Acupressure

Acupressure is a part of traditional Chinese medicine and is based on the theory of Qi. Qi is often referred to as life energy. It is a system of massage that promotes the life energy to circulate. Acupressure is widely practised in China but still finding its way in the western world. A number of acupuncturists also use acupressure. Acupressure and acupuncture are often used as a means of controlling appetite and reducing body weight. Acupressure is defined as acupuncture without the needles. An Acupressure session usually lasts around 30 to 60 minutes. The Acupressure practitioner stimulates acupoints with the fingers and thumbs. Pressure is applied directly down to the skin. Acupoints on both sides of the body are massaged to balance the flow in Acupressure.

In a fat person's body the basal metabolic rate (BMR) is generally slow and consequently the excess food consumed by him is not burnt away but is transformed into fat. According to some experts, there is some malfunctioning in the digestive system of a fat person and therefore the carbohydrate metabolism stops after reaching a particular stage. A fat person has a voracious appetite and therefore dieting is very difficult for him.
Acupressure is helpful in overcoming these problems. In the picture some useful points are shown. If pressure is applied on those points, it helps a fat person.

Techniques of applying pressure

Apply heavy pressure with the tip of the thumb or with the blunt end of a pencil on each of the acupoints for about 20 seconds. Then reduce the pressure almost to nil for about 10 seconds. Now apply pressure once again for 20 seconds and reduce it for 10 seconds. Continue doing so for about 4 to 5 minutes. Pressure on acupoints can be applied at any convinient time but the experts advise that pressure on the points located on the ears must be applied half an hour before meals. This reduces the appetite. This is an important gain for obese. While applying the pressure on the points on the ear, keep the thumb behind the ear and apply heavy pressure with the index finger.