Abdominal fat is mainly visceral fat. When the body intakes more calories than it burns, the excess calories are converted into fat and stored temporarily in the abdomen. They can be quickly burned for energy when calorie intake is insufficient. If a person consistently consumes excessive calories without burning them, it can lead to abdominal obesity (central obesity).
Special Zone 1: Navel
Eliminate abdominal fat and prevent constipation.
The navel is a vital area for health preservation, according to health experts. In traditional Chinese medicine, the central point of the abdomen, the navel, is known as the "Shen Que." Massaging and stimulating the navel area can benefit the lungs, kidneys, calm the mind, soothe the liver and gallbladder, and promote the function of the three burners (san jiao). It can also assist in the treatment of conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, and obesity.
For those who lack regular exercise, it is recommended to develop a habit of tapping the lower abdomen with alternating palms (at a frequency of once per second) for 20 minutes during leisure time or while taking a walk. This has the effect of promoting abdominal metabolism.
Special Zone 2: Ears
Prevent frostbite in the ears and help nourish the kidneys.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are said to be connected to the ears. Regular rubbing of the ears can prevent frostbite in the ears and also have a beneficial effect on kidney health and overall well-being.
Healthcare Method:
Pull the earlobes. Place the index fingers inside the earlobes and use them to pull and massage the earlobes from the inside to the outside, gradually increasing the pressure but avoiding pain. Repeat for 3-5 minutes.
Massage the ear rims. Use the thumbs and index fingers of both hands to rub and massage the ear rims up and down until they become warm and flushed.
Pull the ear tips. Use the thumbs and index fingers of both hands to pinch and pull the tips of the ears upwards, knead, pinch, and rub them 15-20 times to create local warmth and redness. This method has the effects of calming the mind, relieving pain, improving brain function, and reducing fever.
Special Zone 3: Chest
Strengthen cardiovascular function.
The strength of a person's immune function is to some extent determined by the concentration of thymosin in the body. By stimulating and regulating the thymus, it is possible to prevent diseases, fight against cancer, and enhance overall health and longevity.
Healthcare Method:
Place the right hand above the right breast, with the fingers slanting downward, and gently rub and press from the right upper abdomen to the left lower abdomen, repeating the motion 50 times. Then, use the palms of both hands to alternately pat the front and back of the chest, performing over 100 pats each time. Do this once in the morning and once in the evening.
Rubbing the chest can activate dormant thymus cells, thus strengthening cardiovascular function.
Special Zone 4: Back
Improve immune function and prevent colds.
Regularly scraping, rubbing, pounding, and tapping the back meridians and muscles can promote circulation, calm the mind, and help prevent colds. In addition, back rubbing can assist in the treatment of chronic diseases in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
Healthcare Method:
Rub (rub) or pat the back, or use a health hammer to tap the back (including the back and neck) every morning and evening. Other methods such as scraping the back, spine massage, and cupping therapy can also be used.
Special Zone 5: Spine
Promote digestion and prevent common spinal conditions.
Currently, about 70% of people have spinal conditions due to a lack of proper care for the spinal region. The spine has four physiological curves, with the most prone to problems being the cervical curve (cervical spondylosis) and the lumbar curve (lumbar muscle strain and lumbar disc herniation).
Healthcare Method:
Massage, scrape, cup, or gently tap the spine every evening. Acupuncture, bee therapy, and moxibustion therapy on the spine can also have a therapeutic effect on nerve pain and ankylosing spondylitis in different segments of the spine.
When women take care of these five special zones every day, it can promote metabolism, detoxification, and achieve the effects of strengthening the body, fighting aging.
Dietary Considerations
1. Add green fruits to your diet. Just half an avocado can provide 10 grams of unsaturated fatty acids and control blood sugar spikes. Blood sugar spikes are the main culprits for fat accumulation in the abdomen. You don't need a large amount, just 1/4 of the recommended intake can prevent the formation of belly fat.
2. Reduce salt intake. Excessive salt intake can make you drink more water, which can make you look bloated. Remember, the water retained in your body also has weight.
3. Use fiber to fight fat. Consuming 10 grams of fiber per day can reduce the absorption of 4% of fat in the abdomen. Fortunately, you don't need to swallow a box of bran flakes to increase your fiber intake. You can choose more enjoyable ways, such as eating two apples, half a cup of kidney beans, an artichoke, or two cups of broccoli, all of which provide 10 grams of fiber for slimming the abdomen.
4. Be the first to order at a restaurant. Saying "I'll go last" when the waiter is around can add a lot of burden to your abdomen. A recent study has shown that women of normal weight are more likely to imitate the eating habits of thin women compared to obese individuals. So, when dining out with friends, be the first to order so that you and even one or two of your friends can have a flatter belly.
