Weight loss should be approached with a comprehensive set of measures. Firstly, it is important to change an unhealthy diet structure and eating habits. Secondly, engaging in physical exercise is crucial, gradually increasing the intensity and progression. Additionally, massage therapy can be used as a complementary approach, as it promotes the expenditure of body heat energy and aids in weight loss. Massaging the abdomen can increase energy expenditure, promote intestinal peristalsis, increase bowel movements, and reduce nutrient absorption in the intestines. This method is more easily accepted by people compared to using laxatives.
In traditional Chinese medicine, obesity is believed to be caused by improper diet, sedentary lifestyle, and emotional factors. In reality, the main cause of obesity is deficiency of vital energy (qi). Mild cases may be asymptomatic, while moderate to severe cases may experience reduced physical activity, excessive sleepiness, fatigue, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath upon exertion, appearance of purple stretch marks on the skin, increased sweating, and sensitivity to heat. The treatment should focus on invigorating the spleen, eliminating dampness, regulating qi, resolving phlegm, and warming the kidneys. Massage for weight loss is a method based on the theory of meridians in traditional Chinese medicine. It has significant and side-effect-free effects. Massage for weight loss mainly targets specific areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, limbs, and shoulders. Techniques such as rubbing, pinching, and grasping are used. For the limbs, techniques such as pushing, grasping, and patting are mainly used, while techniques such as pressing, kneading, pushing, and grasping are used for the shoulders and back. Massage can promote metabolism, converting excess fat into heat and expending it, thereby reducing local fat accumulation. It is particularly popular for local weight loss in the abdomen and limbs. Tuina massage has long been known for its ability to regulate meridians, promote circulation of qi and blood, and adjust the functions of various organs in the body. It can be performed at home, making it an ideal method for obese individuals who are reluctant to seek medical treatment.
Tuina massage reduces the accumulation of subcutaneous fat, accelerates fat metabolism and absorption, and has a dual and rapid effect on the digestive system, endocrine system, nervous system, and fluid and sugar metabolism. As long as the treatment is targeted and the root cause is sought, massage can have corresponding effects on both obesity and thinness. The blood vessels in the gaps between adipose tissues are scarce, but frequent massage can promote the regeneration of capillaries, eliminate water content in fat, accelerate the "liquefaction" and utilization of fat tissue. The main techniques used are pushing and grasping. Abdominal massage mainly employs rubbing, pressing, pinching, grasping, combining, separating, light tapping, and stimulating techniques. Each session should last for about 10 minutes to promote intestinal peristalsis and contraction of the abdominal muscles, converting some fat into heat. Regular massage can reduce fat accumulation, but it is not very effective for the protruding abdomen caused by fatty liver and Cushing's syndrome.
