How to Use Acupressure Mat for Weight Loss? [Acupressure Points]

People who are obese or overweight face a lot of health complications. According to CDC, around 36.5% of people are obese in America(1). Losing weight is a big challenge and a lot of people are looking towards alternate medicines and techniques like acupressure.

Acupressure is a technique that has been used for centuries to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It can be used as part of your weight loss program because it helps stimulate the energy flow in our bodies, which in turn promotes health and wellness.

What is an acupressure mat and how does it work

Acupressure has been used for centuries to promote good health and wellness. Acupressure mats are known for stress relief, relaxation, and pain management.

The mat stimulates pressure points on your body through a simple but powerful design that applies firm pressure onto these areas to produce an invigorating sensation.

Acupressure is about collectively pressing the pressure points in our body to relieve pain. This treatment relies on life energy which passes through meridians in our bodies.

The method uses your nerve pathways and stimulates relaxation by using sharp objects(Nails) pressed onto the targeted areas.

How to use acupressure mat for weight loss?

Acupressure mats work in 2 ways to help you lose weight, firstly it reduces your stress and anxiety and keep the stress hormone balanced. Stress leads to the release of a hormone called Cortisol which is also called the stress hormone.

This hormone balances the utilization of fat, carbohydrate, and protein and it also controls Blood pressure, blood sugar, and sleep. An imbalance level of this hormone leads to digestion problems, blood pressure, and obesity.

Secondly, Acupressure mats induce the release of a hormone called Cholecystokinin, which suppresses appetite by telling your stomach that it’s full. Cholecystokinin is a hormone of the gastrointestinal system responsible for stimulating the digestion of fat and protein.

Top Rated Acupressure Mats

Acupressure point for Weight Loss

Acupressure points can help lose your belly fat, arm fat, and thigh fat. Mainly 5 pressure points are identified which boost digestion and improve metabolism which is a vital aspect of weight management.

5 Acupressure points for weight Loss

These points are

  • ST36
  • SP6
  • CV12
  • GV26
  • SP10

Acupressure Mat Positions for Weight Loss

These 5 different positions influence our digestive system, and other factors related to weight loss.

Position 1 – The Knee Point

Position 1 - The Knee Point

This pressure point is located below the kneecap, about 3 inches below and 1 inch away from the center of both legs.

Position- Sit on the mat sideways, knees touching the mats while placing your hands on the floor for support.

Sit for 5-10 minutes and change sides.

Benefits – This position helps improve the stomach to function properly. This promotes digestion and better blood circulation.

Recommended Acupressure Mat for Knee Point: Acupressure Mat and Pillow Massage Set – by DoSensePro + Gel Pack

Position 2 – The Abdomen Point

Position 2 - The Abdomen Point

This pressure point is found exactly 3 centimeters below the belly. Lie down with your stomach and chest on the mat.

Cross your arms below your head and rest. Practice this for 2-5 minutes daily for improvements. 

Benefits– This position helps in enhancing digestion and increased blood flow to respiratory muscles.

Recommended Acupressure Mat for Abdomen Point: NAYOYA Neck and Back Pain Relief – Acupressure Mat and Neck Pillow Set

Position 3 – The Thigh Point

Position 3 - The Thigh Point

This point is located about two inches away from the bottom portion of the thigh muscle. Lay on the mat with your lower stomach and on your thighs, use your hands to push your upper body part away from the floor.

Benefits– This position helps relieve stress and improves digestion.

Recommended Acupressure Mat for Thigh Point:

Recommended Acupressure Mat for Thigh Point: Spoonk Acupressure Eco Mat, Pagoda Blue – with Massage Ball

Position 4 – The Elbow Point

Position 4 - The Elbow Point

This point is located at the elbow crease on the inner side of your arms. Place your elbows on the acupressure mat for 2-5 minutes. 

Benefits– This improves the digestive system and increases blood flow. 

Recommended Acupressure Mat for Elbow Point: Acupressure Mat and Pillow Massage Set – by DoSensePro + Gel Pack

Position 5 – The Foot Point

Position 5 - The Foot Point

The foot contains all points of our body parts including the digestive system.

Sit on a chair and put your feet on the mat for 2-5 minutes. If possible you can stand on the mat.

Benefits– This improves the overall healing of our body including digestion and decreased stress levels.

Recommended Acupressure Mat for Foot Point: YOBEYI Foot Massage Mat Acupressure Mat Foot Reflexology Walking Toe Plate Massage Pad

Benefits of using an acupressure mat for weight loss 

Many people have difficulty losing weight, but acupressure mats can help you lose weight and maintain your new healthy lifestyle.

Acupressure mats work by stimulating the pressure points in your body that are associated with metabolism, helping to control appetite and boost energy levels.

  1. These mats are a noninvasive way to lose weight
  2. Acupressure mats can help with pain relief, relaxation, reducing stress, increasing circulation, and improving sleep
  3. Anyone can use this and it’s very easy to practice
  4. No Medication or surgeries required

Tips on how to use your new acupressure mat for maximum effectiveness 

  1.  Use the mat for at least 20 minutes per day, but not more than 30 minutes
  2. Try to use the mat before you go to bed and when you wake up in the morning
  3.  Avoid using the mat if you have any injuries or medical conditions that may be worsened by acupressure mats 

Bottom Line

Research conducted says that acupressure is effective in reducing both overall body weight (BW) and body mass index (BMI). They also found that a longer acupressure treatment period resulted in a larger impact on reducing BW and BMI(2).

References:
(1)CDC-Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
(2)Healthline.com

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