Losing weight seems to be one of those all-time topics that are always in the air. But, do we ever take a moment to truly consider the root cause, the factors that led to those extra kilos as well the cascading consequences it has on our overall health and wellbeing? Answering these questions is a fundamental part of a holistic approach to weight loss which is the essence of using acupuncture points for this purpose.
A protocol of acupuncture points does more than regulate one’s appetite, it can also regulate one’s energy levels, among its many beneficial effects.
The right combination of acupuncture points has the power to:
- Improve gut health (boost the functioning of the digestive system, enhance the absorption of nutrients, relieve constipation, bloating and other gastrointestinal issues)
- Reduce inflammation in the body
- Fix water retention by stimulating the kidneys and the endocrine system
- Balance hormones that regulate our appetite, sleep and mood
- Boost metabolism by supporting the pituitary gland and increasing our body’s fat-burning capacity
- Improve mood by inducing the release of feel-good endorphins that do wonders against stress and anxiety that often result in over-eating.
Moreover, stimulating acupuncture points can do wonders in protecting us against the “five evils” that are detrimental to our health and well-being. They are internal wind, cold, dampness, dryness, and fire.
This head-to-toe approach is sort of a checklist of a successful weight loss strategy, with each point being a key player in the weight loss game.
GV 20 Acupoint (Baihui)
It might seem surprising to hear that a weight loss strategy begins from the head, but this is the place where major meridians originate or end. It is the first stop in our quest to combat stress and anxiety, adrenal problems that cause fatigue, hormonal imbalance, poor focus and memory, as well as migraines and headaches. Baihui is the master of the endocrine and nervous systems which needs to be functioning optimally as we commit to the challenging task of losing weight.
Stimulating this point raises Yang which represents light and warmth during the cold and dark Yin of wintertime. In Western terms, think of it as a shot of Vitamin sunshine that makes us feel good and help us stick to a healthier routine.
One of its perks is its dual effect of both sedating or energizing. To raise Yang for winter and boost our weight loss motivation, we can benefit from its ability to tonify the body, while its sedating effect is useful for inducing healthy sleep during which the body self-regenerates. Stimulating this point will help us clear our minds and strengthen our focus on our weight loss goals. It is especially beneficial in case of prolapsed organs and loose tools as it strengthens the spleen which is often harmed by poor eating habits.
BL 6 Acupoint (Cheng Guang)
Also located on the head but belonging to the urinary bladder meridian, this point is known as the “Light Guard” or as the place where we “receive light”. It also clears the mind but in a way of helping us get rid of old programs that don’t benefit our health, such as emotional eating.
GV 26 Acupoint (Renzhong)
Along the governing meridian, located where the nostrils meet, this point is thought to impact weight, especially when it comes to dealing with obesity. Although it is the main point to address in cases of shock, we can use its power to clear the brain, calm the spirit and restore the consciousness we need to install healthier habits on our weight loss journey.
Li 4 Acupoint (He Gu)
This immune-boosting point is located on our hands. It regulates the functional activities of the internal organs, by reinforcing antipathogenic factors and eliminating pathogenic factors. For its ability, it’s known as the Great Eliminator. When it comes to getting rid of headaches and inflammation, it’s an obligatory stop, especially when combined with LIV3 (Taichong) to ensure a smooth flow of Qi and blood circulation throughout the body. As these two points are stimulated on both the left and the right, these four powerful locations are known as Four Gates which are used in protocols to clear emotional stagnation such as the feeling of being stuck with a few extra kilos.
ST 20 Acupoint (Chengman)
For obvious reasons, we cannot speak of weight loss without focusing on the stomach. This particular point harmonizes the Middle Jiao region which is in charge of digestion. Naturally, it contains the stomach and spleen, with the area known as the Chamber of Ripening and Rotting, as well as of Maceration. Whenever we need to descend rebellious Qi, this is the place where stomach soothing should start.
CV 12 Acupoint (Zhong Wan)
Located along the conception vessel meridian, this point is believed to influence the organs of the upper abdomen. Moreover, it is used when digestion is ‘injured’, clearing heat and acting as a tonic for the kidneys that contain our vital essence.
