Gb 40 Acupuncture Point? Top Answer Update

Your gallbladder is a pear-sized organ located below your liver on the right side of your abdominal cavity. Its function is to store the bile produced in your liver and secrete it into your small intestine. Bile is a liquid that helps you digest fats. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a medical system that was developed in China more than 2,000 years ago. Practitioners of this alternative medicine believe that a type of energy called qi flows through the body along pathways called meridians. It is believed that Qi imbalance can lead to health problems or diseases. Acupressure and acupuncture are two techniques rooted in TCM origins that are believed to release blocked qi. Acupressure is a type of massage in which the practitioner applies pressure to specific points around your body to stimulate the flow of qi. Acupuncture is similar, but the doctor uses needles instead of his hands. Read on to learn more about the role of the gallbladder in acupuncture and acupressure.

The Role of the Gallbladder in Chinese Medicine The definitions of organs in TCM differ from the definitions you may be used to in traditional Western medicine. In TCM it is assumed that there are 12 main meridians in the body. Meridians are chains of connected acupuncture points believed to be the pathways for energy to flow. Each meridian relates to an organ in the human body. The gallbladder is considered one of these 12 meridians, and its acupuncture points run from your foot to your shoulder. Meridians occur in yin and yang pairs. The gallbladder is a yang organ paired with the liver. If one of the organs is not in harmony, the other can be negatively affected. The primary function of the gallbladder in TCM is to control the flow of bile. In TCM, bile has the same function as in Western medicine – aiding in digestion by breaking down fats. Proponents of TCM believe that organs play a role in other aspects of your health in addition to their anatomical function. The gallbladder is often thought to play a role in the health of your muscles and connective tissues, as well as your courage, judgment, and decision-making.

What are the meridian points of the gallbladder? The gallbladder meridian, also known as the gallbladder meridian, runs from your fourth toe, through your foot, up your leg, through your torso and to the top of your shoulder. There is a gallbladder duct on each side of your body. There are 44 acupuncture points along this meridian channel. It is believed that stimulating these points with acupuncture or acupressure can help restore proper flow of qi through your gallbladder.

How an Imbalance is Treated A variety of treatments can be used to treat imbalances in gallbladder qi. These treatments include: Acupuncture. There are a limited number of high-quality studies examining the effectiveness of acupuncture. There is evidence that it can help with back pain, osteoarthritis, and pregnancy-related nausea.

There are a limited number of high-quality studies examining the effectiveness of acupuncture. It can help with back pain, osteoarthritis, and pregnancy-related nausea. acupressure. A 2017 study found that acupuncture combined with physical therapy can help relieve back pain.

It has been found that acupuncture combined with physical therapy can help relieve back pain. moxibustion. In moxibustion, a stick or cone made of mugwort leaves is burned near your acupuncture points. Although it is used for many different ailments, evidence of its effectiveness is limited and much of the research is conflicting.

In moxibustion, a stick or cone made of mugwort leaves is burned near your acupuncture points. Although it is used for many different ailments, evidence of its effectiveness is limited and much of the research is conflicting. herbal cures. Various herbal remedies are used to treat meridian disorders. However, herbs should be taken with caution and with medical advice, as some of them may contain heavy metals or toxins.

Various herbal remedies are used to treat meridian disorders. However, herbs should be taken with caution and with medical advice, as some of them may contain heavy metals or toxins. Tai Chi and Qigong. Tai Chi and Qi Gong are two gentle forms of movement that are often prescribed in TCM.

Are there really meridian points? There is no medical or scientific evidence that meridian points exist. Research on acupuncture is limited, and many of the studies that reported benefits found that “sham acupuncture,” an acupuncture placebo, had the same effect. However, researchers may have found an explanation for why certain areas were chosen as acupuncture points. In a 2019 study, researchers from the University of Vienna dissected four corpses. They found that there is a close connection between acupuncture points and a layer of connective tissue under the skin called fascia. In this study, the bladder and large intestine meridians tended to follow portions of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Although there is no evidence to support the meridian theory, many of the principles of TCM, such as stress reduction and relaxing activities such as tai chi, can make TCM a useful complementary treatment when combined with Western medicine.

HALL OF IMPRESSION

Of the nearly 1,000 acupuncture points on the body, the point known as the “YINTANG – Hall of Impression” is distinguished by its use to alleviate a range of health ailments. YINTANG is found on the face and is located at the glabella – the midpoint between the inner/medial ends of the eyebrows. Interestingly, this point is often instinctively massaged by many people to relieve headaches and various facial ailments.

INDICATIONS

In traditional Chinese medicine it is used to:

Calm down the Shen

Good for the nose

reduce pain

Calm down the Shen

Shen refers to a person’s spirit. In attempting to calm the shen, the intention is to restore calm and ease to the person by stimulating this point. Yintang can be used alone or in combination with other acupuncture points for people with:

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Insomnia: Disorders of sleep patterns resulting from difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. People often wake up in the morning feeling unrefreshed and rested.

Excessive excitement, restlessness, and irritability: This can be caused by a number of different reasons including: lack of quality sleep, uncomfortable environmental factors, work and family pressures, or a medical condition.

Stress and anxiety: whether due to work, family or a variety of life pressures.

advantages

pain relief

Yintang is also used for headaches and facial pain, including those related to sinus congestion and other chronic pain syndromes. Typically, this point is used in combination with other acupuncture points on the face and extremities to relieve facial and headache pain.

In addition, YINTANG is often used as part of treatment plans to treat high blood pressure and relieve dizziness.

NEEDLES

One method of stimulating the point is to insert very thin acupuncture needles. In needling, the acupuncture needle is pointed downward, with the needle lying almost flat against the skin, with a needle depth of no more than half an inch.

MASSAGE

Alternatively, you can perform a self-massage at this point with slow circular movements for up to five minutes. Depending on whether you are using this point to calm shen, help the nose, or relieve pain, appropriately diluted essential oils can be massaged into this point to enhance relief.

Oils include:

Tranquil Shen: Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense.

Beneficial for the nose: eucalyptus, marjoram, peppermint, thyme, rosemary.

dr Tracey-Ann Brown is Physician of Oriental Medicine for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine at Revamp Comprehensive and Associate Professor at the University of Technology in Oriental/Chinese Medicine; Email: [email protected]

Gallbladder acupuncture point 34

GB34 or Yanglingquan AKA Yang Mound Spring is located below the outside of the knee, in a gentle depression 1 inch in front of and below the fibula head. In layman’s terms, the fibula is the smaller of the two bones of the lower leg. According to Peter Deadman, author of A Manual of Acupuncture, the point has many uses. 1. Beneficial to tendons and joints, 2. Activates the gallbladder duct and relieves pain, 3. Spreads Liver Qi and supports the outside of the chest under the armpit, 4. Clears Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder, which is one of 7 external pathogens Factors that Chinese medicine considers to be the cause of disease, 5. harmonizes Shaoyang, which represents the meridians or energy pathways of the triple energizer and gallbladder channels. Another name used to describe GB 34 is the influential point of tendons or tendons, a term used to describe the body’s soft tissues that connect muscles to bones.

