanced diet and a consistent exercise regime for a holistic approach to weight management. This combination is not only effective for belly fat loss but also enriching one’s overall health and well-being.
Also, by resolving some key aspects of your health, such as digestion efficiency, metabolic function and stress levels, individuals can enjoy a more balanced and healthier lifestyle, making weight management and belly fat loss achievable and sustainable.
Dt. Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Acupressure is an ancient, non-invasive practice that has been used for thousands of years to treat various diseases. Some recent research has shown that acupressure could also be potentially effective in losing belly fat. By using acupressure points for belly fat loss, you can boost your overall health and help your body burn belly fat and keep it from storing more.
FAQs
1. Who should avoid acupressure?
Acupressure should be avoided by pregnant women (especially on certain points), people who have severe skin conditions, open wounds, or infections, or have serious health conditions like blood clotting disorders unless supervised by a healthcare provider. Always consult with a doctor before starting acupressure if you have any health concerns.
2. Is there a pressure point for losing belly fat?
Yes, acupressure can help by supporting digestion and metabolism, as well as reducing bloating, which may contribute to overall belly fat reduction.
3. Can acupuncture help lose belly fat?
Yes, you may be able to lose belly fat with the help of acupuncture, as it improves metabolism, regulates appetite, reduces stress, and enhances digestion. However, it works best as a complementary treatment alongside a healthy diet and exercise.
References
- https://www.morningsideacupuncturenyc.com/blog/acupuncture-for-weight-loss
- https://chennaiacupuncture.com/18-ways-acupuncture-for-belly-fat-reduction/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4877795/#:~:text=CONCLUSION%3A,treatment%20option%20for%20obesity%20control.
- https://www.onlymyhealth.com/weight-loss-tips-pressing-these-5-acupressure-points-daily-will-help-you-lose-weight-1565608402
- https://ceragemus.com/pages/shaping-your-waistline-acupressure-points-for-belly-fat-loss-explained?srsltid=AfmBOorrZgSUpSbTLh4TEQpli8s5z942ZX-oi-hNg8JgEUj1Z0gXeSRL
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/fitness/10-beneficial-acupressure-points-for-weight-loss-and-good-health/story-s812MNkvT0HQ8TQKKI5nfN.html
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/acupressure-weight-loss-5115110
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