Nowadays, people rely on vehicles for transportation when going out, have food delivered to their doorsteps when eating, and coupled with prolonged sitting, the daily activity level is seriously inadequate, with calorie intake far surpassing expenditure, leading to excess energy being converted into fat.
Fat resides in adipocytes in loose connective tissue, and the abdomen has a wide distribution of loose connective tissue, with a higher concentration of fat cells, making it prone to fat accumulation. How can one “lose belly fat” in the hot summer days?
In traditional Chinese medicine, the abdomen is not only home to vital digestive organs but also a convergence point for multiple meridians, directly impacting a person’s essence, energy, spirit, and constitution. The renowned physician Zhang Yiqing from the late Qing Dynasty pointed out: “Those who have a robust physique often have excess dampness and phlegm.” Impaired spleen and stomach function make it difficult to digest excessive fatty and sweet foods, leading to abnormal metabolism of body fluids, resulting in phlegm and dampness, culminating in obesity.
To improve abdominal obesity, one can try abdominal massages. Among them, rubbing the abdomen promotes spleen and stomach health, while kneading the abdomen aids in regulating qi, strengthening the spleen, and dispelling dampness. When combined, rubbing and kneading the abdomen can invigorate the spleen, preventing the formation of dampness, hence having a significant effect on reducing abdominal fat accumulation.
1. **Preparation**: Choose a quiet, comfortable environment. Wash your hands with warm water and keep them warm.
2. **Acupressure Points**:
– **Zhongwan Acupoint**: Located on the upper abdomen, 4 inches above the navel along the midline. Pressing this point can invigorate the spleen, enhance qi, dispel phlegm, and calm the spirit. Press with the thumb for 1-2 minutes.
– **Tianshu Acupoint**: Located on the abdomen, 2 inches lateral to the midline horizontally from the navel. By pressing this point, you can regulate qi, dry dampness, relieve pain, and strengthen the spleen. Press with both thumbs for 1-2 minutes, then move outward from the Tianshu point about 3 horizontal fingers’ width, keeping slight pressure on the abdomen.
– **Qihai Acupoint**: Found on the lower abdomen, 1.5 inches below the navel along the midline. Pressing this point can tonify yuan qi, promote qi circulation, and enhance overall health. Press with the index and middle finger for 1-2 minutes, then move from Qihai point along the Ren meridian towards the Zhongwan acupoint, with moderate pressure on the abdomen.
– **Daheng Acupoint**: Located 4 inches lateral to the center of the navel on the abdomen. Pressing this point can relieve pain, diarrhea, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and regulate the spleen’s transportation of water and dampness. Press with both thumbs for 1-2 minutes.
– **Guanyuan Acupoint**: Situated 3 inches below the center of the navel along the midline on the lower abdomen. Pressing this point can tonify yuan qi, promote zhong qi, aid the spleen in transforming water and dampness, and promote overall health. Press with the index and middle finger for 1-2 minutes.
3. **Palms Massage of the Abdomen**: Rub your palms together to warm them up, then place them on your abdomen, wrists naturally curved, forearms applying pressure to move the palms in circles outward from the navel, gradually expanding the diameter to cover the entire abdomen. The recommended frequency is 30-50 times per minute, with mild pressure corresponding to a slight concave on the abdomen. Massage the abdomen with your palms for 3-5 minutes.
4. **Single Palm Kneading of the Abdomen**: Curve your left palm, place it gently on the abdomen, and apply pressure sequentially along the right wrist, base of the pinky finger, outer side of the pinky finger, tip of the pinky finger, tip of the ring finger, tip of the middle finger, tip of the index finger, and outer side of the thumb, press and rotate in a clockwise direction on the abdomen. The recommended frequency is 15-30 times per minute, with moderate pressure corresponding to a slight concave on the abdomen. Knead the abdomen for 3-5 minutes.
Performing the above steps once a day for 20 minutes each time, for a total of 6 sessions per week, can help regulate spleen and stomach functions, expelling dampness and turbidity.
**Precautions**:
1. It’s best to massage the abdomen either one hour before or after meals, avoiding immediate massage after eating.
2. Perform the movements gently to avoid discomfort from excessive force.
3. If there are abdominal conditions such as acute inflammation or post-abdominal surgery, avoid massage and consult a professional physician.
4. If pain or discomfort arises during the massage, stop the procedure immediately.
Source: Health Report
