Full Body Massage for Weight Loss: Selection of Key Acupoints and Abdominal Massage Procedure

[Common Acupoints and Locations]According to the body type of obesity, there are central obesity, peripheral obesity and general obesity. However, massage for weight loss mainly involves massaging the areas with more fat accumulation, such as the abdomen, waist, back and buttocks. Common acupoints include Zhongwan, Tianshu, Qihai, Guanyuan, Shenque, Pishu, Weishu, Shenshu, Dachangshu, Huantiao, Zhibian, Yinmen, Chengshan, Hegu, Zusanli and Fenglong. [Location of Acupoints](1) Zhongwan: On the midline of the abdomen, 4 cun above the umbilicus. (2) Tianshu: On the abdomen at the level of the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the midline. (3) Shenque: In the middle of the abdomen, at the center of the umbilicus. (4) Qihai: On the midline of the abdomen, 1.5 cun below the umbilicus. (5) Guanyuan: On the midline of the abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus.

(6) Spleen Shu: 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra. (7) Stomach Shu: 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra. (8) Kidney Shu: 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra in the lumbar region. (9) Large Intestine Shu: 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra. (10) Huantiao: At the junction of the outer 1/3 and middle 1/3 of the line connecting the highest point of the greater trochanter of the femur and the sacral hiatus. (11) Zhibian: 3 cun lateral to the median sacral crest at the level of the fourth posterior sacral foramen. (12) Yinmen: 6 cun lateral to the line connecting Chengfu and Weizhong on the posterior thigh. (13) Chengshan: In the depression at the lower apex of the gastrocnemius muscle when the lower leg is straightened or the heel is raised. (14) Hegu: On the back of the hand, between the first and second metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone.

(15) Zusanli: On the anterolateral aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun below Dubi acupoint, one finger-width away from the anterior border of the tibia. (16) Fenglong: On the anterolateral aspect of the lower leg, 8 cun above the tip of the lateral malleolus, outside Tiaokou acupoint, two finger-widths away from the anterior border of the tibia. [Relaxation Techniques] (1) Abdominal massage: The patient lies supine and relaxes completely. The practitioner stands beside the patient, applies a medicated medium to the treatment area to enhance the therapeutic effect, and massages the patient's abdomen several times with both palms. (2) Abdominal massage: The practitioner places one palm or two palms on the patient's navel and massages the abdomen clockwise and counterclockwise, from small to large and from large to small, with slight force for 5 minutes each. (3) Lifting and pinching the abdomen: The practitioner lifts and pinches the patient's upper abdomen, navel, and lower abdomen from left to right, repeatedly applying the technique to areas where fat is concentrated.

(4) Clockwise palm kneading: The practitioner uses both palms and the heel of the palm to knead the patient's ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, and sigmoid colon in a clockwise direction for 4-5 minutes. The technique is mainly purging, combined with a balanced tonifying and purging method. [Treatment techniques] (1) Massage the whole abdomen: The practitioner massages the patient's whole abdomen with the heel of the palm, focusing on the Zhongwan, Shenque, and Guanyuan acupoints. First, massage the upper abdomen, then the area around the navel, and then the lower abdomen. Massage rapidly and continuously in a clockwise direction for 6 minutes until the abdomen feels warm. (2) Press the abdomen: The practitioner presses the patient's Zhongwan, Shenque, Tianshu, and Guanyuan acupoints for 1 minute each. (3) Lifting and grasping fat: The practitioner lifts and grasps the fat protrusions in the patient's abdomen, holding the position for a moment after lifting. There may be slight pain during the first use, but the degree should be tolerable for the patient.

The operation lasts for 8 minutes; then, with the palm and fingers of one hand, the muscle tissue at the Zhongwan acupoint is lifted and the muscle tissue at the Qihai acupoint is lifted and the area is large and the force is deep. When lifting, a twisting and pressing motion can be added. When putting down, the motion should be slow. Repeat the operation 20-30 times. (4) Rapid abdominal massage: The practitioner quickly massages the abdomen clockwise for 5 minutes until the patient's abdomen feels warm. (5) Lifting the ribs: The practitioner lifts and releases the abdominal muscles from under the patient's ribs with both palms. When lifting, the practitioner should also add force and twist and press, and gradually operate upward and downward. Repeat 20 times. (6) Rubbing the ribs: The practitioner rubs the ribs from under the patient's ribs with both palms until it feels warm. (7) Kneading the limbs: The practitioner kneads and presses the muscles of the patient's limbs, each with an appropriate amount.

Press, knead, and pluck the Hegu, Zusanli, and Fenglong acupoints for 1 minute each.