Common conditions treated with GB34 are conditions that involve a sudden contraction of the lower leg or calf muscles. GB34 can be useful to treat any condition that involves stiffness or tightness in muscles or body joints. This point is commonly used by acupuncturists daily to treat musculoskeletal disorders. It can be used to treat neurological conditions such as numbness and pain or cold or swelling of the hip, thigh, knee or feet. Sciatica, which is usually caused by a herniated disc or a spasm or contraction of the piriformis muscle, can also benefit from using this point. GB 34 can theoretically also be used to treat serious neurological disorders such as hemiplegia “paralysis of half of the body” or spasticity or atrophy often caused by stroke. According to the author of this article, paralysis of one side of the body due to stroke or similar neurological disorders is most effectively treated through the use of scalp acupuncture along with points similar to GB34 along the Shaoyang zone or lateral aspects of the body. The benefits of GB34 are not limited to the lower half of the body. It is useful for treating the tendons, muscles and tendons of the neck, shoulders and lower spine. It is useful for treating tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis of the foot, Achilles tendonitis, or other similar upper or lower extremity overload conditions.

In summary, the GB34 acupuncture point can be used to treat pain, stiffness, spasms, or muscle spasms or contractions anywhere in the body. It is also used to treat sprains/sprains of the tendons or muscles from overuse or external trauma. Weather caused by overuse such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow or gamekeeper’s thumb, or external trauma such as a car accident. It can be used to treat whiplash or sports injuries that damage the tendons, ie. H. the ligaments or muscles of the spine or upper or lower extremities. It is not usually used alone, but in combination with other distal treatment points (points used away from the site of pain). Typically, in a typical treatment session, the acupuncturist uses a combination of distal and local points (points located in the injured or painful area).

dr Mininsohn is both a chiropractor and acupuncturist and has practiced in the Monmouth and Ocean County area for 28 years. He is employed by Advanced PMR, an outpatient rehabilitation facility with offices in Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties. The company offers physical therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care. The practitioners provide individual care and only treat 1-2 patients per hour. dr Mininsohn is currently accepting new patients and is available for consultations Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 7pm.

Posted in: Acupuncture

What is a gallbladder cleanse? Is it an effective way to flush out gallstones? Response from Brent A. Bauer, M.D.

A gallbladder flush — also called a gallbladder flush or liver flush — is an alternative means of ridding the body of gallstones. However, there is no reliable evidence that a gallbladder cleanse is useful for preventing or treating gallstones or any other disease.

In most cases, a gallbladder cleanse involves eating or drinking a combination of olive oil, herbs, and some type of fruit juice for several hours. Proponents claim that cleaning the gallbladder helps break up gallstones and stimulates the gallbladder to release them in stool.

Although olive oil can act as a laxative, there is no evidence that it is an effective treatment for gallstones. Also, people who attempt a gallbladder cleanse may see what looks like gallstones in their stool the next day. But they do see clumps of oil, sap, and other materials.

A gallbladder cleanse is not without risk. Some people experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain during the rinsing or cleansing phase. The ingredients used in a gallbladder cleanse can pose their own health risks.

Gallstones that don’t cause symptoms usually don’t require treatment. If you have gallstones that require treatment, talk to your doctor about proven treatment options, such as surgical removal, bile salt pills, or sound wave therapy.

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Chances are you’ve heard of acupuncture or even experienced it. You may have wondered why needles are used? What do you do? Does it hurt? It might seem like an intimidating treatment at first, but the benefits of acupuncture and acupressure go far beyond what you might think — and so does the science behind it.

With acupuncture, very thin needles are pricked into the top layer of skin at precisely selected points. Because the needles are so thin, patients usually experience little to no pain. The needles are then gently activated with light pressure, movement, or stimulation. As an alternative, acupressure targets the same precise points under the skin, but with manual pressure or cupping instead of needles. Other non-needling techniques that are equally effective include lasers or a low level specific electric current. These are ideal for patients who are uncomfortable with needles.

According to acupuncturist Dr. According to Lily Liu, the practice of acupuncture is very old: “It originated in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is more than a thousand years old.” TCM, and acupuncture in particular, is rooted in Eastern theories of energy medicine, which promote healing differently than Western ones medicine you may be used to. Eastern medicine focuses on the energy balance in your body as a key factor in your overall health.

Oftentimes, physical symptoms can be aggravated by, or even result from, an imbalance of energy in your body rather than having a problem in the specific area where you are experiencing discomfort. Health is all about balance, and when it’s out of balance you become more susceptible to disease. Energy is the director of your body’s harmony; Its movement is vital to your health.

TCM defines this life energy as your “qi” or “chi” (pronounced “chee”), which runs through your body through twelve main pathways, or meridians. Think of your circulatory system of blood or oxygen – your energy has a very similar type of circulation. The meridians that circulate your energy are dotted with points called “acupuncture points” that are the target of acupuncture treatments.

What is qi?

Qi energy gives life to your body. We have many types of qi – two examples are inherited qi and gong qi. According to chiropractor and acupuncturist Dr. David Trybus, “Inherited Qi is the energy you are born with and Gong-Qi is your daily energy store. Once you have depleted your gong qi, your body begins to draw energy from inherited qi stores to balance it, and this forms the basis for aging.” As your body burns off its inherited qi, you begin to turn grey, arthritic Experiencing changes like muscle or joint stiffness and other telltale signs of aging.

Likewise, this vital energy is responsible for keeping you healthy. A steady, strong flow of qi through your body is the foundation of well-being, and conversely, disruption of that flow—when qi becomes blocked—can contribute to well-being. “Toxic environments, overwork, and stress, among other things, can contribute to an imbalance in your qi,” says Dr. liu

The meridian system

How does this energy cycle system actually work? Your body has twelve main meridians, or energetic passageways, that run through the top layer of skin and fascia, through which your qi flows. Think of twelve different extension cords strung together and intertwined. If you were to untangle them, they would form a large circle. So they are all connected.

Ten of these twelve meridians are associated with a specific organ: the heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, large intestine, small intestine, liver, bladder, gallbladder and spleen are each represented by one meridian. The remaining two are the pericardial meridian, which is associated with emotional and spiritual well-being, and the triple warmth meridian, which controls metabolism.

