We all know that massaging certain acupoints can help those who lack exercise achieve some weight loss and slimming effects. However, before massaging, you should also pay attention to the following points to make your weight loss efforts twice as effective with half the effort. Massage Methods for Five Common Weight Loss Areas 1. Massage Method Below the Solar Plexus Technique:
1. Starting from the sternum, use your right palm to trace downward along the left ribcage to the lower abdomen, then upward along the right ribcage back to the starting point.
2. Repeat this circular motion 36 times. Then, using your left palm, trace in the opposite direction from the sternum using the same technique for 36 circles.
This simplest method can be done before bed or while watching TV. Rubbing the abdomen stimulates nerve endings, opens capillaries in skin and subcutaneous fat, accelerates metabolism, promotes waste elimination from skin tissue, and naturally aids fat reduction.
II. Upper Body Massage
Technique:
1.With fingers together and arms straight, alternately lift and lightly stroke the sides of the waist upwards;
2. Starting above the pelvis, use the left hand to gently lift the muscles toward the axillary breast area. Repeat with the right hand. This technique warms the muscles with your fingers, stimulates blood circulation, and mobilizes toxins and waste around the muscles for elimination through bodily fluids.
This effectively relaxes the upper body, gradually calming mind and body while boosting metabolism for faster weight loss!
III. Yinlingquan Acupoint Massage
Located on the inner calf, in the depression below and behind the medial tibial condyle. Apply moderate pressure with the thumb, massaging in circular motions for 1 minute.
Benefits: Fatigue and prolonged sitting can cause fluid retention, leading to swollen feet. This not only affects appearance but also turns beautiful shoes into constraints and torment. As the water convergence point of the spleen meridian, this acupoint strengthens the spleen, drains dampness, and promotes urination. It expels excess fluids from the body, alleviating foot swelling—especially beneficial for office workers who sit daily.
IV. Flank Massage
Technique:
1. Place both hands on your sides. Use your thumbs to firmly push the excess fat on the back of your flanks downward and forward, as if squeezing it into the pelvic area.
2. Knead your abdomen vertically with both hands to help eliminate excess fat.Ensure kneading progresses from the outer sides toward the center.
3. Take a deep breath through your nose, then exhale slowly while tracing clockwise circles on your abdomen with your palms. Focus your awareness on the dantian point (midway between navel and sacrum). Alternatively, use a brush or massage board.
This method suits office workers who sit all day.As many office workers know, busy schedules often leave little time for meals, or even prevent regular eating patterns. This frequently results in an uncomfortable, bloated feeling in the stomach, with no time for walks to aid digestion—leaving them "sitting all day." This massage technique helps office workers relax abdominal muscles, aid digestion, and tighten excess fat, achieving multiple benefits at once.
V. 10-Minute Lymphatic Massage for Weight Loss
While many view massage as merely a relaxation or stress-relief tool, professional lymphatic massage actually enhances metabolic function and healing capacity, purifying the body and restoring balance.Some people experience weight gain due to lymphatic edema, which requires lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling. Lymphatic massage not only helps eliminate excess fluids, fat, and toxins but also naturally improves your constitution, revealing an ideal physique that complements your bone structure.
There are over 30 lymphatic massage techniques. Here, we introduce a 10-minute self-massage method. By dedicating just 10 minutes daily to learning how to touch your own body and sense its condition with your hands, you can quickly become attuned to bodily changes and discomfort, making it highly effective for disease prevention. Below is a lymphatic massage technique for reducing swelling in the upper arms.
This method is extremely simple to learn: Begin at the elbow joint and vigorously massage upward toward the armpit. Then press the armpit area at least five times. This helps lymphatic tissue detoxify, reduces swelling, and achieves slimming effects.
When to Avoid Massage for Weight Loss
1. Avoid massage during menstruation
Women should refrain from massage for weight loss during menstruation or within one month postpartum. During pregnancy, avoid stimulating acupoints that may cause miscarriage. Remember never to apply strong pressure to acupoints on the feet!
2. Avoid cold water before massage
Refrain from drinking cold water both before and after massage. Post-massage, your blood and tissues are in an active state. Consuming cold water during this period can disrupt blood circulation and diminish weight loss results.
3. Individuals with the following conditions should not undergo massage weight loss
Those with malignant tumors, skin infections, bone spurs, or severe internal organ diseases should not undergo massage weight loss. Please take note!4. Maintain appropriate pressure during TCM weight loss massage. Avoid excessive force in pursuit of results. Pressure intensity varies by body area—use moderate force on the abdomen and waist to prevent internal organ damage.
5. Discontinue massage if these symptoms occur
If you experience palpitations, nausea, dizziness, or similar discomfort during weight loss massage, stop immediately. Identify the cause and resume only after symptoms subside.
7. Avoid massage within 1 hour after meals
The hour following a meal is typically optimal for digestion and nutrient absorption. Massage during this period may disrupt normal gastrointestinal function. Therefore, do not rush to massage immediately after eating to prevent digestive discomfort.Additionally, massage should be avoided immediately after bathing, when feeling extremely fatigued, or after excessive alcohol consumption. It is advisable to rest for approximately 2 hours before performing self-massage.
Precautions for Massage Weight Loss
1. Avoid excessive force
Massage techniques vary widely, and pain tolerance differs among individuals. Greater force does not equate to better results. Aim for a sensation of mild soreness and fullness in the massaged area. Alternate between light and firm pressure to accommodate vascular contraction, thereby achieving optimal massage effects.
2. Hydrate after massage
Massage accelerates metabolic processes. Drinking water afterward helps flush toxins from the body via urine more efficiently. It also replenishes fluids lost during the session. For optimal results, consume a cup of lukewarm water (50°C/122°F) within 30 minutes post-massage.
Unlike other treatments, tuina is best performed on an empty stomach. Sessions should be conducted once daily, with 15 sessions constituting one course. After a 7-day break, the second course may commence. Treatment must not be interrupted during this period, and dietary intake should be reduced.