Does acupressure really work for weight loss？Practical Guide

In recent years, with the popularity of natural remedies, many European and American health websites have begun to focus on the concept of ‘acupressure for weight loss’. Can this method, which originated from traditional Chinese medicine, really help reduce weight? This article combines scientific research and authoritative organisations to give you an in-depth analysis.  

How do acupoints affect metabolism?   

According to Chinese medicine theory, specific acupoints can improve metabolism by regulating qi and blood and promoting the function of internal organs. For example:  

   Tianshu (ST25) : Located in the abdomen, this point is traditionally used to improve digestion and defecation.  

   Foot Sanli (ST36)According to Chinese medicine theory, specific acupoints can improve metabolism by regulating qi and blood and promoting the function of internal organs. For example:  

   Tianshu (ST25) : Located in the abdomen, this point is traditionally used to improve digestion and defecation.  

   zuSanli (ST36): An acupoint on the outer side of the lower leg, believed to enhance the ability of the spleen and stomach to transport and digest.  : An acupoint on the outer side of the lower leg, believed to enhance the ability of the spleen and stomach to transport and digest.  

Authorities’ views:  

1. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states in its 2019 report that acupuncture (including acupoint stimulation) may have an adjunctive role in regulating endocrine and metabolic disorders.  

2. a small study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (2016) found that auricular acupressure may reduce calorie intake by suppressing appetite, but the effect varies from person to person.  

   Second, the actual effect: acupressure can replace exercise?   

There is no evidence that significant weight loss can be achieved by massaging acupoints alone, but it may serve as a complementary means to a healthy diet and exercise:  

   Short-term effects: Stimulating abdominal acupoints may promote bowel movements and relieve constipation (Journal of Acupuncture Research, 2020).  

   Long-term potential : Regular massage may help reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, indirectly reducing stress eating (American Psychological Association APA, 2018).  

Recommended Acupuncture Points and Methods of Operation (Safety Guidelines)   

1. Central Vital Point (CV12)   

      Location : About 4 finger widths directly above the navel.  

      Effects : Relieves bloating and regulates appetite.  

      Method : Apply light clockwise pressure with fingertips for 2 to 3 minutes before meals.  

2. Sanyinjiao (SP6)   

      Position: Inside of the calf, about 4 fingers above the ankle.  

      Effects : Regulates hormonal balance and improves oedema.  

      Method : Thumb pressure until slight soreness and swelling, once a day in the morning and once in the evening.  

Precautions :  

  Avoid massaging abdominal points immediately after meals.  

  Pregnant women should not use specific acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (WHO guidelines).  

   Fourth, expert advice: rational view of the effect   

   Mayo Clinic (Mayo Clinic) clearly states: ‘Alternative therapies can be used as a supplement to a healthy lifestyle, but not as a substitute for medical treatment.’  

  The British Acupuncture Association (BAA) suggests combining dietary adjustments with acupoint stimulation at least 3 times a week for more than 8 weeks to observe the effects.  

  Controversies and Limitations   

Although some studies support the metabolic modulating effects of acupuncture points, a review in Scientific Reports 2021 noted that the existing evidence still suffers from small sample sizes and large variations in experimental design, and more high-quality studies are needed to validate it.  

   Conclusion：

Acupressure may assist weight loss by improving digestion and relieving stress, but its effects vary from person to person and require long-term persistence. For European and American readers pursuing healthy weight loss, we suggest:  

1. incorporate acupressure into an overall health plan (e.g. Mediterranean diet + regular exercise).  

2. Consult a professional herbalist or acupuncturist to develop a personalised plan.  

Important Reminder:

All information on this site is for learning and communication purposes only, not for diagnosis and treatment of disease, if there is any physical discomfort, please seek medical attention offline in a timely manner.