Remember that these meridians are connected end-to-end, like extension cords, which is critical to the flow of your Qi. For example, the bladder meridian runs from your eye, across your head, down your back to your big toe, and at the big toe it connects to the kidney meridian. The Kidney meridian then runs back up your inner legs and up your torso and chest. The paths continue to connect like this, traveling up and down the torso, legs, arms, and head.

The meridian system also uses the concept of yin and yang to define how qi flows in a directed manner and maintains balance. The yin-yang principle of duality can be seen in everything: there is no darkness without light and heat without cold. The same goes for your organs: you have “yin” organs that are solid (heart, liver, spleen, kidney, and lungs) and “yang” organs that are hollow (stomach, bladder, gallbladder, colon, and small intestine). . ).

Think about it: if you are overloaded or overly energetic, your yang organs are most likely overloading and dominating your yin organs, or vice versa. This is one of the reasons why maintaining a balance between the yin and yang organs by controlling the flow of energy through your body’s meridians is so important to your health.

“Each yin organ is paired with a yang organ, and the two organs in each pair have opposite functions that balance each other out — yin organs calm things down while yang organs stimulate,” says Dr. Trybus. The five pairs of organs, as shown in the diagram, are each ruled by an element (wood, fire, earth, metal and water). Your constitution is made up of these five elements, and the various elements have attributes that provide guidelines for treating and diagnosing problems with their respective organs through their meridians.

While all five elements co-exist in every person, you have one that is your dominant element that mostly depends on your character traits, habits, and health patterns. Your dominant element loosely governs your personality as well as the best ways to take care of energetic imbalances in your body. For example, if your dominant element is Metal, it is important to keep your lungs and colon healthy and energized above all else, as these are the organs associated with that element and are considered your “baseline” of overall health . Each element has its own properties, healing methods, helpful yoga poses, nutritious foods and more uniquely tailored to its common ailments and what it needs to thrive.

Take our free Elements Questionnaire to find out what your dominant element is and what that means to you.

Since they are all interconnected, you need to keep each meridian energized to keep the others energized as well and to maintain balance in your body. A blockage in a meridian (like unplugging two extension cords in the circuit) causes an interruption in the flow of energy. The qi can then find a way to reroute itself through other meridians, but this leads to a stagnation of energy on one side of the blockage and a lack of energy on the other.

Such an energy imbalance is directly related to health problems. For example, if you have a problem with your small intestine, your small intestine meridian is likely to be depleted of energy (causing a blockage) and the other meridians are forced to overcompensate, causing an energetic yin/yang imbalance that leads to further symptoms.

The meridians are also how your muscles get their energy. Each meridian organ corresponds to a muscle group – for example, the kidney is connected to the lower back muscles and the small intestine to the quadriceps and abdominal muscles. So if you have a core weakness or trouble climbing stairs due to leg weakness, it could be a signal that something is wrong with your small intestine and that the corresponding meridian is under-energized.

Acupuncture as an energy treatment

You may be wondering how to actually clear these energy blockages. Everything goes back to acupuncture. As previously mentioned, each meridian has several points along its length called “acupuncture points”. Stimulating these points promotes better energy flow through the depleted or blocked areas and restores a healthy qi balance so that your body is in the best possible energetic state to deal with life’s mental, physical and emotional stressors.

“Pain is the most common problem we treat with acupuncture. Whether headache, muscle or joint pain, acupuncture provides rapid relief,” says Dr. liu Acupuncture treatments can also treat gastrointestinal problems and hormonal imbalances, especially in women.

By stimulating these points with various acupuncture and acupressure methods such as needles, cupping, laser, electrical or even manual pressure – offered by specialists at PALM Health – energy blockages through the acupuncture points are released. In addition, acupuncture point stimulation also activates the central nervous system, drawing attention to a specific area where the brain sends healing signals.

Energy medicine and acupuncture specialists can also perform an AcuGraph assessment to provide insight into where your pain or symptoms might be coming from. Essentially, the AcuGraph gives a summary of your energetic makeup—showing which organs have energy levels that are too low, too high, or just right.

For example, if you had the symptom of lower back pain and did an AcuGraph exam, it could show you that the energy in your kidneys is too low, since the kidneys directly correlate to the muscle groups in the lower back. This would then indicate some sort of blockage or deficiency in the kidney meridian and in response the provider would use acupuncture or acupressure to stimulate the flow of qi back into that meridian to raise the kidney’s energy levels again. Your body would then be in a better condition to continue treating the kidney problem.

While acupuncture is not necessarily a standalone treatment guaranteed to give you a complete cure, it does use the body’s own mechanisms to treat symptoms and restore balance. Acupuncture is often an important first step in treating any health issues you may have and should be used in conjunction with your regular doctor’s recommendations.

If you want to learn more, watch our webinar with Dr. David Trybus, Harmonizing Your Body with the Seasons, which explains the yearly transitions between the five elements and the five seasons, addresses the relationship between the seasons and the muscles and organs of the body, and includes recommendations for beneficial habits to practice during each season can be implemented.

PALM Health is a health center focused on holistic wellness for people looking to extend active, healthy years. Our medical and wellness experts empower people to transform their health, become more resilient and feel their best in mind and body. Connect with a navigator to explore your options at 314-801-8898 option 2.

Procedure Details How Does Acupuncture Work? Chinese medicine calls the energy that flows through the body Qi. Chinese medicine practitioners believe that qi imbalances cause imbalances in the body’s energy that lead to disease. Some forms of acupuncture aim to rebalance qi with needles touching acupoints (acupuncture points) throughout the body. There are hundreds of acupuncture points in the body along 14 main meridians, also called energy channels. The needles stimulate the body’s existing systems to: Respond to an illness or symptom.

Bring the body back into balance.

Release natural chemicals, like endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and neurotransmitters, chemicals that control nerve impulses. What happens during an acupuncture treatment? At the first appointment, the acupuncturist will talk to you about your condition. Then the provider examines your body for areas that respond to acupuncture. The acupuncturist will tap the needles into points in your skin all over your body. The needles are sterile, disposable and as thin as a human hair. An acupuncturist inserts needles at varying depths, from a fraction of an inch to a few inches. The needles stay in for a few minutes or up to 20 minutes. How does acupuncture feel? You may feel a small prick with each needle. It is less painful than what you feel when you are vaccinated or have your blood drawn. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than medical needles and they are solid, not hollow. The needles can produce some muscle sensations, such as B. dull pain or tingling. Your doctor will ask you to call if you experience deep heaviness or numbness. These sensations usually mean the treatment is working.

