As the weather grows increasingly hot, many women worry about excess body fat. Weight loss thus becomes a challenging task for many. Some choose dieting, others exercise, while some explore massage for weight loss—yet remain uncertain about its effectiveness or suitability. Today, let's explore massage as a weight loss method.
The Science Behind Massage Weight Loss
Massage (or acupressure) weight loss works by stimulating specific acupoints to regulate meridians in targeted areas. This adjusts organ function and the endocrine system to achieve weight loss. Acupressure can alleviate hunger pangs and aid in dietary control.This method is highly effective for localized fat deposits in the thighs, abdomen, and back. It also regulates menstruation, treats constipation, lowers blood pressure, and balances blood lipids.
Key treatment areas focus on acupoints in the abdomen, head, legs, arms, and soles of the feet. For instance: Acupoints around the navel—such as Qihai (CV6), Dajue (CV14), Guanyuan (CV4), and Tianshu (ST25)—should be pressed 10–20 times each. This promotes metabolism, reduces appetite, regulates endocrine function, alleviates bloating and edema, and prevents lower abdominal protrusion.
Simultaneously, massaging head points like Xiaguan and Jiache relaxes tendons and activates meridians, enhancing blood circulation and beautifying facial skin. Stimulating lower-body points such as Zusanli and Sanyinjiao accelerates leg blood flow, increases gastrointestinal motility, and reduces leg fat.
Furthermore, during acupoint massage therapy, practitioners tailor additional points to the individual's condition, such as Zhigou on the forearm, Shuifen on the abdomen, and Zhangmen below the lower ribs. This demonstrates that successful weight loss requires selecting specific acupoints and techniques based on the individual's constitution and obesity type—it cannot be achieved by randomly hiring someone for a few days of training at a massage parlor.
The following precautions should be observed during massage weight loss:
① Whether performing self-massage or mutual massage among family members, ensure a warm, draft-free environment to prevent external pathogens from entering when pores are open.
② Both the recipient and practitioner must maintain focus and steady breathing throughout the session. Avoid chatting or laughing during massage, and refrain from intermittent or abrupt interruptions.
③ Massage techniques should progress gradually: start light then deepen pressure, begin slow then accelerate. Strictly follow the pathways of the body's meridians. Techniques must be sustained, firm, even, and gentle. Both before and after the main massage, perform localized relaxation massage for a set period.④ During massage, apply therapeutic agents to the skin surface. This prevents friction damage while enhancing drug absorption for improved therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, utilize tools when pressing acupoints to intensify stimulation effects.