CV 6 Acupoint (Qihai)
Known as the “sea of Qi”, this point is stimulated in cases of constipation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Strengthens Kidney Qi and Yang. Moreover, it treats prolapse that modern lifestyle brought on with the “sitting epidemic”. This particular point nourishes the health of our ‘second brain’ that is located in our gut.
ST 36 Acupoint (Zusanli)
Known as one of the general points to tonify Qi and promote general well-being, this point is also located along the stomach meridian. Moreover, it is believed to harmonize the digestive organs of the upper abdomen, to activate the parasympathetic nervous system which controls digestion and the overall energy of the body. Besides activating the meridian altogether as it is the command point of the abdomen, the He-Sea point, which means this is where the qi of the meridian is collected and goes deep into the body. It raises Yang energy while calming the mind (Shen) as TCM treats a troubled mind that is filled with worries by caring for the spleen that is thought to govern our mental capacity. If you think about it, thoughts are much like food- they must be broken down, assimilated or eliminated, separating what is nourishing from what is toxic. Insufficiently digested food becomes a poison that adds weight to the body in the same way as unnecessary thoughts become a heavy burden.
ST 39 Acupoint (Xiajuxu)
This point is used to regulate the Qi of the small intestine that absorbs nutrients and minerals from food. Even trapped emotions related to abandonment, heartache, and betrayal, harm its ability to absorb nutrients that the body needs so we need to make sure it is functioning optimally. Along with harmonizing intestines, this point located on the leg clears meridian stagnation, as well as its consequences.
SP 6 Acupoint (Sanyinjiao)
Located along the spleen meridian on the lower leg, this point is thought to influence the organs of the lower abdomen and the parasympathetic nervous system. While strengthening the spleen and stomach, activating this point resolves dampness, harmonizes the liver, strengthens the kidneys, nourishes Blood and Yin, regulates menstruation, invigorates the Blood, benefits urination and calms the Shen.
KI 7 Acupoint (Fuliu)
Also located on the lower leg, this point is known as the spot of ‘continuing flow’ as it is a Jing-River point of the Kidney meridian which is where the qi of the meridian begins to flow more heavily. Strengthening the kidneys that are especially helpful for water regulation such as swelling, sweating and urinary issues.
KI 3 Acupoint (Taixi)
Tonifies the Yin and Yang of Kidneys so it is a must-stop in any case of kidney deficiency. Clinically, these so-called source points are always used to treat internal organs because they stimulate vital energy and optimize their functions.
SP 10 Acupoint (Xuehai)
Located along the spleen meridian, on the thigh, this point is believed to have an impact on our blood, especially useful in the context of high sugar levels that lead to insulin resistance and diabetes.
GB 34 Acupoint (Yanglingquan)
Below the knee, there is a powerful point that is used to move Liver Qi as it is where qi of the meridian goes deep into the body, soothing rebellious Qi and diarrhea.
Located on the gall bladder meridian, it does not only deal with digestive issues but also any sort of tendon and ligament problems such as sciatic nerve or neck pain.
LR 3 Acupoint (Taichong)
Moving on to our feet, this point promotes the smooth flow of Liver Qi which is why it is often referred to as a liver tonic. Considering that a stressed liver leads to belly fat, slow metabolism and a weakened detox mechanism, making sure it is functioning optimally is of vital importance for any weight loss strategy. This laboratory of an organ acts like a filter that cleans toxins out of our blood, helping us feel energized, lose weight and meet our athletic goals.
Conclusion
By looking at these acupuncture points, it all comes down to seeing that everything is connected. One cannot talk about a physical (Jing) concept such as weight loss without acknowledging the spiritual (Shen) and emotional side of things. Therefore, any successful weight loss approach needs to acknowledge the stomach as a place where we take in ‘fuel’ for our bodies and therefore ‘digest’ our external life circumstances that we need to reflect upon if we want to get rid of the burden of extra kilos. The stomach is the ‘origin’ of feeling, our so-called second brain, as it metabolizes not only food, but also our mental and emotional material. Going through the above points means acknowledging if we ingested something harmful and making sure we commit to ingesting only what is pure and nutritive to our body, mind and soul. Losing extra weight for good can only be done by treating the root cause of the problem and that is the essence of using acupuncture points as they nourish and improve our overall health.
Image Source: Acupoints