Risks/Benefits Is Acupuncture Safe? When a qualified professional performs acupuncture, it has very few complications or side effects. the us The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles. The agency requires all needles to be steel, solid, sterile, non-toxic, and properly labeled. Acupuncture needles may only be used by qualified professionals. After a single use, practitioners throw away the needles. Receiving acupuncture from unqualified doctors can be harmful. An untrained doctor or someone using unsterile needles can cause infection, organ puncture, and central nervous system injury. ###

Recovery and Outlook What Happens After Acupuncture Treatment? Acupuncture has a calming effect, so you may want a ride home from your appointments—especially the first one. If that’s not possible, try to rest five to ten minutes before you start driving. Your doctor may suggest that you rest for a day or two after each session. How often should I get treatment? The number of treatments depends on your condition, its severity and how your body is responding. Most patients have an appointment once a week. Others are treated more or less often depending on how long the effects last. Your acupuncturist will recommend a schedule that works for you. You may not get the full benefits of acupuncture on the first or second treatment. If you decide to try acupuncture, you should have at least five treatments.

When should I call the doctor? Do I need any other treatments besides acupuncture? Don’t use acupuncture to delay seeing a health care provider about a health problem. In most cases, people use acupuncture along with other treatments. For example, someone with chronic pain will likely take medication and also get acupuncture. Someone with cancer would still receive cancer treatment but would also use acupuncture. You should continue to take your prescribed medication no matter how well acupuncture makes you feel.

Understanding Fear Most people experience fear at some point in their lives. Mild symptoms may appear in a challenging or stressful situation. You could also have more serious, long-lasting symptoms that affect your daily life, including: Feelings of panic, fear, or worry

restlessness

difficulty concentrating

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

fatigue

irritability

nausea, headache or indigestion

feeling of loss of control

Muscle tension Anxiety is typically treated with therapy, medication, or a combination of both. There are also several alternative treatments, including acupressure, that can help. Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that can temporarily relieve anxiety symptoms. It’s all about stimulating pressure points in your body, either on your own or with professional help. Read on to learn about six pressure points you can try for anxiety relief.

1. Impression point Share on Pinterest The impression point is between your eyebrows. Applying pressure to this point is said to help with both anxiety and stress. To use this point: Sit comfortably. It can help to close your eyes. Touch the area between your eyebrows with your index finger or thumb. Breathe in slowly and deeply and apply gentle, firm pressure in a circular motion for 5 to 10 minutes.

2. Heavenly Gate Point Share on Pinterest The Heavenly Gate Point is located in the upper part of your ear, at the tip of the triangular depression there. Stimulating this point is said to help relieve anxiety, stress, and insomnia. How to use this point: Locate the point in your ear. It can be helpful to use a mirror. Apply firm, gentle pressure in a circular motion for two minutes.

3. Shoulder Well Point Share on Pinterest The shoulder well point is located in your deltoid muscle. To find it, pinch your shoulder muscle with your middle finger and thumb. This pressure point is said to help with stress, muscle tension and headaches. It can also induce labor so do not use this point if you are pregnant. How to use this point: Find the point on your deltoid. Squeeze the muscle with your thumb and middle finger. Apply gentle, firm pressure with your index finger and massage the point for four to five seconds. Release the pinch while massaging the point.

4. Union Valley Point Share on Pinterest You can find this pressure point in the webbing between your thumb and forefinger. Stimulating this point is said to reduce stress, headaches and neck pain. Like the shoulder bulge point, it can also induce labor, so avoid this point if you’re pregnant. How to use this point: Using your index finger and thumb, apply firm pressure to the webbing between the thumb and index finger of your other hand. Massage the pressure point for four to five seconds and breathe in slowly and deeply.

5. Big Pressure Point Share on Pinterest The pressure point of the big pressure point is on your foot, about two to three finger widths below the intersection of your big toe and your second toe. The tip lies in the indentation just above the bone. This pressure point can help reduce anxiety and stress. You can also use it for pain, insomnia, and menstrual cramps. How to use this point: Find the point by sliding your finger straight down between your first two toes. Apply firm, deep pressure to the point. Massage for four to five seconds.

6. Inner Boundary Gatepoint Share on Pinterest You’ll find the Inner Boundary Gatepoint on your arm, about three finger widths below your wrist. Stimulating this point can help reduce anxiety while relieving nausea and pain. How to use this point: Rotate one hand so your palm is facing up. With your other hand, measure three finger widths below your wrist. The point is here, in the hollow between the tendons. Apply pressure to the point and massage for four to five seconds.

The Research Behind Acupressure for Anxiety There is limited research on the use of acupressure and pressure points for anxiety. However, experts are beginning to look into alternative anxiety treatments. Most of the studies that have existed have focused on pressure points for fear of a potentially stressful situation or medical procedure, rather than general anxiety. They were all pretty small too. Nevertheless, their results are promising. For example, a 2015 review of several studies examining the effects of acupressure on anxiety found that acupressure appeared to help reduce anxiety before a medical procedure, such as surgery. Another 2015 study of 85 people hospitalized for cancer treatment found that acupressure helped reduce their anxiety. A 2016 study looked at anxiety in 77 female college students with severe menstrual pain. Acupressure applied to the large pressure point during three menstrual cycles reduced anxiety in study participants by the end of the third cycle. Most recently, a 2018 study found that acupressure helped reduce stress and anxiety symptoms in women receiving fertility treatments. Again, larger studies are needed to fully understand how pressure points are used for anxiety. However, the existing studies have found no negative effects of acupressure on anxiety symptoms, so it may be worth a try if you’re looking to try a new approach. Just keep in mind that these studies also suggest that acupressure appears to provide temporary, not long-term, symptom relief. Be sure to keep up with any other stress management, therapy, or other treatments prescribed by your doctor while trying acupressure.

Knowing When to See a Doctor While acupressure can provide temporary relief from anxiety symptoms, there isn’t much evidence that it helps with long-term anxiety. If you find that your anxiety symptoms are making it difficult for you to go to work or school, or are interfering with your relationships, it may be time to talk to a doctor or therapist. Concerned about the cost of therapy? There are therapy options for every budget. You should talk to a doctor or therapist if you experience any of the following: Feelings of depression

suicidal thoughts

panic attacks

sleep disorders

headache

digestive problems

Acupuncture can be used to treat many conditions: respiratory, orthopedic, gastrointestinal, and neurological, to name a few. We have patients seeking treatment for sinusitis, acute bronchitis, asthma, sciatica and back pain, ulcers, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, migraines, anxiety and depression.

Your first acupuncture appointment

At your first acupuncture appointment, your doctor will ask a series of questions about body temperature, pain, digestion, elimination, eyes, ears, energy, sleep patterns, and physical, emotional, and spiritual quality of life. Once the practitioner has determined the Chinese diagnosis, he/she selects the acupuncture points that relate to these problem areas.

Chinese medicine theory involves moving energy along channels or meridians in the body. Acupuncture treats the disharmony in the body. By balancing the disharmony, the body is in a better (more balanced) place to generate healing and return to homeostasis.

Where are acupuncture needles placed?

Needles are inserted into acupuncture points along the body’s meridians. The ear is a popular place to treat many different conditions. The ear points are reflexes of the whole body. Needles can also be placed in acupuncture points in the arms, hands, feet, legs, etc. according to Chinese diagnosis. The placement of the needles relates to the areas of imbalance and how the qi or energy needs to be affected. Specific treatment protocols are drawn up for each patient.

For most people, the acupuncture needles cause little or no discomfort. Sometimes when the acupuncturist is targeting a specific condition, the body may respond to the focused flow of energy through that area and there may be pain or discomfort for a few minutes while the energy works to balance that area. Most people are not bothered by this and recognize it as healing.

The number of needles inserted depends on the specific treatment plan. The acupuncturist can place as few as two needles or as many as 40, depending on what is being treated and how the energy needs to be directed. The needles are usually left in for 20 to 30 minutes. They can be left on for longer, but generally the treatment lasts 20 minutes.

It takes 24 hours for energy to travel from one point to another throughout the body. And the meridians carry it for 24 hours, and then it starts all over again. So from the time the first needle is placed, it takes 24 minutes to complete a cycle. Treatment will continue to make changes over the next 24 hours.

If you’re seeing an acupuncturist for wellness, you can come back every four to six weeks. If you are being treated for a chronic condition such as chronic pain, you may be able to walk more often.

What are the side effects of acupuncture?

The most common side effects of acupuncture are things everyone wishes for: better sleep, more energy, mental clarity, better digestion, and less stress. One or more of these side effects are routinely experienced by many, many acupuncture users.

Other less desirable side effects of acupuncture include:

The therapeutic benefits of the gallbladder acupuncture point 30

The topic of this week’s article is the therapeutic benefits of the gallbladder 30 acupuncture point. The gallbladder 30, or GB 30 for short, is located between the hip joint and the sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of the spine. In layman’s terms, the outer hip and buttocks region. The translation of the Chinese name Huantiao for GB 30 is “Jumping Circle” because it is located in the central hip area of ​​the lower limb. According to Chinese medicine, this point is able to influence the movements of the entire lower limb. The advantages of this point are manifold. In the majority of the acupuncture community, GB 30 is considered the most common point for the treatment of sciatica, which can be used regardless of the location or type of lower extremity pain. Sciatica can be defined as neuralgia or nerve pain radiating from a damaged or prolapsed lumbar spine or traveling down the leg. The sciatic nerve can also be pinched or compressed by the piriformis muscle, which is a muscle located in the hip/gluteal region and is responsible for external rotation of the hip or outward movement of the leg. In some cases, the piriformis muscle is surgically cut to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Acupuncture textbooks have a long list of symptoms that GB 30 could potentially benefit from. According to Peter Deadman’s Text A Manual of Acupuncture, the indications for GB 30 are as follows: “Buttock pain, pain or sprains of the hip and leg, sciatica, atrophic disorder and painful obstruction of the lower extremity, hemiplegia, cold-wind-wet painful obstruction, numbness of the leg , inability to bend and extend knee, lumbar and lateral rib pain, lumbar and leg pain, leg chi and urticaria and eczema.” To shed some light on Peter Deadman’s terms, costal refers on the rib or ribs. Urticaria and eczema refer to common skin diseases. In summary, GB 30 is a very useful acupuncture point. It’s one that I use daily to treat low back disorders, sciatica, or hip or leg pain.

Posted in: Acupuncture

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Spleen 9 (SPL 9) is the acupuncture point known to “drain moisture,” usually through urination. It can be used to treat bladder and urinary tract infections, chronic yeast infections, hepatitis, jaundice and leg edema. It is also a good long-term treatment point for diabetes.

Some of the other condition points that Spleen 9 can address:

Dysuria, urinary incontinence, edema

Flatulence, diarrhea, jaundice

Pain in the medial aspect of the knee

Penile pain, dysmenorrhea, vulvar pain

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, stress or worry is the emotion that “hurts” the spleen function.

Sp-9 lies in the depression behind and below the medial condyle of the tibia. The easiest way to find it is to run your thumb up the edge of the bone on the inside of your lower leg until it falls into a hole.

When this Sp-9 is active (touch sensitive), it will be quite sore, indicating the need for “attention”.

Press gently but firmly for 10-20 seconds, release, repeat.

Acupressure and Labor Imagine this: you’re standing in your kitchen, your ankles have swollen to the size of a grapefruit, shooting pains are shooting up your back, and you’re staring at the wall calendar in front of you. Your pregnant belly gently touches the wall as you gaze at your circled due date. You’ve officially passed the 40 week mark, but it seems your baby wants to stay put. Due dates are of course only estimates. It is common for most expectant mothers to go into labor a week or two before or after their expected due date. Doctors consider it routine. But an overdue or late pregnancy can leave exhausted moms-to-be even more stressed. An overdue mother-to-be could try all sorts of home remedies (think pineapple and romance) to deliver the baby naturally. Many pregnant women after childbirth will turn to alternative medicine to induce labor when they want to avoid medical induction. And a popular method among mothers is acupressure.

What is acupressure? Acupressure is the lesser-known companion to acupuncture. Acupuncture is traditional Chinese medicine in which thin needles are inserted into areas of your body thought to control a specific organ or body part. The idea is to relieve pain and prevent disease. But instead of needles, acupressure requires physical pressure on points that run along your body’s meridian system — or life energy pathway. Many people who try acupressure—usually through a vigorous massage—do so in conjunction with modern medical practices. But it’s not uncommon for acupressure to be used as a standalone treatment. While both acupressure and acupuncture are considered controversial, a number of studies have shown the ancient medicine’s effectiveness in reducing labor pain and anxiety. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before trying acupressure treatments. Women in the first 10 to 12 weeks and the last 4 weeks of pregnancy are more susceptible to acupuncture treatments. Acupressure can increase blood flow to the uterus, affect hormonal responses, and stimulate uterine contractions, so it should only be used with your doctor’s approval. There are six major acupressure points on the body that are believed to induce labor.

1. Spleen 6 Point Share on Pinterest The Spleen 6 Point (SP6) is considered one of the most versatile and commonly used points. It is used for many conditions including labor induction. Known as Sanyinjiao – or Three Yin Junction – SP6 is located above the ankle on the back of the shin (lower calf). That’s about four finger widths above the inner knuckle. What to do: Apply firm pressure to the point with your index finger for a few seconds. Take a 1-minute break before repeating the exercise.

2. Bubble 60 Point Share on Pinterest A few inches below SP6 is Bubble 60 (BL60). This point is known as Kunlun, named after the mountain range in Asia. The Kunlun point is located on the foot, in the hollow between the ankle and the Achilles tendon. It is used to promote labor, relieve labor pain, and reduce obstruction. What to do: Apply light pressure to BL60 with your thumb and massage the point for a few minutes.

3. Point Pericardium 8 Share on Pinterest Point pericardium 8 (PC8), known as Laogong or Palace of Labour, is said to be very useful for inducing labor. It is in the center of the palm. You can easily find it by making a fist and finding the point where the tip of your middle finger touches your palm. What to do: Apply light pressure to the point with the thumb of your other hand. Massage in for a few seconds.

4. Bubble Point 67 Share on Pinterest Bubble point 67 (BL67) is known as Zhiyin or reaches Yin and is located on the outside of the end of the little toe, near the edge of the nail. The Zhiyin point is believed to rotate the fetus and stimulate uterine contractions. What to do: Apply firm pressure to BL67 with thumb and forefinger as if pinching your toe.

5. Large Intestine 4-Point Share on Pinterest The most common point in acupressure therapy, the Large Intestine 4-Point (LI4) is known as the Hegu, which means ‘connecting valley’. It is located on the back of the hand, deep between the tissues of the thumb and forefinger. Like BL67, the LI4 point is believed to induce labor. It can also stop pain and boost immunity, among other problem-solving functions. What to do: Apply gentle pressure with your thumb and massage the point for a minute, rest for a minute and start again.

6. Bladder 32 Point Bladder 32 (BL32), also called the ciliao — which means second cleft — is in the dimple of your buttocks, which you can find by running your fingers along your spine until you’re just over your rich intergluteals Split. It is believed that this point triggers contractions and relieves gynecological problems. What to do: Press firmly on the point and massage towards the buttocks. This should be repeated for a few minutes.

Some of the “points of influence” on the body are named accordingly. These particular acupuncture points have a profound effect on the functioning of the body. Each of them has a specific systemic effect on a specific tissue, body area or organ system.

Because diseases can generally affect multiple locations in the body, the Influence Points have a practical effect, eliminating unnecessary needle stimulation and concentrating treatment on as few points as possible. A classic example would be the point of influence GB 34 (just before the tibial tuber). This point is the classic point for any symptom that affects the “tendons”. The stimulation of GB 34 has a positive effect on all complaints affecting muscles, ligaments or tendons.

Regardless of the location of the disease of the musculoskeletal system, GB 34 has a positive effect. Whether rotator cuff syndrome or epicondylitis, the point of influence for the “tendons” has a special effect, even if it is far away from the site of the complaint. However, most practitioners will stimulate local points in the pain area in addition to GB 34.

GB 39 is the “influential mark point” and is located just above the lateral malleolus. Bone marrow is commonly referred to as supporting brain function or bone marrow itself. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the bone marrow has no relation to blood formation as in western physiology. The dot is not normally used for blood disorders as one might think.

GB 39 has a special effect in both sciatic neuritis and cervicalgia, as it is a specific point that connects the yang meridians of the lower extremity, namely the gallbladder, stomach and bladder. Remember that a meridian affects what it is named after and where it runs. This point has also been used for dizziness and brain dysfunction.

LU 9 is the ‘influential point of the vessels’, a point often used to make the pulse more prominent in those with fine and weak pulses. This point is used in pulse diagnosis and has been used in cardiovascular diseases. Its age-old claim to fame applies to conditions that affect the heart rate.

BL 11 is known as the “bone influence point”. This point is two finger widths bilateral to C7-T1. It’s arguably one of the most controversial points on the body: partly for its effects on bones, but mostly for its effects on disease-causing winds. When a patient complains of bone symptoms due to an attack of pathogenic winds, as in bi-patterns, this point has a particularly high effect rate. Additional points (BL 12, GB 21, TH 15) have very similar effects.

BL 17 is known as the “influential blood point”. The point is two finger widths bilateral to T5-6. This is one of the classic points and deals with blood stasis. In classical osteopathy, this acupuncture point deals with all diseases that affect blood. “Rule of the artery is paramount,” said Andrew Taylor Still. Any time pain is a factor, blood will be involved. Consider this point one of the most important points on the body.

CV 17 (ren mai) is known as the “influential point of chi”. Known as the mu/alarm point for the pericardium/circulatory/sex meridian, it is particularly associated with the lungs. Located two inches above the xiphoid process, it is often used in conditions affecting the lungs and heart. This point has numerous uses as it is also the fourth chakra; It also has hormonal effects due to its relationship with the pericardial meridian.

CV 12 (ren mai) is known as the “Influence Point of the Guts”. Located midway between the umbilicus and the xiphoid process, this point is the alarm point for the stomach. It is perhaps one of the most important points on the body for any stomach or intestinal symptom. It affects the Spleen meridian.

Liv 13 is the “influential point of the viscera” located at the tip of the 11th rib. This point is known as the spleen alarm point. It is one of the most important points in the body that affects visceral symptoms. This point, coupled with BL 38 (on the vertebral rim of the scapula midway between the top and bottom) is legendary for patients with visceral ailments, regardless of origin. The relationship of the Spleen Meridians to the Extraordinary Meridians is one of the most important relationships in the body. This point is critical.

GB 34 is the “influential point of the tendons” which is just in front of the tibial tubercle. This is one of the classic points on the body for all ailments involving muscles, ligaments and tendons. It has been used in all Asian countries for thousands of years.

The eight points presented here are extremely powerful. You will find these points to be an incredible addition to a clinical practice. Extreme care should be taken when using needle stimulation as some of these points are in sensitive and potentially dangerous areas. Remember: acupuncture is a principle, not a technique. Therefore, many techniques can be safely used, including laser and electronic stimulation.

Best wishes for your successful application of the principles of acupuncture in the “Year of the Dragon”.

Click here for previous articles by John Amaro, LAc, DC, Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM), Dipl.Med.Ac.(IAMA).

A brief overview of the 14 main meridians according to the WHO:

1. Bladder – Starts in the eye and runs through the forehead and across the top of the skull; it splits just below the hairline at the back. One branch runs down the shoulder blade and straight to the middle of the lower back, while the other runs straight to the outside of the spine and down the back of the leg to the heel. Contains 67 different acupuncture points on each side of the body.

2. Conception Vessel – Begins just above the middle of the pelvic bone and travels straight through the middle of the body to just below the lower lip. Contains 24 different acupuncture points.

3. Gallbladder – Starts at the inner corner of the eye, zigzags back and forth across the skull and then runs down the neck over the shoulder and again zigzags back and forth across the chest and abdomen. From there it travels down the outside of the leg and foot to the tip of the fourth toe. Contains 44 different acupuncture points on each side of the body.

4. Governing Vessel – Begins just above the tailbone and runs up just mid-body, across the skull to just above the upper lip. Contains 28 different acupuncture points.

5. Heart – Starts in the armpit and travels down the near side of the arm to the tip of the pinky. Contains 9 different acupuncture points on each side of the body.

6. Kidney – Starts in the arch of the foot and runs down the inside of the leg to the side of the midline of the abdomen and chest to the collarbone. Contains 27 different acupuncture points on each side of the body.

7. Large Intestine – Starts at the tip of the index finger along the top of the arm and runs to the highest point of the shoulder, over the collarbone and up the cheek to the nose. Contains 20 different acupuncture points on each side of the body.

8. Liver – Originates in the big toe, travels up the inside of the leg to the groin area, and then crosses the body to get to just below the nipple. Contains 14 different acupuncture points on each side of the body.

9. Lung – Starts on the chest near the armpit and runs down the arm to the thumb. Contains 11 different acupuncture points on each side of the body.

10. Pericardium – Runs from the side of the nipple, through the armpit and down the arm to the tip of the middle finger. Contains 9 different acupuncture points on each side of the body.

11. Small Intestine – Starts at the tip of the little finger and runs down the outside of the arm around the shoulder blade to the neck, then to the eye and across to the ear. Contains 19 different acupuncture points on each side of the body.

12. Spleen – Starts at the tip of the big toe and travels up the leg to the thigh, through the groin and across the abdomen and ribs to a point on the chest below the armpit. Contains 21 different acupuncture points on each side of the body.

13. Stomach – Originates just below the pupil of the eye and travels down the nose to the jaw where it divides. One part goes up the scalp and the other travels down the neck, chest and abdomen through the thigh and down to the side of the tip of the second toe. Contains 45 different acupuncture points on each side of the body.

14. Triple Energizer or Triple Warmer – Starts at the tip of the ring finger, travels up the arm to the shoulder and up the neck to the ear, then across the forehead, down the cheek to the end of the eyebrow. Contains 23 different acupuncture points on each side of the body.

Cardinal Points – Certain acupuncture points are known as cardinal points; they are specific to a particular state or area. For example, P6 is specific to the respiratory system while TW5 is specific to the ear. ST36 increases energy, GB34 affects bones, and GB20 affects memory and mental processes. BL17 may help regulate blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes.

Meridian Points in Traditional Chinese Medicine AMC Acupuncture School | Miami, Fla

Update 2017: Due to the popularity of this article, we have published an in-depth article on acupuncture points/meridians. Enjoy!

To understand the basics of acupuncture, it helps to become familiar with the acupuncture point table. The number of acupuncture points was originally set to correspond to the number of days in the year: 365. These points were assigned to 14 major canal lines, one canal for each of the 12 internal organs, one canal down the spine (called the governing vessel) and another along the midline of the abdomen (called the conception vessel).

Over time, the number of points identified by acupuncturists has expanded and the acupoint table has expanded. There are additional channels with their own sets of points, special points outside of the channels, and full maps of body structures through points along the ears, nose, scalp, hands, feet, wrists, and ankles.

Despite the growing number of acupuncture treatment zones, most acupuncturists use the traditionally identified points on the 14 main channels. Each channel has a small number of points that, due to their versatility, are used repeatedly in the treatment of a wide variety of diseases.

Each point is associated with a list of disorders and diseases that they can treat, but sometimes a practitioner will select points based on the Chinese theory of balancing the flow of qi – or energy – in the channels. Therefore, a point may be used during the treatment of other types of disorders than those listed in the acupuncture point chart because of its usefulness in this balancing process.

Some commonly used acupuncture points are:

Colonic canal: LI4, Hegu

This point is on the back of the hand between the thumb and forefinger. The primary use of this point is to relieve pain and treat inflammatory and febrile disorders.

Lung Canal: LU7, Lieque

This point is above the wrist on the inside of the arm. It is used to treat various upper body disorders including headaches, stiff neck, cough, asthma, sore throat, facial paralysis and wrist disorders.

Stomach canal: ST36, Zusanli

This point is on the front of the leg, just below the knee. It is helpful for indigestion. Research shows that using this point has beneficial effects in treating anemia, immunodeficiency, fatigue and numerous diseases.

Splenic Duct: SP6, Sanyinjiao

This point is on the inside of the leg just above the ankle. Although it is the splenic duct that affects the digestive system in general, this point is also valuable for treating hormonal imbalances (e.g. irregular menstrual periods) and immune disorders.

Gallbladder duct: GB20, Fengchi

This point is at the base of the skull where it transitions into the nape of the neck. It is used to treat acute illnesses such as the common cold, flu, headache, neck pain, and fever. In addition, it lowers blood pressure.

Liver Canal: LV3, Taichong

The point is on the top of the foot, between the first and second toe. It is used to balance emotional energy, regulate menstruation, relieve chest pain, treat eye disorders, relieve headaches, and lower high blood pressure.

Pericardial canal: PC6, Neiguan

This point is on the inner arm, just above the wrist. Like other points on this meridian, it is useful in heart conditions such as palpitations and angina pectoris. It is also useful for nausea, vomiting, spasms and spasms.

Heart channel: HT7, Shenmen

This point is on the outside of the wrist. It is used in the treatment of a variety of mental disorders such as absent-mindedness, insomnia, disturbing dreams, hysteria, depression, agitation, and mental illness. It is also used to treat heart disease and fatigue.

Bladder Canal: BL40, Weizhong

This point is on the back of the knee. It is used in the treatment of back pain, hip discomfort, muscle atrophy, leg pain, abdominal pain, nausea, and many other ailments.

Kidney channel: KI3, Taixi

This point is just behind the inner malleolus. It is used for conditions in various areas of the body including sore throat, toothache, deafness, tinnitus, dizziness, asthma, thirst, insomnia, back pain and menstrual irregularities.

Triple Burner Channel: TB5, Waiguan

This point of the canal is on the outside of the arm, above the wrist. It is primarily used to treat disorders along the course of this meridian, ie the fingers, hands, arms, neck, ears, cheeks and crown of the head.

Small intestinal canal: SI3, Houxi

This point is on the side of the hand below the little finger. It is used to treat mental disorders, stiffness and pain in the neck, seizures, night sweats, and fever.

Governing ship: GV20, Baihui

This point is at the top of the head. It is traditionally used in the treatment of various mental disorders, as well as headaches, dizziness, ringing in the ears and nasal congestion.

For information about our acupuncture school, contact Admissions at 305-595-9500 or email [email protected]. We are located at 10506 N Kendall Drive Miami, FL 33176.

Share on Pinterest naumoid/Getty Images Traditional Chinese Medicine is widely recognized as one of the most widely practiced holistic approaches to health in the world. In the United States, aspects of traditional medicine such as massage therapy and yoga are part of the general health and wellness culture. While many people still use traditional approaches to weight loss, others incorporate holistic practices like acupressure into their weight loss journey. In this article we will examine whether acupressure is beneficial for weight loss and how you can incorporate acupressure into your weight loss journey.

Acupressure Points and Weight Loss Acupressure, like acupuncture, is a form of complementary medicine that has long been part of traditional Chinese medicine. While acupuncture uses needles to stimulate the various pressure points around the body, acupressure is done by stimulating these points through massage therapy. Acupressure is believed to be effective in reducing stress, promoting digestion and improving metabolism, all of which play a role in weight management. Some pressure points are even thought to affect appetite and blood sugar levels, making acupressure a potential adjunct to traditional weight-loss approaches like diet and exercise. The Meridian Energy Path In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each acupressure point on the body lies along an energy path called a “meridian.” These meridians are named after the different organs in the body. Each acupressure point along a meridian is named with the letters that correspond to that meridian, followed by the point’s position along the path. These acupressure points also have corresponding traditional names. Below are some of the acupressure points believed to affect digestion, metabolism and other factors related to weight loss.

1. Zusanli (ST36) Along the Stomach meridian, Zusanli is believed to affect the upper abdominal organs, the parasympathetic nervous system (which controls digestion) and the overall energy of the body. This point is below the kneecap, about 3 inches below and 1 inch from the center of the body. How to massage this point: Place two fingers on one of the Zusanli points. Apply gentle but firm pressure to the point with both fingers. Massage the point in a circular motion for 2 to 3 minutes. Repeat on the other side. Share on Pinterest

2. Sanyinjiao (SP6) Located along the Spleen meridian, Sanyinjiao is thought to affect the organs of the lower abdomen and the parasympathetic nervous system. This point is about 3 inches above the inner ankle bone. To massage this point: Place one or two fingers on one of the Sanyinjiao points. Apply gentle but firm pressure to the point with your finger(s). Massage the point in a circular motion for 2 to 3 minutes. Repeat on the other side. Share on Pinterest

3. Zhongwan (CV12) This point is on the meridian of the conception vessel. Zhongwan is believed to affect the organs of the upper abdomen, as well as organs related to digestion such as the stomach and intestines. This point is about four inches above the belly button. How to massage this point: Place two fingers on the Zhongwan point. Apply gentle but firm pressure to the point with both fingers. Be careful not to put too much pressure on this sensitive area. Massage the point in a circular motion for 2 to 3 minutes. Share on Pinterest

4. Renzhong (GV26) Renzhong lies along the governing meridian and is said to have an influence on weight, especially obesity. This point is on the philtrum, less than 1 inch below where the nostrils meet. How to massage this point: Place a finger on the Renzhong point. Apply gentle but firm pressure to the point with your finger. Massage the point in a circular motion for 2 to 3 minutes. Share on Pinterest

5. Xuehai (SP10) Located along the meridian of the spleen, Xuehai is said to have an impact on blood sugar levels, particularly those related to diabetes. This point is located above the kneecap, about two inches from the center of the body on the lower part of the thigh muscle. How to massage this point: Place two fingers on the Xuehai point. Apply gentle but firm pressure to the point with both fingers. Massage the point in a circular motion for 2 to 3 minutes. Repeat on the other side. Share on Pinterest

Are Acupressure Points Effective in Losing Weight? Research on acupressure and weight loss is limited. However, the current literature suggests that acupressure may be effective in aiding weight loss in individuals with obesity. A small 2019 systematic review analyzed seven studies to determine the potential impact of ear acupressure on weight loss outcomes. Ear acupressure is a special type of acupressure that stimulates pressure points in the ear. The studies included in the analysis compared the use of acupressure alone (or with other interventions) to other experimental treatments or no treatment. The authors found that ear acupressure was effective in reducing both total body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI) in study participants. These results remained consistent whether acupressure was administered alone or in conjunction with diet and exercise. They also found that longer duration of acupressure treatment was associated with a greater effect on reducing BV and BMI.

What about acupuncture for weight loss? Like acupressure research, the literature on the use of acupuncture as a weight loss tool is limited. Still, similar results suggest that acupuncture may be effective in weight loss. In a larger systematic review from 2018, the authors included 21 studies with a total of 1,389 study participants in the analysis. The studies in this analysis compared the use of acupuncture alone with other interventions such as medication, diet, exercise, or placebo. The researchers studied classic acupuncture along with other variations such as laser acupuncture and ear acupuncture. The authors found mixed results across the studies, with some studies showing more effective weight loss from acupuncture and others showing no discernible difference between the interventions. However, research suggests that acupuncture may have some effect on appetite and the metabolism of hunger-related hormones. Still, more research is needed on the use of acupressure and acupuncture as a weight loss intervention.

When to See a Doctor When on your weight loss journey, it can be helpful to have a handful of different tools and options available, such as: B.: Nutritional interventions. Diets can do more harm than good. A registered dietitian can help you explore nutritional options that will help you stay physically and mentally healthy during your weight loss journey.

Diets can do more harm than good. A registered dietitian can help you explore nutritional options that will help you stay physically and mentally healthy during your weight loss journey. lifestyle interventions. Staying active isn’t just important for weight loss. Exercise and other physical activities help keep both our bodies and minds strong. Consider exploring different physical activities until you find ones you actually enjoy.

Staying active isn’t just important for weight loss. Exercise and other physical activities help keep both our bodies and minds strong. Consider exploring different physical activities until you find ones you actually enjoy. Holistic interventions. Holistic health approaches can be used in conjunction with western approaches when it comes to weight loss. Although more research is needed on the effectiveness of acupressure, you should consider trying it. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healthy weight loss, so it can be helpful to work with a doctor or other healthcare professional to find out what works for you.